Notts slash season ticket prices

From N.E.P:

The Magpies hope to build a summer war chest for Billy Dearden by immediately launching cut-price tickets for next season.

The club's ultimate aim is to sell 4,000 season tickets for the 2002/03 campaign - twice what they sold last summer.

That could raise more than £500,000, given the average price of discounted tickets of £133.

Their immediate goal is to raise much-needed revenue to let manager Dearden delve into the transfer market.

And directors hope that by offering early-purchase discounts of between £40 and £50 for tickets in the most popular areas of the ground, they will continue to win the backing of supporters.

The fans have already helped raise around £150,000 in the past few weeks, to enable the club to repay a loan from the PFA and get their transfer embargo lifted.

Now it is possible they could provide the budget for Dearden to rebuild his squad during the summer break.

Given the club's debts, which remain significant, and the fact negotiations for players available on Bosman free transfers have probably already begun, the priority is to raise immediate revenue.

"The response from fans in the last few weeks has been absolutely outstanding," said acting chairman Albert Scardino.

"The manner in which they have responded to the Great Escape Campaign has surprised everyone. Hopefully, it will continue now."

There will be a two-tier discount for fans buying tickets between now and the end of the season, on Saturday April 20, and for those purchased prior to June 2.

After that, the prices will be the same as they were this season.

Children under the age of 12 will continue to be allowed free entry to every league game, while those between 13 and 15 can buy season tickets for £57.50.

"Our ultimate target is to sell 4,000 tickets before the start of next season," said director Doug Ward, who devised the scheme.

"We would like to think we could reach that and want to make tickets as attractive as possible for people.

"I have been asked to find ways to put more bums on seats and this is the first step.

"We do have a number of other ideas in the pipeline, but this is the most important.

"This will enable us to bring in revenue at a vital time.

"Basically, if we can sell a good number of tickets between now and the end of the season, it will assist Billy's attempts to build a team.

"Any money that comes in now will strengthen his hand when it comes to summer signings and give him a bigger budget to play with."

Tickets are available immediately and anyone who does buy before this season ends will be entered in a special draw to win one of three pairs of season tickets.

Meanwhile, managing director Geoff Davey has announced his retirement.

Davey, who was appointed in 1996, has resigned from his job and from his position on the board.

But he says he has been happy during his time at Meadow Lane.

"I have enjoyed my time at Meadow Lane immensely," said the 57-year-old. "I am sorry to be leaving so many valued friends I have made in the last five-and-a-half years.

"I joined the club to help prepare it for sale and that has now been achieved with the change of control earlier this month.

"I believe there is a bright future ahead, but it is time for me to take up a new challenge. I wish Notts County much happiness and success."

Scardino said:"Geoff has done a superb job for this football club," he said.

"We are sad to see him go, but he feels the time is right.

"It has been a very tough time for the club in the past few months, but he has played a large part in getting us through that.

"Hopefully we can continue his good work into the future."

Meanwhile, Utility man Henrick Jorgensen has joined Division Two rivals Colchester United on loan.