Swindlers not Swindling Us

Former City player and Swindon club captain Matt Hewlett has joined supporters’ groups in praising the pricing structure for the LDV Vans trophy clash with Bristol City and hopes the County Ground will be rocking as a result.

Adults will pay £14 with juniors and concessions charged £7 for the match on Tuesday, November 30.

Former City man Hewlett would love the turnstiles to be clicking away merrily as a result. He said: “I’m glad the club have taken this step to be honest. I’m sure people would want to see this match whatever the prices but this will hopefully encourage even more supporters to turn out. We had a cracking atmosphere when we played City at home last season and I know all the lads would love a repeat of that. A big crowd gives the players a massive boost and hopefully it will be a great night and a great win.”

Swindon Town Supporters Trust spokesman Tony Norris said: “I think it is a reasonable concession and the club should be applauded for it. When the draw was made we discussed the issue and decided that £15 was probably about as much as the club could justify. It’s a local derby and hopefully it will encourage fans to come along and really get behind the team. Whatever the competition Bristol City should be a big draw.”

Nigel Bennett, the Swindon Town Supporters Club spokesman is also content with the structure. He said: “I think you’d struggle to justify the prices if we had been paired with a side from a lower league but I have to say I feel comfortable with £14 for a match against Bristol City. With the club having lowered the prices I suppose the challenge is now laid down to the fans.There have been complaints about the prices. They have been lowered for this one so it’ll be interesting to see the attendance on the night.”

One of those responsible for pricing structures at the club is acting chief executive Bob Holt. He is pleased that the prices have at least met with satisfaction by the two major supporters’ groups. He said: “I think people assume that we are going to make huge sums from these cup games. That isn’t the case at all. Once you take into account policing and stewarding costs for example, it eats away at the money you generate. We feel it’s a fair price for a derby match and hopefully the fans will turn out to support the team and the club. “I’m pleased to hear the reaction of the supporters groups.”