Watford are willing to extend their ‘Early Bird’ season-ticket deadline should the club fail to secure their Championship status this weekend.
Season tickets are noticeably cheaper when purchased before the ‘Early Bird’ deadline, which is next Friday for those buying online or by direct debit.
If the Hornets do not beat Reading tomorrow (Saturday) then the club will not be able to ensure they are mathematically safe from relegation until the final day of the season on Sunday, May 2. So Watford are willing to extend the ‘Early Bird’ deadline if safety is not secured tomorrow [Saturday].
Watford are currently sitting just outside the relegation places but Michael Jones, head of customer sales at the club, says this hasn't had any negative effect on sales so far.
Jones said: “We are actually ahead of where we were last year at this stage so we haven’t seen a negative effect so far.
“That said, we are of course aware that there will be a lot of supporters who will want to wait until divisional status is secured before committing and that is understandable.
“Should our destiny be taken into the last fixture at Coventry on May 2nd then we will extend the first deadline of April 30th by just a few days to allow everyone the opportunity to renew at the best possible price and in the payment method of their choice in full knowledge of which league we will be in next year.
“The second deadline of May 14 which is for post, phone and the higher online price will still stand.”
Jones confirmed there have been 2,600 applications online and forms have been arriving at the club's office on a daily basis and will be processed shortly.
The Hornets had in excess of 10,000 season-ticket holders this season.
And Jones said: “We are of course hopeful that we will reach that figure and have been delighted with the general reaction to date, and are very thankful to those supporters who have already committed for next year despite the current predicament.
“The target doesn’t need to be re-evaluated as it is exactly that – a target - which is in line with the sales we have achieved over recent years.
“As any responsible business would do though, we have been prudent in our expectations and have built some security into the financial model which in any case is scalable between revenues generated and investment put back into the infrastructure on and off the pitch.”
Although prices were raised this year, this was always planned as the club cut the cost of all tickets by 16 to 20 per cent last summer. All prices remain cheaper than they were two seasons ago.
The ‘Early Bird’ deadline for postal applications is May 14 and current season-ticket holders’ seats will be reserved until then, when they will then be released for new applicants and those wanting to move.
New tickets will be loaded to existing cards. New applicants can apply now by calling 0844 856 1881 but requests will not be processed until after the current holders have been dealt with.
Click here to read more about Watford season tickets and to see a full list of prices
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