Only last week, Liverpool Football Club announced debt rises of more than £20million.
The figures announced were for a ten month period, to bring Liverpool’s accounts in-line with the football season.
Managing Director Ian Ayre was quick out of the blocks to reassure fans that there was no need to worry. “It’s definitely not something I believe anyone should be worried or concerned about. It is seasonal – our debt goes up and down.
“The reason we create the facility (bank loan options) we create is for one reason.
“We have money to pay out and money coming in, just like any business.
“The difference in football is some of the swings are significant, so if you look at player trading, we may need to make investments as we do in the summer before our key revenues come in; big sponsorships cheques, big ticket revenues, all the media revenues etc.
“So you are looking at something that goes up and down throughout the season again. “ – Full interview can be found here7
But just one week later, Liverpool have announced a huge hike to their ticket prices – up to 10 per cent for some season ticket holders and the average being six per cent. Some tickets have soured through the £50 barrier for the first time in the club’s history.
Liverpool have joined a number of clubs, by introducing a new tier pricing structure, which will reflect on the view and also the area of the stadium. There will three different pricing categories with six different pricing tiers for each category. Click here for full pricing details.
It was only last year, that Liverpool announced a freeze to their ticket prices: “We have always aimed to ensure that we match our commercial and financial aspirations with the interests of our fans.
“In 2011 we increased prices in line with inflation and the government rise in VAT to 20 per cent, but having reviewed the current UK economic climate and our up and down team performance we felt it important to flatten prices despite UK inflation being around 3.5 per cent.
“Our fans have shown tremendous support for the team this season, at home and away, and with long runs in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup, we wanted to recognise that commitment with this announcement today.”
But with the average season ticket holder set to pay an increase of six per centg from last year it seems Liverpool have added what increase would have been last year, to this year’s increase.
However, there is some good news for the younger Liverpool fans with tickets being available for just £5 for selected Premier League matches (Category C).
Cheaper tickets for juniors will also be available in both Category A and Category B, £15 and £10 respectively. This move by Liverpool is to ensure, that the younger supporters are able to visit Anfield more often. As after all, it is the youngsters that are the future of any football club.
What are your views on Liverpool’s ticket price increase?
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image: © Ben Sutherland
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