Last updated at 15:32, Friday, 08 June 2012

Carlisle United are reporting improved season ticket sales – which Greg Abbott says will help his cause in the transfer market.

The Blues say 1,481 fans renewed their tickets ahead of last week’s deadline – an “unprecedented” take-up of 76 per cent.
That figure is up from 1,217 from the same period last summer and United say offers like the new young persons’ season ticket has been well received by fans.
Manager Abbott says the encouraging figures will help give him more sway with the board as he hunts for new players.
“It’s fantastic news that the number of fans renewing their season tickets is up,” Abbott said.
“Supporters will have seen the success of last year and are buying with optimism that we can kick on. It is our duty to try to deliver and try to make the football entertaining and be successful.
“It took a while for everybody to buy into what we are doing and we know things are tough out there financially, but this gives me a little bit of ammunition if further down the line I need to go in [to see the board] to drive a signing over the line.
“It’s a tricky period because there are no funds coming in at the moment so season tickets are the only source of revenue. It’s a massive boost.”
The current figures appear even more positive as last summer’s renewal period included an offer where the first 50 purchases got a free new home shirt – an offer not made this time.
The total number of season tickets sold last season was 1,956 and the Early Buy discount period is now open for new season tickets, where prices include £400 (seating) and £337 (standing) for adults as the Blues look to improve on last year’s total.

First published at 11:29, Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk