I WRITE, not in protest, but in sadness and disappointment that I have now become a part-time supporter of Bury FC.

I have supported the Shakers for more than 35 years, and just witnessed, statistically, the worst team in the entire history of the club, and learned that once again during a close season, we have sold our better players and replaced them with ageing journeymen.

I am amazed and shocked that the current Board have increased the price of my seat in the south stand to a mind-boggling, scandalous £18!

I believe the current Board has lost its grip on reality and gone down the road of the greedy clubs, trying to squeeze every last penny out of its loyal fans the same fans who bought seats, filled buckets, attended duck races etc. to raise funds.

Is this how we are thanked for our efforts?

Are Bury FC willing to go down the same road as Macclesfield Town, who charged above average prices, pushed for promotion and still struggled to get crowds above 2,500?

The economics are simple. The quality of the product does not match the price, and the current offerings on the pitch at Gigg Lane are simply not worth £18. I urge the Board to have a drastic re-think in this price structure, and re-evaluate what is on offer at Gigg Lane, or I believe that many others like myself will be picking and choosing their games next season and will become part-time fans simply out of financial restraints within families.

However easy as it is to find the ground, whatever its name; however good the pies or the stewards are, Gigg Lane is only an empty vessel waiting to be filled.

If the price is right, we will be there. If not, then instead of designing seat motifs, Bury FC had better paint faces onto those empty seats and stick some canned applause on the sound system.

As was once famously said Less means more, and already too many fans are saying too much!

35 AND OUT!

Name and address supplied

THE large increase in ticket prices that Bury FC have implemented for the 2005-2006 season, especially for supporters paying on the day are, in my view, a big mistake.

No doubt they are trying to cash in on the greater number of away supporters who will be attending, due to there being more nearby clubs in League Two this season.

But these new prices will certainly put off local Bury fans.

Certainly if Bury are not challenging strongly for promotion the home support will be down and the hoped for increased revenue will not occur.

You only have to look at how special price offers for certain matches last season resulted in big increases in home support and a much better atmosphere. Although these increases will not affect me, as I took advantage of the special season ticket offer if purchased before Good Friday, they will do in future years.

I suggest the club take a look at prices at Blackburn Rovers, a premier league club not far away: Bury South Stand, adult season ticket £290, junior £100 - Blackburn's Riverside Stand, adult £250, junior £85.

The two stands are similar, both running the length of the pitch.

Although a Bury supporter for many years I will certainly be looking at the options available to me next year and I would think other people will unfortunately be doing the same for the coming season.

ERIC. A. STOTT

Bury