ACCRINGTON Stanley have defended the decision to raise season ticket prices for the 2011/12 campaign.

Stanley, who are currently challenging for promotion to League One but had financial problems prior to Ilyas Khan’s takeover of the club last week, yesterday put season tickets on sale for next term and insisted they had little choice but to raise prices.

“We have frozen the cost of our ticket for nearly five years, swallowing all VAT rises and inflation rates to make it cheaper for our supporters,” the club said.

“While the ticket is still one of the cheapest around it is also crucial that the season ticket reflects a fair and just price to our supporters.”

Supporters will have until April 30 to snap up early bird season tickets, with those purchased ahead of the deadline costing £255 for adults in all areas of the Crown Ground – up from £185 last season for seating and £160 for standing.

Senior citizen tickets will cost £170.

After the early bird deadline all adult season tickets will cost £285 with senior citizen tickets available for £190.

There is no early bird discount for under 17s and students, with tickets on sale for £90. Under 12s season tickets remain free providing they are purchased along with an adult season ticket.

Stanley are also offering ticket packages for their remaining three home games of the current campaign, which have been made all ticket.

An adult ticket for all three games costs £40 for seating and £34 for standing. Packages go on sale on Monday.