We have set in motion the process to refund single tickets bought for the games played behind closed doors, as we have an existing process via our ticketing company for this. Season tickets do not have an equivalent process.
Unfortunately, on a practical level it is impossible for us to offer a straight forward refund for season ticket holders. It would require us to gather and hold everyone’s bank details and take many months to process, as we do not hold bank or card details for supporters.
We don’t have the resources to pay refunds promptly, and it poses a security risk if we hold bank details for a significant period of time. This is another reason why we would have preferred a fine, rather than a stadium closure.
For this reason our preferred options are:
- A large number of supporters have told us they want us to keep the money. We are obviously grateful for this and hope the ability to live stream both games behind closed doors offered some value in return. We have also been asked about donations to compensate for loss of revenue. We would prefer supporters to waive form of credit than donate money at this stage.
- There is a possibility we may need to navigate our way through the play-offs. This would give us at least one additional home game and maybe other tickets which we could add into the season ticket in lieu of the games missed.
- If the above options are not taken, we will offer a ‘gift card’ which supporters can use to offset the cost of next season ticket or against any other single tickets including friendlies and cup games. This also allows us to spread the financial burden over a number of months, and we are able to administer it, as it offers credit and doesn’t require a bank transfer.
We appreciate some supporters may prefer a straight forward refund but on a practical level we cannot manage this process en masse. Clearly the options above require an assessment of the situation at the end of the season, so are not immediate.
We have a member vote coming soon on the away kit design for next season and will include an advisory vote on this matter to allow members to approve or reject the broad policy stated above.
Thank you for your continued support.
Neil Sears
General Manager & CEO
