QPR hike ticket prices 40%

[bobby brows]

I suspect that the owners are not looking to put any more of their own money into the club and cash in on the TV money but at least someone is making a stand! (or at least using it as an excuse)

Hiking up ticket prices like that is just soooo short sighted it could be disastrous for them long term! Remember when Wigan first came up and they were averaging 20+ thousand every week (admittedly it was there first season in the top flight and everything was new to them) but then next year they hiked prices up to about £40. Damage done, and they only get 16,000 there and barely 20,000 for the biggest games relying on large away followings. Bolton did the same, Birmingham too under the porno kings.

Amit Bhatia has resigned as the vice-chairman of Queens Park Rangers citing differences with the rest of the board on the day the club decided to raise season ticket prices by almost 40%.

The departure of Bhatia, a key ally of Neil Warnock, may again raise questions over the manager's future after some reports claimed earlier this month that the club wanted a higher-profile figure to lead them in their first season back in the Premier League for 15 years.

Bhatia, whose family retain a 33% shareholding in the club, also revealed that they had failed in a bid to buy out Bernie Ecclestone's 62% holding. In an open letter to fans the Indian businessman said: "It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as vice-chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. Although there have been challenges, the last 15 months have been a period of stability and success and it gives me immense pleasure to see QPR back in the Premier League where I feel the club belongs.

"However, it is clear to me from recent board meetings that my vision, strategy and direction for the club is very different from that of the other shareholders and board members. It has been the greatest honour to have served this club as an owner and board member for the past three years.

"The recent decisions to sack club CEO and chairman Ishan Saksena and significantly increase season ticket prices are just two of the decisions I disagree with. While it saddens me to leave QPR after such a successful season and at the beginning of an exciting new phase, I do not wish to be associated with or take responsibility for decisions made by the board and with which I disagree so strongly.

"The Mittal family had been in discussions concerning the possible acquisition of the club. However, we have been unable to reach agreement on this matter and therefore those discussions have now come to an end. Although no longer a decision-maker at QPR, I shall continue to be a 33% owner and a 100% fan of the club. In due course, we will appoint a board representative to monitor my family's investment in the club.

"I shall look forward to supporting the club as a fan next season and would like to thank Neil Warnock for his leadership and friendship over the past 14 months. It has been my pleasure to work with him and be part of the club's recent success and wish the club every success in the Premiership."

Fans will now be charged up to £72 for match-day admission, while season tickets have been raised by almost 40% from last term.

QPR said in a statement: "The board are keen to stress that the prices are in line with other London-based Premier League clubs, and are encouraged by early sales figures following the release of season tickets earlier today."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... e-chairman