Pompey have had to defend themselves over season ticket prices - even though the base cost has been frozen.

They have clarified reasons for removing the option of saving money on the cost by paying cash up front, and have added a new monthly payment plan after complaint that the possibility of paying 10 instalments had been removed.

Pompey have reported brisk interest in tickets since they went on sale. Chief executive Mark Catlin told the club website: Chief executive Mark Catlin said: 'There has been a steady stream of people arriving at the ticket office this morning and online sales are ticking over nicely. We have been pleased with the response so far.

'We have done our best in trying to keep prices down in a challenging economic climate. On the whole, the overall package seems to have gone down well. Some fans have correctly pointed out they are paying more as a result of the cash discount being withdrawn and the changes to the direct debit scheme, but there are valid reasons why we had to make these changes.

'Regarding the cash discount, we were advised by trading standards during this season that it was not appropriate to continue this offer after, apparently, some fans complained to them.

'The direct debit scheme has both set-up and ongoing monthly charges for the club and it was important that we simplified the system. There is a small, but still significant, number of fans who default on payments, which in addition to further costs to the club, causes operational issues for the ticket office and at the turnstiles on a matchday.

'We worked closely with the Pompey Supporters’ Trust on this question particularly. We know some fans are upset that the 10-month option has been shortened, so we have looked at this again and we are now offering a seven-month payment plan, instead of the originally proposed five-month one.

'Fans also have the option of paying a lump sum upfront of their choosing to make monthly payments even smaller. As a community club we are always working hard to keep prices as affordable as possible for our fans, while ensuring the manager has a competitive playing budget. It is a tricky balancing act, but we feel our season ticket offer is a fair one.'

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Photo: Action Images

Portsmouth Polls