Saints  are considering how to distribute tickets for the FA Cup 3rd round tie  with United.

In previous years its been quite simple as to how to make sure that everyone gets a fair chance for a ticket for the big games, this season its not so clear cut, of course 14,000 are sure of a ticket being either season ticket holders or members but after that its going to be a lottery, unlike previous season were itwas done on a games attended basis, this time it will be harder, even if we start off with one game attended, that probably still only going to leave us with about 18,000 of the 28,000 home tickets for the game sold.

Of course its going to be a full house, so how do we make sure that the remaining ten thousand tickets go to the most fervent Saints supporters from the past.

With this in mind Saints are considering using a loyalty system, based, not on games attended but on excuses to have not been present.

Supporters who can produce three excuses will get first chance and then two, one etc, this should hopefully take care of the surplus of tickets.

So what will constitute proof of excuse, this is still being considered, however early indications are that items such as wedding/engagement/christening/barmitzvar invitations dated on the same day as a fixture will be accepted, as will letters from  bank managers confirming that the applicant has been hit by the credit crunch and cant justify spending money on Saints unless they are in the Premier or get a big club in the cup.

Simmarly if an applicant can provide proof that he/she has stuck up for Rupert Lowe either in the letters column of the Daily Echo or on an internet message board they will not only be entitled to a ticket but will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets in hospitality for the game.  

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