West Brom and Aston Villa fans defy slump to pay for tickets

May 21 2009 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail

Steve Gough, a 49-year-old company director from Cannock, has been a Villa season ticket-holder for 38 years.

“I would renew regardless of cost unless it became silly,” he said. “I’d certainly think about it if they went up significantly.”

Steve Eaton, aged 38, is a lifelong Baggies fan and has already renewed his season ticket in the East Stand under the club’s early bird discount scheme.

The multi-media production worker, from Oldbury, who goes to games with his girlfriend Danni Johnson, said: “We probably would still have renewed without the discount.

“We’ve not had to sacrifice too much but I’m sure there’s some people who can’t afford to feed their kids to pay for an Albion ticket.”

Arsenal, Stoke and Sunderland fans were most likely to pay up regardless of cost, while supporters of Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham were most likely to give up their tickets.

A Villa spokesman said: “We are encouraged by Villa fans’ response.”

An Albion spokesman said: “The figures underline how loyal our supporters are.”