Bromley acknowlege the feedback from their valued fans after disgruntled fans' criticise hike in ticket prices

BROMLEY chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves has been forced into amending the clubs pricing structure following a backlash from disgruntled supporters on social media.

 

The Vanarama National League club – seventh-placed finishers last season before losing 3-2 to promoted Hartlepool United in the play-off eliminators – have raised their season ticket and match day admission prices to extortionate prices, hitting their loyal fans in the pocket.

The club played all but four of its National League games behind closed doors last season due to Covid-19 restrictions but raising prices brought an angry response from the Hayes Lane faithful.

Adults would have had to fork out £25 to sit or £20 to stand at Hayes Lane to watch Andy Woodman’s side in action, while season ticket prices were going to rise to £350 to sit or £290 to stand.

Season Ticket prices were not going to include pre-season friendlies, which sees the club host Fulham (17 July), Watford (20 July), Ebbsfleet United (24 July), Crystal Palace (31 July) and Arsenal (6 August).

After reading several messages from disgruntled supporters, the club issued the following statement on the matter last night.

“Following the release of our 2021-22 ticketing arrangements, the club acknowledges the feedback from valued fans.

“In light of your views, the club will look to re-evaluate the current position in the coming days, providing supporters with an update in due course, including those who have already purchased season tickets.”

On the same day as the ticket hike (1 July), the club announced their first two summer signings.

Woodman has signed former Eastleigh right-back Joe Partington, 31.

The 6 ft 2’ defender joins having spent the previous two campaigns with Eastleigh, having began his career with Bournemouth, making 52 appearances for the Cherries.

During his time on the south coast, he had loan spells with Eastbourne Borough, Aldershot Town and Eastleigh, before signing for the Spitfires in 2015.

A two year stay with Bristol Rovers then came before he returned to Eastleigh for the past two seasons.

Woodman told Bromley’s website: “Joe arrives with Football League pedigree and comes having done very well in this division with Eastleigh, narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season.

“He’s versatile having the ability to play at right-back, centre-back and as a wing-back.  Joe was very keen to come on board and be a part of our project.”

Partington replaces Chris Bush, who was released by Woodman and has since signed for Bromley’s bitter rivals Sutton United, who surprised many by winning the Vanarama National League title last season and will be playing League Two football for the first time in August.

Holding midfielder and set-piece specialist, Frankie Raymond has signed a two-year contract at league rivals Boreham Wood following his release.

Corey Whitely, meanwhile, has returned to Bromley, having spent last season on loan at Boreham Wood.

The 29-year-old previously joined the club on loan from Newport County at the start of 2020, making eight appearances and scoring once in a 2-2 draw with Solihull Moors.

“Corey is a versatile, attacking player who can play in a number of positions,” added Woodman.

“He was outstanding for Boreham Wood last season and arrives with Football League experience, having played for Newport County.

“He knows this level well and having spent time at the club previously, was itching to make a return.”

The pair join Mark Cousins, Billy Bingham, Chris Bush, Luke Coulson, Michael Cheek, Courtney Duffus, Kory Roberts, Byron Webster and Jude Arthurs in Woodman's squad for the new campaign.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv