Mariners reward fans’ loyalty with ticket freeze

South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson has revealed the club is repaying fans for their loyalty with a season ticket price-freeze – if they take adavnatge of an earlybird offer.

The Mariners are in the middle of another dramatic end to the campaign, as they look to secure a fourth successive promotion.

Thompson, who has masterminded the club’s rise from Northern league Division Two to the verge of the Conference North, says the role supporters have played should not be taken for granted as they continue their push to try and reach the Football League.

He said: “Our supporters have once again given us tremendous backing this season and we have been looking at ways to reward them for their loyalty.

“Hopefully, giving them the opportunity to secure their ticket for next season now – effectively offering them a pricefreeze regardless of the league we are playing in – does that.

“We have regularly been the top-supported club at our level in the country this season and there is little doubt that the backing we have been given has contributed to our fantastic home record.

“Next season will be another tough and vital one – whichever league we are in – so we are going to need that support to continue as we step up our efforts to one day reach the Football League.

Fans will be given the opportunity to pay for their 2019-20 season tickets with a one-off payment or through monthly installments but must sign up before Wednesday, May 1 to get the early bird offer. Standard season tickets are on general sale now, with season tickets with a seat and tickets with balcony access to go on general sale on Friday, March 15.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Mariners travel to Mickleover Sports tomorrow hoping to get their promotion bid back on track after drawing 1-1 with Buxton last weekend.

Shields are third in the Evo-Stik Premier table and may have to settle for a play-off place this season after dropping a number of points in recent weeks.

They trail league leaders Warrington Town by eight points but have a game in hand.

Shields are without Anthony Callaghan, Gary Brown, Carl Finnigan and Barrie Smith. Kick-off is at 3pm.