Fans given options on season tickets as Cobblers unveil special shirt for 125th year

Cobblers have announced a range of options for supporters who purchased a 2020/21 season ticket, including having their name embroidered into a specially-designed kit to celebrate the club's 125th birthday.

With the government not allowing people back into sporting venues before May 17, a limited number of supporters will have been permitted entry into just two games all season, both shortly before Christmas.

The club have announced three options for season ticket holders following a meeting with several supporter groups.

Writing in a letter to all fans, chairman Kelvin Thomas said: "This has been a very difficult year for all football clubs. When season tickets went on sale last summer, I think we all knew or expected that part of the season would be played behind closed doors.

"What none of us could have predicted however, was how long that period would go on for, or that when season ticket holders were permitted to return that restrictions would be required again. Indeed, it was just last week when the Prime Minister announced that supporters would not be able to return to outdoor sports stadiums until May 17th, which effectively means the start of next season, or at least pre-season, for us.

"Now that is confirmed, we have the clarity that we stated we needed in previous updates. This enables us to communicate to you the range of options for those who purchased a 2020/21 season ticket that we have been working on for some time.

"Of course it goes without saying that no system that we put in place will be perfect. We could never have foreseen that it would not be possible to admit our season ticket holders to all but two league matches and with season ticket holders accessing matches instead via iFollow.

"This is a complex and unforeseen situation that we are having to react to and come up with something we believe is as fair as possible to all supporters and all circumstances while also balancing the need to protect the future of the club.

"On a recent podcast Q&A that you may have heard, I stated that the club’s income could potentially be as much as £3m down as a result of COVID and there is no single or easy solution to that. To help the club through this challenging period requires a combination of factors and as owners we have, and will continue to financially support the club.

"I should also offer a big thank you to those supporters from the Trust, Sixfields Travel, It's All Cobblers To Me, The Shoe Army and other supporters who gave up their time to offer us feedback on these plans. We very much appreciate those involved doing so.

"The exciting and unique benefit for those who choose to donate any refund or credit to the club, is that they will have their name woven into the fabric of our special 125th anniversary shirt.

"This shirt is based on the club's first ever kit from 1897, will be worn on a one off occasion to mark the club’s 125th birthday in March 2022. This shirt will be available in the club store, meaning their name will forever be part of the club’s history as our way of saying thank you to them for helping the club through the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We should also say at this point, that all car parking passes will roll over to next season. No action is required.

"Once again, we cannot thank our season ticket holders enough. Many have already come forward to say they don’t want to claim a refund and we are so grateful to each and every season ticket holder who has said that. Your support is vital to the club and it is a huge help and I think the ability for us to offer such a lasting memento in the club's history is wonderful.

"Thank you again for your support."

The club added: "If you'd like to take this unique opportunity to have your name etched into the fabric of the club, you do not need to do anything.

"In addition to having your name stitched into the 125th anniversary shirt, you'll also have the opportunity to be honoured on our new tribute website, ProudToBe.uk. This site, which is currently under construction, will display photographs sent to the club by those taking up this option.

"These pictures will be downloadable and can be signed by players and/or staff. More details regarding ProudToBe.uk will be shared in due course.

"By selecting this option, your 2020/21 season ticket refund/credit will be treated as a donation to the club. As Under 7s' season tickets are free of charge, this will automatically be actioned.

"To select this option, you do not need to do anything. However, to provide confirmation of the name to be displayed on the shirt, please email your name, stand, row, seat and a contact number to [email protected] before 5pm on 30th April 2021.

"THOSE SELECTING THIS OPTION AND RENEWING SEASON TICKETS FOR NEXT SEASON WILL HAVE PRIORITY ACCESS TO GAMES SHOULD CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS BE IN EFFECT."

Season ticket holders also have two other options that are detailed below.

CREDIT OPTION

The value of an iFollow match pass is £10 per game, which equates to £230 over the course of the season. This £230 deducted from the price of an adult West Stand season ticket priced at £380 leaves a difference of £150, which is roughly 40% of the original cost of that season ticket.

To be fair to as many supporters as possible, we have used 40% of the season ticket price paid as the basis of calculation for all categories of season ticket, many of which would not have qualified for any credit if we deducted a £230 iFollow value from the paid season ticket price in all categories, which some clubs have.

You can choose to have the amount relevant to your season ticket category credited towards the cost of a 2021/22 season ticket. Credit amounts are outlined below. To request this option, email your name, stand, row, seat and a contact number to [email protected] by 5pm on 30th April 2021, making it clear you are requesting a credit.

REFUND OPTION

In line with the calculation basis above and the amounts outlined in a table that will be sent to season ticket holders, the club will offer a refund.

Refunds will be processed after the end of the season and before the end of May. To request this option, email your name, stand, row, seat and a contact number to [email protected] by 5pm on 30th April 2021, making it clear you are requesting a refund.