Since the inception of the Premier League 20 years ago, fans up and down the country have complained about television money ruining the game.
With ever-inflating ticket prices, exhorbitant transfer fees and salaries and matches shown on subscription channels, it?s easy to see why fans feel disenchanted in these tough economic times.
So, on the same day that Fifa announced the cost of the 2014 World Cup tickets (from ?288, if you?re interested), it was a refreshing change to hear a club publicly declare that they were putting some of their television income back into fans? pockets.
Like many clubs, Stoke have offered discounts on occasional away games. A new initiative offering free coach travel to all away games, however, is believed to be the first of its kind in the top four flights of English league football.
There?s no hiding from the fact that the cost of supporting your club has increased over recent years, with the BBC even compiling a Price of Football?survey a few weeks ago in May. And, while many opposition fans see Stoke City as a ?joke? club and undeserving of their Premier League status, there?s no doubting that their latest statement has the club?s fans at its heart.
Hughes could draw on [a doubled away] support to imitate on the road what has been achieved at the Britannia
With unemployment in the Stoke-on-Trent conurbation still relatively high, Potters fans must have been shocked when the club announced at the end of last season that ? once again ? season ticket prices would remain the same.
Despite the club remaining in the Premier League, it appears the club?s accountants have done all they possibly can to make the game affordable for its fans. The club continues to rely on its intimidating home atmosphere to scare any opponents coming to the Britannia Stadium, and a big part of ensuring those fans keep returning is the relatively low cost of the matchday tickets.
There is no hiding, too, from the fact that the team have a miserable away record in the Premier League.
Last season, Stoke accrued just 14 points on the road ? winning just twice and scoring a measly 13 goals. The season before just 16 points were accrued, and two goals fewer scored.
When you combine the poor form then, with the cost of an away ticket plus travel, it?s easy to understand why fans can be reluctant to throw away over ?2,000 on 19 ?days out? each season.
One can only assume the club are hoping that by halving the cost of the day out, at least double the amount of fans will follow the club around the country. In turn, Hughes could draw on that support to imitate on the road what has been achieved at the Britannia.
The initiative promises to be a positive step by the club?s PR team, and no doubt will be watched with interest by the other ?small teams? in the Premier League.
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