Derek Chappell (above) has given Charlton fans a second chance of getting free Premiership tickets
CHARLTON Athletic supporters will get a second chance to receive a free Premier League season ticket, plc chairman Derek Chappell has announced.
The club has decided to repeat last year's sensational offer to provide a season's top-flight football at no extra charge if the Addicks are promoted at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
And Chappell promised everyone at Charlton will be pulling out all the stops to make the free season ticket become a reality.
He said: "Our fans have been tremendous this season, which is reflected in the fact that we have recorded the highest attendances in the club's history outside the top division. The manager, players, staff and directors are all determined to bring Premier League football back to The Valley, but we need everyone to play their part.
"The board felt continuing the offer was the best way we could show our thanks to the supporters and encourage them to carry on their magnificent backing of the team next season."
As in previous years, the board considered detailed recommendations regarding season tickets by the Target 40,000 committee, which includes the former and current supporters' directors, staff and directors Martin Simons and David White.
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Mr Chappell added: "The input of the Target 40,000 committee is much valued by the board and I am pleased to report the committee members fully support the decisions we have made."
The outcome means three quarters of Charlton fans will pay no more for their season ticket than they did last spring, while many fans in the lower north stand will find their price cut.
However, the remaining quarter will see prices rise by between six and eight per cent.
Mr Chappell explained: "We have made some changes to the price structure because we wanted to reintroduce different match prices around the ground.
"The new season-ticket structure reflects that by introducing differentials in the more popular seating areas, so some prices have gone up and others have gone down.
"However, the maximum increase is £25 and fans can still pay their existing price or less by switching seats.
"We are committed to keeping football at The Valley affordable and this is reflected in a lower £290 adult price in the lower north stand, which is a reduction of £25 and works out at just £12.60 per match."
The fans affected by the changes are those seated in the north stand, the north-west quadrant, blocks C and F of the east stand and blocks L and P of the upper west stand.
There are no changes to season-ticket prices for under-18s, with under-11s still costing £99.
Mr Chappell added: "The board has agreed there will be a wider range of adult match prices next season, with a top price of £30 in the most expensive season-ticket blocks of the east and west stands for the most attractive fixtures and a standard price of £25 in those areas.
"Cheaper tickets will be available elsewhere in the ground, but the board is committed to making a season ticket the cheapest way to watch Charlton next season."
The club has also confirmed it will continue to operate the successful Valley Express service from Kent and Sussex with season passes on offer at £115, although the Hampshire route is likely to be withdrawn.
Fans will have until May 31 to renew their existing season-ticket seats, after which they may be sold to other applicants.
The free season-ticket offer will apply to everyone who buys on or before August 1.
Charlton currently have 17,784 season-ticket holders and lost just 0.7 per cent of their 2006/07 tally following relegation from the Premier League last summer.
The average crowd at The Valley this season is 23,025, which is the fifth highest in the Championship.
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