YORK City Supporters' Trust have urged the Minstermen's board to reconsider their season ticket plans.

It is "not too late to think again" about price increases that the Trust believe could alienate fans and "undermine the viability of the club."

A statement reads: "The Trust recognises that the move to the new stadium may present a degree of uncertainty in preparing budgets for the season.

"However, the ticket pricing policy clearly illustrates a growing disconnect between the club board and its loyal supporters.

"The substantial average price increases will only serve to alienate the club’s core support, dissuade family groups, out-price young adults and ultimately undermine the viability of the club.

"Any price increases should be fair, proportionate and affordable. Introducing a ‘bums on seats’ approach would reap much greater rewards and so we call on the club board to think again urgently."

City unveiled their prices on Monday for their first full season at the LNER Community Stadium, where the Azuma, West and South Stands will all cost adults £299, concessions £250, under-19s and students £105, and under-12s £45. Under-fives will go in free.

Also on offer is a £105 season parking pass add-on.

However, in response to "overwhelming feedback from fans", the Trust have criticised the increased cost of both season tickets (for adults, up from between £199 and £275 in 2018/19) and individual matchday tickets (up from between £14 and £17 in 2018/19 to £20).

"As widely publicised by the club over many years, the reduced overheads and new income opportunities were expected to put the club on a more secure financial footing going forwards," the statement reads.

“In that context, the substantial price increases faced by some fans seem unjustifiable.”

The season parking ticket, the Trust say, “directly contradicts an assurance the Trust received that the club’s 400 spaces would be provided on a match-by-match basis. The seasonal pass clearly favours those that can afford to pay in advance.”

Also coming under fire are a lack of discount offers, such as early bird prices, and group options. The Trust believe this will contribute to York’s declining attendances, which they say have fallen by 30 per cent in the past eight years.

The Trust additionally reported that fans have complained of technical hiccups on the ticketing website, while those who waived their right to a refund from their 2019/20 season tickets after the season was cut short say they have not had contact from the club. The Trust called on the club to “honour their pledges at the earliest opportunity.”

City will not be issuing a response to the Trust’s statement at this time.

Booking fees and VAT have nudged ticket prices up. The club is shouldering the cost of the former for season ticket purchasers, representing a saving of between £20 and £50 for fans.

Meanwhile, the total income from season tickets will account for a significant chunk of next season's playing budget, which will be the one of the largest in the division.

Managing director at York, Steven Kilmartin has told The Press he worried that, after the Covid-enforced pause, younger fans "could drift away" and hopes that the discounted pricing for students and under-12s will encourage them to become the next generation of supporters.

"I understand there will be complaints - it's an emotional subject," he added of the price increase.