KEN Bates has decided to call Leeds United fans' bluff and cut prices for the vital midweek relegation battle against QPR on February 20.

Ever since he took over as chairman two years ago, Bates has had a running battle with fans who have complained that they are paying Premiership prices for inferior Championship football.

Bates's argument has always been that lowering the prices wouldn't necessarily bring in bigger crowds, and in order to pay off debts and bring in new players, the prices have to be high.

The Leeds chairman wrote in his recent programme notes: "Those fans who want big money signings, on huge wages but cheap ticket prices at the same time. In your dreams, baby, get real - get a life."

But now he has given fans the chance to prove him wrong. He's announced that from the Crystal Palace game on February 10 for the rest of the season, junior tickets will be available for as little as £8.

And in order to boost the gate against QPR, adult admission will start at £15 with concessions reduced to £8.

The official reason given by a club spokesman is: "The fixture against QPR could be a key game and we'd like to see as much support as possible at Elland Road. We hope the reduction in pricing will attract added support for the team."