Club Appeal to Pars Fans & North West Stand

Message from the Board of Directors regarding the North West Stand and Season Tickets

The Board would like to thank all supporters who responded to our recent surveys and for their continued patience and support, amidst all of the uncertainty which rages on in Scottish Football. Maybe soon we can all discuss what is happening on the Park!

We will continue to actively listen to our supporters, as collectively our Community Club is stronger. The spirit of togetherness recently demonstrated, with everyone pulling in the same direction will undoubtedly help our Club move forward more positively.

One potential consequence of the pending changes next season (in whatever form that may be) will likely be a reduction in our share of central sponsorship revenue.

We are acutely aware of how difficult it is at present for a number of supporters, and their families, in the current economic climate, and the Board fully appreciate and understand that people can only do what they can, and nothing more.

However, the Club would like to appeal to all of it's supporters to do anything that they possibly can to further support the Club, be it in the Club Shop, hospitality bookings, Pars Need You Vouchers or Club Draw as any additional revenue generated would be greatly appreciated at the this time.

After a very brisk start, the sales of Season Tickets have been very slow over the last month, and without doubt, the uncertainty associated with the wider issues in Scottish Football has not assisted the Club at all. Currently, the Club has sold approximately 1,400 Season Tickets, compared to a total of 2,100 last season. We budgeted on attaining sales of 1,800 this season, but do realise we are still one month away from the start of the season. Nonetheless, can we urge all Pars Fans who have not renewed their Season Tickets to do so, as early as possible, and please don't let the wider football issues distract or taint your support for Dunfermline Athletic Football Club. In addition, can we ask all Pars fans who know of other fans who are perhaps swithering about renewing their Season Ticket to encourage them to do so, and get behind Jim Jefferies young team next year.

We are fully aware that the decision to close the North West Stand continues to frustrate a number of our fans, which was again demonstrated in our recent survey. As previously outlined this was a really difficult decision for the Club to take at the time but was necessary due to steadily increased stewarding and police costs. However, as a gesture of goodwill the Board would like to reopen the North West Stand for next season, provided the costs can be controlled by the cooperation and support of the fans who would like to sit there. The Directors themselves are willing to support this move, if we can obtain an acceptable solution which everyone can "buy into" to allow us to manage costs in terms of staff, stewards and potential policing as well as ensuring the enjoyment of all supporters. The Club wants to maximise the match day atmosphere and certainly not sanitise supporters' enjoyment, but only if a small minority of fans don't spoil it for others by standing (and dramatically increasing our operating costs). Therefore, hopefully everyone who wishes to sit in the North West Stand will be happy with the following solution the Board would like to put forward:

? The three sections of the North West Stand closest to the half way line will be opened for all home games next season, to enable the Club to manage stewarding costs and create better and more compact atmosphere in this section of the ground.

? The other 2 large sections of the North West Stand to be covered with removable canvases (not with a fake support but with pictures of Club Legends or the Club Badge - supporters will be asked for further ideas)

? If there is an exceptional demand for tickets for a one off game, like the Raith game from a couple of seasons ago, all of the seats in the North West Stand can be made available. In the event of a "overspill" in a normal league game, the first section of the North East Stand can be utilised.

? To assist the Club with match day costs, only one or two turnstiles will be in operation for a normal league game, so if supporters could arrive early to avoid queues it would be appreciated.

? We would like to try and give supporters the opportunity to "self-police" the Stand, and ensure that no one spoils the enjoyment of others, to avoid any need for an increased level of stewarding or the involvement of Police. In the heat of the action, it is natural to stand up at times, but continual standing in this area of the Ground cannot happen or we will again be faced with further avoidable costs as well as complaints from irritated fans, which would mean reversing the decision to reopen the Stand

? A number of supporters in our recent survey stated they would be willing to pay an extra amount, over and above the cost of their existing season ticket, to be able to sit in the North West Stand once again. The Club would be reticent to make this compulsory, to avoid the exclusion of any particular supporter, but if fans that expressed a preference to do this, are happy to donate whatever amount they see fit, to contribute towards the ongoing costs of reopening the North West Stand, this would be greatly appreciated by the Club.

? Any existing Season Tickets purchased can be switched to the three designated seating areas in the North West Stand, and a new Card will be provided. Fans wishing to do so can contact the Ticket Office. Pay at the gate tickets for the North West Stand will be available on match days at the usual Ticket Kiosk on the South West Corner of the Ground.

The support of every Pars Fan is so important to our Football Club at this time, so we greatly appreciate your backing and cooperation.

Let's make next season a memorable one for all of the right reasons. Com on Ye Pars!