The Lap of Honour

DAFC Season Tickets for 2017/18 will go on sale Tuesday 9 May 2017, available from the Club Shop on 01383 745909 or tickets@dafc.co.uk. In addition, these can be purchased on line at www.dafctickets.co.uk

As from Tuesday 9 May, our Club Shop will be open Tuesday to Friday (10am to 4pm), and Saturday`s (10am to 12 Noon). Chairman, Ross McArthur took the time to explain more about the pricing strategy for the new campaign:

“After a good first season on our return to the SPFL Championship, after a long three years, it is fair to say we have learned a number of things on and off the field in terms of what it takes to run and manage our club at a higher level. Income has certainly risen, but so has a number of associated costs. As ever, we have tried to balance as fairly as possible any increased ticket costs, maintaining a competitive playing squad and not making tickets too expensive. Our supporters are genuinely the lifeblood of our club, and contribute so much more than just attending matches, so we are acutely aware of not taking their support for granted.

However, it is fair to say that we have been one of the cheapest in the league in terms of admission prices, despite having one of the best stadiums, so we do need to address this without alienating our home support at the same time. In addition, with Hibernian being promoted as worthy champions, and at this stage we are uncertain if two of the next three teams with the best away supports, will remain in the Championship, it will create a significant drop in our income (potentially six figures) next season.

As a consequence, the walk-up admission costs to East End Park will be increased by £1.00 next season, across all stands, which in turn will mean that the relevant season ticket cost will be increased next season by approximately £15.00. We continue to strive to make the price of the tickets affordable, across a range of age groups and will once again offer an early pricing discount until 3 June 2017.

As per previous seasons, we will unfortunately not be in a position to offer a monthly payment plan for season ticket purchases next season. Supporters can of course use their own credit card facilities to spread the cost, if they so wish. However, once again if you normally pay for your season ticket by a credit card or debit card purely for ease, it would greatly assist our Club if you could possibly arrange to pay by cash or cheque to avoid extra credit card charges”.

After a difficult start, Allan Johnston’s squad have really grown into the league, and Allan was keen to explain how important season tickets are to the club. The Manager commented “After winning SPFL League One last year, our first season back in the Championship has been a really positive one, and our finishing position in such a competitive league has been a good achievement. Hopefully, the majority of the squad of players we have assembled can be kept together as they have proven in the last six months that we can compete with anyone in this league. By purchasing your season ticket, you can support me and our club by providing certainty of income, which will assist us in assembling the best squad of players we can for the challenges ahead in the new campaign.

We can all look forward to next season with great optimism, and it is of course a special one for our club, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the last Scottish Cup win against Hearts. Hopefully, this can inspire everyone to create their own piece of history next season.If we can retain and improve our playing squad, and everyone continues to pull in the same direction, in and around our club, we will have real positivity and momentum going into next season.

I would greatly appreciate your ongoing support in the next few weeks by renewing your season ticket. Thanks once again for your wonderful support home and away last season”