Plymouth Albion's future secure after warding off administration

PLYMOUTH Albion will go into the 2010/11 Championship season knowing their immediate future is secure.

The Brickfields club were facing the prospect of administration this summer after losing a major source of financial support and a fall in attendances.

But business people and supporters in the city rallied around the rugby club and pledged a six-figure sum to help get the club through the close season.

Albion expect all the legal paper work to be completed in the next couple of days and the club are now looking forward to the 2010/11 campaign.

"Although it has taken longer than we expected, I am pleased to announce that arrangements have now been put in place to release funds to balance the books for last season and to provide the working capital to take us through to the start of the new season," said Albion chairman Dr Graham Stirling.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all those supporters who have rallied round to make this happen.

"The response was outstanding, both in terms of financial support and the offer of other support in many areas.

"We can now focus all our attention on the new campaign.

"Graham Dawe has been busy putting together the squad for next season and working hard to re-sign as many of our key players as possible."

Albion have re-signed 13 players so far, including highly-ratedMartin Rice, Ruairi Cushion, Tongans Sione Tu'ipulotu and Keni Fisilau and Canadians Tyler Hotson and Sean-Michael Stephen.

The only regular league starters from last season that they have so far lost to other clubs are Kyle Marriott and Joe Clark, although winger Liam Gibson could be set to move on after being linked with a host of clubs.

Albion have cut their budget by a third for next season, but Stirling says if they can find more sponsors and backers extra money will be made available to chairman of rugby Dawe.

"Although we have got through this very difficult time, the job is not finished yet," said Stirling.

"We still need to raise further sponsorship.

"We will be continuing to do everything we can to attract more sponsors and backers.

"Anything we do raise over the next two months will go to support the squad.

"We have cut our budget from last year, but if we can attract more money then that will go into the playing budget to help us build.

"We want to try and build on last season.

"Our ambition remains to compete at the very top of the Championship, but that is not getting any easier.

"At the end of the day that is dependant on how much money we can bring in to the playing side.

"Our long-term job is to build the gates up, find more sponsors and be successful on the pitch.

"Exeter have shown what is possible. Their achievement in reaching the Premiership has given us heart."

Albion have announced their ticket prices for next season today.

Tickets will remain the same price as last term if purchased in advance, with seats in the uncovered North Terrace even coming down in price. The only increase will be for supporters who pay on the day — then adults will have to pay £1 more.

It means the cheapest adult ticket will remain at £13, with children still able to get in for £1. Albion's grandstand tickets — their most expensive — will be more than half the price of those at Exeter's, who have increased ticket prices by 93 per cent after winning promotion.

"We believe we are offering good value for money," said Stirling. "All tickets will remain the same price as the last two seasons if purchased prior to the day of the match.

"Hopefully, the strategy to increase by only £1 prices for adults on a matchday will further enhance pre-purchasing sales growth."

The club hope as many fans as possible will purchase season tickets to help bring in money before the start of the season.

Season tickets in 2010/11 will include British & Irish Cup group games, and they start at just £165 for adults and £13 for children if bought before July 31. That will be for 16 games.

"We are urging supporters to take a look at our early bird offer for season tickets," added Stirling.

SINGLE MATCH TICKETS 2010/11

GROUND/NORTH TERRACE

Pre-match (bought before 5pm the day before): £13 adults, £9 OAP/student, £1 under-16s, £65 for six adult pack, £27 family ticket.

Matchday: £14 adults, £10 OAP/student, £1 under-16s, £70 adult six pack, £29 family ticket.

REDROW STAND

Pre-match (bought before 5pm the day before): £16 adults, £12 OAP/student, £8 under-16s, £80 for six adult pack, £48 family ticket.

Matchday: £17 adults, £13 OAP/student, £9 under-16s, £85 for six adult pack, £52 family ticket.

GRANDSTAND

Pre-match (bought before 5pm the day before): £18 adults, £14 OAP/student, £10 under-16s, £90 for six adult pack, £56 family ticket.

Matchday: £19 adults, £15 OAP/student, £11 under-16s, £95 for six adult pack, £60 family ticket.

SEASON TICKETS 2010/11