Hull City have released a statement about their season ticket refund offer in the wake of today's Mail article. As reported this morning, owner Assem Allam will not ballot pass-holders about his proposed name change to Hull Tigers – but he has offered to pay back their money if they are against the move.
The Tigers owner and chairman again reiterated last week his intention to push ahead with re-branding the club in time for next season. He says dropping 'City' will give the club a greater global presence, particularly in Far East markets, and help to attract significant new funding streams.
Campaign group 'City Till We Die' appealed to Allam earlier this week to canvas the opinion of season ticket holders for their views, before deciding to end a 109-year existence as Hull City Association Football Club.
This evening's statement from the club sets out the conditions of a refund. It reads: "Following today's Hull Daily Mail article, the Club would like to confirm the details for supporters who wish to claim a refund for their season tickets. Any season tickets returned to the Club before 5pm on Friday 22nd November will have their full season ticket price refunded, minus the relevant retail price of the five home league games already played this season. For example, the total retail price to be taken off a full adult season ticket refund is currently £150, after five home league games.
"There will be another chance for supporters to return their season tickets next week, running from 9am on Monday 25th November until 5pm on Friday 29th November. This refund will be the full price of the season ticket, minus the relevant retail price of the six home league games already played this season; regardless of whether or not the season ticket was used for the fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday 23rd November. After this sixth home league fixture, the total retail price to be taken off a full adult season ticket refund will be £172. After Friday 29th November, season ticket refunds will only be offered at the Club's discretion. Supporters paying by Direct Debit will receive a refund from payments already made, minus the relevant retail price of the number of home league games already played.
"Dr Assem Allam has made this offer in light of the confusion that followed the recent meeting with representatives of supporters' groups, and the fragmented messages that have emanated since that meeting. That meeting closed with one of the representatives requesting the opportunity to develop alternative commercial models, and nothing has yet been presented to the Club. Dr. Allam feels a sense of duty to the majority of fans and stakeholders to secure the future stability of the Club, whilst continuously improving the quality of football, and as such is advancing his plans to generate the commercial opportunities necessary to forge a sustainable future. He is also keen that the majority of fans are able to focus on enjoying the quality of Premier League football at the KC Stadium, without being diverted onto minority interests."
Mark Parling was among fans who responded to the statement on Twitter. He said: "An appalling statement. Going to the KC to support Bruce and the team does not equate to backing Allam's rebrand."
And blogger Rick Skelton, of the City Till We Die supporters' group, tweeted: "Shocking statement ... we want promised research and consultation."
