Hull City v Leeds United: Contrasting emotions for fans over ticketing policies

Hull City’s ditching of season passes in favour of a membership scheme for 2016-17 that will involve supporters paying a monthly direct debit has stirred up plenty of ill-feeling, not least among those unhappy at the prospect of having to move seats to take advantage of the cheaper rates. The abandoning of concessions in favour of a flat rate for all ages has also brought accusations of the next generation being priced out.

Leeds United supporters, meanwhile, have plenty to be unhappy about right now but season tickets are not one of them. The club’s scheme for next term – whereby fans will get a part refund if United reach the play-offs – has gone down well among the Elland Road faithful.

Such an offer, of course, suggests that the club is ready to strengthen the squad considerably this summer to become genuine challengers in a division that will include Aston Villa and possibly both Newcastle United and Sunderland. It also means there can be no repeat of the last few pre-seasons, when a succession of head coaches and managers have publicly declared the target to be a top-10 finish.

For his part, Steve Evans, who hopes to still be in charge in 2016-17, thinks the scheme a great idea. “I think any head coach has to start a season with the target of getting in the play-offs anyway,” he said. “Anything else is not good enough.

“I think it (the offer) is fantastic news for a Leeds United supporter. You can’t lose.

“It doesn’t change my approach. Just the determination that we will be in the play-offs. The pressure will come at their doors financially but that will make its way down to the head coach and players.

“But there is pressure every day. The answer is to deliver promotion.”