Ryan calls on fans to give boost to Doncaster Rovers' bid for top

Ryan is desperate to boost gates at the Keepmoat Stadium in order to fund a push for promotion.

At present, only 7,500 supporters own season tickets at a club which, just seven years ago, was playing non-league football in the Conference.

Yet if they do win promotion – and Ryan has set no deadline on the free ticket offer – Rovers will become the first club in history to have progressed from the Conference to the Premier League.

Sean O'Driscoll's side currently sit eight points adrift of the Championship play-off zone wth 13 games to play and visit Bristol City this weekend.

Last night, Ryan stressed that increased attendances are the only way to take Rovers forward in the absence of new investment.

He also ruled out the possibility of a financial gamble by the existing board – citing other clubs, including Leeds United, as examples of what can go wrong.

"Our supporters have to realise that the board of this club can no longer do it alone," he said. "We have probably put in around 6m in the last two years and now it is time for everyone else has to contribute.

"Every club wants to find new investors but they are just not around," he added. "And, as a club, we are not prepared to risk our financial well-being by acting hastily. You only have to look at Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, or Leeds to see why."

Rovers have increased the majority of season ticket prices by 20 for the next campaign and, if these are acquired before the end of the month, they will cost a maximum of 440 for adults and 95 for under-16s.

The club has also introduced a new price range for 17-20 year olds which starts at 150.

Ryan hopes the incentive of a free ticket for Premier League football will help swell the club's season ticket sales and fill the club's 15,000 capacity stadium.

Although it would cost Rovers around 5.5m in lost season ticket revenue, the prize for Premier League football is around 80m which more than makes up the difference.

"If we won promotion, this offer would reward our loyal supporters at a time when glory hunters would obviously be looking to watch the club," he said.

"No other club has made more progress than us over the last 12 years and it is a golden age for Doncaster Rovers. Yes, we are still learning how to operate in the Championship but we have the manager and the players to go onto even better things.

"I don't agree that is a case of 'now or never'," he insisted. "Once you are established in this league, anything can happen, just look at Burnley's success last season.

"But to compete at the top end of the Championship, we need to improve our fanbase. We need more help to make the one or two additions we need and move on to that next level."

Although Rovers could easily have lost O'Driscoll to Burnley two months ago, Ryan says there is nothing more the club can do to guarantee the retention of his services.

"If a big club comes in, it is always going to be difficult," he admitted. "But Sean is an honourable man, he is very well respected, and has the 100 per cent backing of the club which counts for a lot. He has got a three-year rolling contract and total job security."

Rovers stage international football tonight when the England under-21s play Greece in a European Championship qualifier. The game is kicking off at 6pm so those who attend can also catch the England senior side's friendly against Eygpt on television at 8pm.

Rovers, meanwhile, have made an official complaint to the Football League about the performance of referee Neil Swarbrick during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Swarbrick controversially rejected two Rovers penalty appeals and manager O'Driscoll felt defender Clint Hill should have been red-carded for a challenge on Billy Sharp.

"The word appalling comes to mind," said Ryan. "I've spoken to David Allison, the head of League referees, and told him of my absolute disgust at several decisions."

Birmingham City have agreed to extend midfielder Jordon Mutch's loan stay with Rovers for another month.

Mutch, who made his first start against Leicester City last week, was also selected for the England under-19 squad ahead of last night's friendly against Holland.