Commercial consequences of Ramsden
The commercial consequences of Sunday’s Ramsdens’ Cup Final result didn’t occur to me until Celtic released season ticket news yesterday. Over the years, when possible, Celtic and Rangers released season ticket renewal notices on the back of a favourable result.
As well as a party at Ibrox on Sunday night, the wheels would have been ready to roll with photographs of newly acquired silverware and a plea from the most expensive failed-yet-retained manager in history to renew early. There may even have been a price increase this year, slipped in amid the feel-good factor.
There has been a lot of talk about how critical season ticket sales are to Newco Rangers but we are no different. The circa 40,000 people who commit to support Celtic each season are the rock bed upon which all plans are made. Sure, Champions League money is critical, but without this volume of season ticket sales there would be no Champions League money. The season ticket is the Badge of Honour in Scottish football, during these critical years more than any other time.
In 2012 when we campaigned to deny a new club access to an elevated position in Scottish football we did so in the knowledge that competition in the league would be different going forward. This was our preference. While actual attendances have often been below season ticket levels I know that to a man, woman and child, everyone who pitches up to watch Celtic appreciates being apart from the scourge which afflicted us for so many years. This is the way I like my football, long may it last.
Seville – The Celtic Movement
[calameo code=000390171b8e5a2cffbcc lang=en page=114 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]