.JPG) |
| Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds, top left, has explained the reasons behind the club's FA Cup prices |
They're the same prices for the second qualifying round against Anstey Nomads earlier this month, and the same as league games.
There had been criticism from some supporters for the prices not being reduced from the normal National League North prices, with an adult terrace ticket setting fans back £16.50.
But general manager Jamie Griffiths and chairman Chris 'Stig' Ammonds have outlined the reasons why the costs are the same. In short it's because of VAT, costs staying the same, gate receipts being split, both clubs needing to agree on prices and not being willing to risk a loss.
Explaining in more detail, Ammonds said Edgar Street is no cheaper to run just because it's an FA Cup game.
The only way to reduce that would be to close certain areas of the ground, the Len Weston Stand for example.
The club also has to pay VAT on ticket sales. With that standing at 20 per cent, it means £3.80 from an adult sitting in the Merton Stand goes straight to the taxman.
Bulls can't afford to take a chance and make a loss
In one of their regular chats posted on the club's YouTube channel, the pair also said that reducing ticket prices doesn't mean more people through the gates to make up for it.
The tie against Bromsgrove in the early rounds of the cup last season proved that, they said, and they cannot afford to risk running games at a loss. Especially as FA Cup gate receipts are split after expenses.
Stig said: "It's difficult because actually I can sit here and admit that in the past I've been guilty of criticising the club for not reducing prices for FA Cup ties, you know, on the outside looking in.
"It's an easy thing for me to have said in the past, but now I'm kind of in amongst it with responsibility with yourself (Jamie Griffiths) and the board for setting these prices.
"As you say, by the time you've taken into account the fact that the early rounds of the cup, they tend to be less and not just with us, they just tend to be lower gates in the early rounds of the cup."
He added: "By the time you've taken into account the stadium's the same regardless of what competition we're playing in, and if we're going to open the entire ground, we're going to have the same, pretty much the same, costs.
"We have to pay VAT on ticket sales and then you've got the split with the team you're playing as well. It soon adds up and it soon takes away chunks of money.
"And actually we can't afford to run games at a loss or even take any chance that we'll be running a game at a loss."
How does the gate receipts split work?
In the qualifying rounds, FA Cup rules clearly state ticket prices must be mutually agreed immediately after the draw. It is only in the proper rounds that the home side decide on their own.
If you're from Anstey Nomads or Cambridge City, why would you agree to Edgar Street's admission prices being reduced? Ultimately, you'd need the Bulls to convince you that it would draw more fans in and gate receipts would end up being higher. Ammonds said that reducing prices last season, before he took over as chairman, didn't really work out.
Season ticket holders also need to pay.
Before the third round proper, gate receipts are split between the two clubs. After that, the split is still equal unless a non-league side faces a Premier League or Football League side. Then the split is 55/45 in favour of the non-league outfit.
The split is always after VAT, the travelling and possibly accommodation expenses of the visiting club, the fees and expenses of the match officials, and other allowed match expenses such as gate attendants, turnstile operators, stewards, police charges, floodlighting, first aid helpers and any costs relating to clearing the ground of snow and water provided the Visiting Club is consulted beforehand on the approximate costs).
Any shortfalls in receipts are the responsibility of the home club and are not to be shared.