Sheffield United's table topping fans today received high praise from the man who has overseen a remarkable turnaround in the club's fortunes.
As the season comes to a climax - with the Blades still having an outside chance of making the play-offs after a frustratingly poor start - the club leads the Championship attendance league table and has posted the highest individual crowd this season.
Currently the club's average attendance is 25,311 - just under 900 more than second placed Norwich and nearly 2,000 more than third placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. City rivals Sheffield Wednesday are 8th at 20,746.
United's home derby against Wednesday attracted the league's season best crowd of 31, 760. Crowds at Bramall Lane have not dropped below the 23,000 mark.
"I cannot praise our fans enough," said team manager Kevin Blackwell. We have two high profile home games coming up against Hull and Bristol City when I know they will do all they can to lift us ever closer to the play-offs.
"Next season may seem a long way off but I would urge the fans to back the team now and take advantage again of the incredible season ticket offers. We really are providing every opportunity to get down to the Lane on a regular without breaking the bank."
Sheffield United are reminding supporters to keep hold of their existing season cards as they will continue to be used during 2008/2009.
United introduced electronic cards last summer to improve their ticketing system, issuing fans with a plastic "credit card" style ticket, instead of the traditional bulky booklet.
The new cards have a life span of up to four years, allowing fans to use the same one for a number of seasons by contacting the Blades ticket office and renewing their ticket without the need to queue.
United are offering supporters' early renewal prices on their season ticket. More than 18,300 fans can take advantage of the early renewal offer, with savings up to £117 on individual match ticket prices.
This summer, adult renewals on the Kop (Frasers Property Stand) have been reduced to £299 while seat prices in the Valad Stand drop to £409. Seats in the Capital One Stand (Family enclosure) and Evolution Corner (Family enclosure) are frozen at £409.
Additionally, United are offering children under 12 a free season ticket next season, to encourage more young supporters to Bramall Lane. To qualify, an under 12 needs to signs up as a Junior Blade for £10 and be accompanied by an adult season ticket holder.
Concession renewal prices start at £119 for 12 to under 16 year olds in all areas of the ground, with adult concessions paying £199 in the Frasers Property (Kop) rising to £219 in the Capital One Stand and Evolution Corner and £239 in the Valad Stand.
Fans can also benefit from a host of additional extras including £300 savings on offers at the club superstore and leisure facilities, while also paying their season ticket in five monthly payments by direct debit.
The offers available to supporters include one month free gym membership at fitness suites Impact, Gym Plus or at the new Copthorne Hotel, due to open late 2008, plus discounts on away Blade travel, club merchandise, Blades World, the Blades Birthday Lottery and Meadowhall restaurants.
Season tickets can be renewed at the discounted rate until 5pm on Monday 19th May
