Blackburn to cut prices amid fears Premiership is losing its appeal

Huge TV deals could fund concessions for fans. Football League in talks to take bigger share of spoils.

Blackburn Rovers are to use the income from their share of the Premiership's new increased TV deal to cut ticket prices, amid fears that supporters are being priced out of many top-tier clubs. "Our view is that some of this new money must be returned to our supporters in admission prices," the club's chief executive, John Williams, said. "We have not worked the detail out yet, whether to reduce prices across the board, or offer more concessions for children and families, but most clubs apart from the biggest have a problem with crowds, and it is crucial that the game remains a live spectacle."

Williams told the Guardian he had recognised for some time that high prices keep fans away, but it was difficult to cut ticket charges because the club need to make as much money as they can to compete with the Premiership's richer clubs. However, now that all clubs will make so much from TV next season, he believes it is right to ease the financial strain on fans.