By Alan Duffy
They may struggle to impress the football purists, but Stoke City’s decision to offer free coach travel for their away fans in 2013/14 is sure to win them a whole lot of respect.
Aware of the financial burden being placed on their loyal fans, the club will provide free coaches to all 19 of the Potters’ top-flight away games in the coming campaign. Chief Executive Tony Scholes said:
“As a Club we are conscious that following football can be an expensive business, especially at a time when so many people are feeling the squeeze financially.”
“We work hard to try and provide our supporters with value for money which is why we have not increased our ticket prices since being promoted to the Premier League in 2008.”
“However, we realise how expensive following the Club away from home can be for supporters and we’re delighted to be able to offer free coach travel and hope it encourages more of them to give us their fantastic backing away from home.”
In this era of oil-sodden oligarchs and ridiculous transfer fees, this is quite the heart-warming act. Any jokes about ‘not going to watch Stoke even if I was paid’ are to be dismissed immediately.