Dons chief urges fans to buy season tickets

Published on 18/07/2012 00:11

Aberdeen chief executive Duncan Fraser has been pleasantly surprised by the financial support received from fans concerned by the impact of the Rangers collapse.

But the Dons have urged supporters that consistent backing will be needed after the Ibrox newco was consigned to the Irn-Bru Third Division.

Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster is working to secure commercial and broadcasting deals following the loss of Rangers.

Fraser told the club’s official website: “The challenge though facing us is massive. People have asked if the SPL could live without Rangers.

“It is now the time to prove the league is about more than one club or two.

“Buying season tickets is the best way for supporters to back the club. It allows us to plan ahead.

“A lot of the fans are talking about making the Ross County game a sell-out, which is great but we need more than one 
sell-out.

“We need a consistently increased crowd level. It also makes a hell of a difference for the players on the park.”

Fraser added: “What has taken me aback is the number of donations we have received from supporters, many living abroad.

“What we have done with that is to work with local charities so we can allow families to come to games that would not otherwise be able to.”

Fraser believes the changing circumstances of the SPL also offer opportunity for the Dons after three consecutive seasons in the bottom half of the table.

Manager Craig Brown has brought in Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes to add much-needed flair to his side.

Fraser said: “Adversity brings opportunities. Other clubs have had to let players go, and with the hard work that has gone on at Pittodrie over the past couple of years there is no reason why we can’t motor ahead and be right up there at the top end of the SPL next season.

“That is the ambition of the manager, the players and everyone associated with the club and it is the expectations of the fans. It is now essential we start to deliver that product.”