26-27 Season Tickets

[Silver Fox]

That's a great message from Rob, I'm sure it won't help with a lot of people but they're not going to come to games any more so we don't have to put up with their whinging (sadly this probably isn't true)

Especially good note at the end about his commitment to the academy,

[Whore Jackie]

So with the seat map back online, I can update my estimate.

Seems a very large amount of people waited until the final day to renew, as the number I've got now is 7,090 or 80% renewing (at least 80% of the 2025-26 total sales at the renewal deadline).

Basically mirrors the poll on here from a few weeks ago: viewtopic.php?t=192993

Can't imagine anything more than a drip feed of sales from here.

Couhig said it was 7,221. Still reckon we're looking at 7,500 for the season opener, couple of decent signings and you may get a few hundred more. Equally if we're looking good in the run up to Christmas there may be a few One Royal subscriptions under the tree.

[Clyde1998]

Dear [name],

Thank you.

Your decision to commit to Reading Football Club this season is incredibly important to your football club. We know there are many different ways you could choose to spend your money, and we never take your support for granted. Every one of us recognises the commitment you have made and it is our responsibility to make the very best use of your investment.

I thought you might be interested to know just how successful our ticketing campaign has been so far.

As of the close of the renewal period on 15 June, we had sold more packages than at the same stage in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, and were only a few hundred behind our 2025/26 figure. In all, we have sold 7,221 packages which puts us in a strong position to surpass last season's total before the campaign even begins.

One statistic that particularly pleased me was that around 20% of supporters chose one of our new One Royal subscriptions. I have received multiple messages from fans thanking us for introducing a monthly payment option that makes following Reading more affordable. These messages have meant a great deal.

One Royal also gives us something we've never really had before: the ability to continue growing our committed supporter base throughout the season. Rather than closing the door once the campaign begins, supporters can now join at any stage on a monthly subscription. That means more fans can commit when the time is right for them, creating a stronger and more sustainable source of income for the club over the long term.

On the pitch, we remain committed to building a team that plays with intensity, energy and ambition.

Like you, we were disappointed with how last season finished. There are reasons why it unfolded as it did, including losing several key players to Championship clubs, coupled with injuries at important moments, but ultimately we simply did not do a good enough job. We know that.

Everyone across the football club is working tirelessly to give Joe Jacobson, Leam Richardson and the football staff everything they need to build a successful team. We are working hard to strengthen the squad, improve every area that supports the first team and create the environment needed to compete at the top end of League One. I fully expect us to make several additions this summer that will make us stronger and more competitive.

Your support plays a significant role in making that possible.

Many supporters may not realise that under the EFL's revised financial regulations, League One clubs can now spend only 50% of their football income on player-related costs, reduced from the previous 60%. For the first time, managerial salaries are also included within those limits.

That means increasing the club's football income has never been more important.

There are also limits on how much owners can directly invest into playing budgets. In effect, only around half of every pound we contribute can be used to increase football spending. It is an unusual system, but it makes commercial growth and supporter revenue absolutely vital to building a stronger team.

At the same time, it has encouraged us to invest heavily in the long-term future of Reading Football Club.

Since taking ownership, we have eliminated the club's debt and paid outstanding creditors. Because of that, one of the most effective ways we can continue investing is through permanent improvements to our infrastructure.

This summer has seen significant work taking place across the club.

We have introduced a brand-new ticketing system that is among the first of its kind in the UK and will continue to improve as more supporters use it.

At the Select Car Leasing Stadium, we are carrying out the most substantial pitch renovation in more than a decade, installing a completely new public address system, upgrading the floodlights to Championship standard while improving energy efficiency, introducing a new solar energy system to reduce operating costs, refurbishing supporter toilets, installing a safe standing area in the 1871 Stand, refreshing every seat in the stadium and completing a wide range of additional improvements behind the scenes.

By the start of the season, we believe our stadium will be among the very best in League One and compare favourably with many in the Championship.

We are making these investments because we believe Reading Football Club deserves the very best environment in which to succeed.

We understand the frustrations supporters have experienced over the past decade and a half. Every decision we make is driven by a desire to restore this club to where it belongs: competing in the Championship and ultimately challenging for promotion to the Premier League.

That ambition has required changes in people, processes and policies. Some of those decisions have been difficult, but every one has been made with the long-term future of Reading Football Club in mind. While we would all have liked the transformation to happen more quickly, we are confident the club is moving firmly in the right direction.

One thing that has never been in question is our commitment to the Academy.

We are immensely proud to operate a Category One Academy that continues to produce outstanding young footballers. While it represents a significant investment and does not cover its costs on an annual basis, we firmly believe it is central to the identity and future success of Reading Football Club. We remain fully committed to protecting and continually improving it.

As we look ahead to the new season, I feel genuinely excited about what lies ahead.

Thank you once again for your support, your patience and your belief in what we are building together.

As always, if I can answer any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

See you at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Rob Couhig

Chairman
Reading Football Club

[Clyde1998]

So with the seat map back online, I can update my estimate.

Seems a very large amount of people waited until the final day to renew, as the number I've got now is 7,090 or 80% renewing (at least 80% of the 2025-26 total sales at the renewal deadline).

Basically mirrors the poll on here from a few weeks ago: viewtopic.php?t=192993

Can't imagine anything more than a drip feed of sales from here.

Couhig said it was 7,221. Still reckon we're looking at 7,500 for the season opener, couple of decent signings and you may get a few hundred more. Equally if we're looking good in the run up to Christmas there may be a few One Royal subscriptions under the tree.

Which basically means my estimate was spot on

How many we end up selling from here may depend on signings, etc. Perhaps the subscriptions will make it easier for people to buy-in as the season goes on (although that could lead to some odd October-to-October tickets for example).

I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period.

[RoyalBlue]

Interesting use of the term 'packages' rather than 'season tickets'. Are they one and the same thing I wonder?

[Linden Jones' Tash]

So with the seat map back online, I can update my estimate.

Seems a very large amount of people waited until the final day to renew, as the number I've got now is 7,090 or 80% renewing (at least 80% of the 2025-26 total sales at the renewal deadline).

Basically mirrors the poll on here from a few weeks ago: viewtopic.php?t=192993

Can't imagine anything more than a drip feed of sales from here.

Couhig said it was 7,221. Still reckon we're looking at 7,500 for the season opener, couple of decent signings and you may get a few hundred more. Equally if we're looking good in the run up to Christmas there may be a few One Royal subscriptions under the tree.

Which basically means my estimate was spot on

How many we end up selling from here may depend on signings, etc. Perhaps the subscriptions will make it easier for people to buy-in as the season goes on (although that could lead to some odd October-to-October tickets for example).

I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period.

Basically the same number of people (give or take a few hundred) either paid the ST price upfront or committed to pay it monthly...

If that's a disaster, then I'd sign up for that kind of business 'disaster' every time...

[hughsies no.1]

Interesting use of the term 'packages' rather than 'season tickets'. Are they one and the same thing I wonder?

I did think that, and it could be a VERY clever way of covering up ST renewal numbers as - 'Essentials' 'Digital' and 'Squad' are all listed as packages under One Royal and none of those include tickets to games.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if they have been accounted for in the c7.5k.

[blythspartan]

Interesting use of the term 'packages' rather than 'season tickets'. Are they one and the same thing I wonder?

I did think that, and it could be a VERY clever way of covering up ST renewal numbers as - 'Essentials' 'Digital' and 'Squad' are all listed as packages under One Royal and none of those include tickets to games.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if they have been accounted for in the c7.5k.

My mate who I trust is adamant that we’ve sold around 5.5k actual season tickets/packages and the rest are made up of essential packages etc. Rob wanted to shut down any negativity so has been a bit creative.

[traff]

Interesting use of the term 'packages' rather than 'season tickets'. Are they one and the same thing I wonder?

I did think that, and it could be a VERY clever way of covering up ST renewal numbers as - 'Essentials' 'Digital' and 'Squad' are all listed as packages under One Royal and none of those include tickets to games.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if they have been accounted for in the c7.5k.

My mate who I trust is adamant that we’ve sold around 5.5k actual season tickets/packages and the rest are made up of essential packages etc. Rob wanted to shut down any negativity so has been a bit creative.

Didn't he sing Stand and Deliver?

[Clyde1998]

Couhig said it was 7,221. Still reckon we're looking at 7,500 for the season opener, couple of decent signings and you may get a few hundred more. Equally if we're looking good in the run up to Christmas there may be a few One Royal subscriptions under the tree.

Which basically means my estimate was spot on

How many we end up selling from here may depend on signings, etc. Perhaps the subscriptions will make it easier for people to buy-in as the season goes on (although that could lead to some odd October-to-October tickets for example).

I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period.

Basically the same number of people (give or take a few hundred) either paid the ST price upfront or committed to pay it monthly...

If that's a disaster, then I'd sign up for that kind of business 'disaster' every time...

Re-read what I said: "20% with a subscription has been a disaster", not having 7,221 signed up for the season by any method.

Given the amount of time the club has spent pushing the subscriptions and often not even presenting the traditional season ticket as an option, I'd say it's been a failure (especially with all the negative PR they've had from supporters over various issues, notably the points system).

[RG30]

The figure was 30% just over a few weeks ago when Joe Jacobson appeared on the Elm Park Royals podcast so as sales have increased, the subscription figure has dropped even lower since.

As many of us have pointed out time and time again on this forum and social media, the concept of allowing fans to spread costs over 12 months at no extra cost should be applauded, it is a brilliant initiative for those who would prefer that method.

However the tiering of different subscriptions for extra costs with questionable benefits while monetizing the loyalty points scheme has been nothing short of a disaster both in terms of PR and the club's relationship with it's fans at a time when it didn't have a good league campaign to fall back on. The fact the senior hierarchy have lied to fans and tried to back track has done nothing to improve relations.

[blythspartan]

I did think that, and it could be a VERY clever way of covering up ST renewal numbers as - 'Essentials' 'Digital' and 'Squad' are all listed as packages under One Royal and none of those include tickets to games.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if they have been accounted for in the c7.5k.

My mate who I trust is adamant that we’ve sold around 5.5k actual season tickets/packages and the rest are made up of essential packages etc. Rob wanted to shut down any negativity so has been a bit creative.

Didn't he sing Stand and Deliver?

Will Leam ever be our Prince Charming?

[tmesis]

My mate who I trust is adamant that we’ve sold around 5.5k actual season tickets/packages and the rest are made up of essential packages etc. Rob wanted to shut down any negativity so has been a bit creative.

Didn't he sing Stand and Deliver?

Will Leam ever be our Prince Charming?

Too much of a Goody Two Shoes for anything like that.

[RoyalBlue]

Interesting use of the term 'packages' rather than 'season tickets'. Are they one and the same thing I wonder?

I did think that, and it could be a VERY clever way of covering up ST renewal numbers as - 'Essentials' 'Digital' and 'Squad' are all listed as packages under One Royal and none of those include tickets to games.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if they have been accounted for in the c7.5k.

My mate who I trust is adamant that we’ve sold around 5.5k actual season tickets/packages and the rest are made up of essential packages etc. Rob wanted to shut down any negativity so has been a bit creative.

That's how I read his, written as a lawyer, email/statement too. It was clearly a very deliberate choice to refer to 'packages' sold, rather than number of season tickets sold/signed up to.

[Linden Jones' Tash]

Which basically means my estimate was spot on

How many we end up selling from here may depend on signings, etc. Perhaps the subscriptions will make it easier for people to buy-in as the season goes on (although that could lead to some odd October-to-October tickets for example).

I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period.

Basically the same number of people (give or take a few hundred) either paid the ST price upfront or committed to pay it monthly...

If that's a disaster, then I'd sign up for that kind of business 'disaster' every time...

Re-read what I said: "20% with a subscription has been a disaster", not having 7,221 signed up for the season by any method.

Given the amount of time the club has spent pushing the subscriptions and often not even presenting the traditional season ticket as an option, I'd say it's been a failure (especially with all the negative PR they've had from supporters over various issues, notably the points system).

If you say so - your original comment suggested it was a disaster 'for the club'...

Given a stated objective of the owners is to run more sustainably from a £££ perspective, I'd argue having a slow take up of subscriptions is an annoyance rather than a 'disaster'....

But everyone is entitled to a different opinion...

[Clyde1998]

Basically the same number of people (give or take a few hundred) either paid the ST price upfront or committed to pay it monthly...

If that's a disaster, then I'd sign up for that kind of business 'disaster' every time...

Re-read what I said: "20% with a subscription has been a disaster", not having 7,221 signed up for the season by any method.

Given the amount of time the club has spent pushing the subscriptions and often not even presenting the traditional season ticket as an option, I'd say it's been a failure (especially with all the negative PR they've had from supporters over various issues, notably the points system).

If you say so - your original comment suggested it was a disaster 'for the club'...

Given a stated objective of the owners is to run more sustainably from a £££ perspective, I'd argue having a slow take up of subscriptions is an annoyance rather than a 'disaster'....

But everyone is entitled to a different opinion...

The second clause in that sentence is the point I made: "I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period." Whether you think 'disaster' is hyperbole or not is a matter of opinion and (in practice) by-the-by.

The subscription model was a factor in the new ticketing website being brought in too and both will have costs associated with it.

One of the key reasons they said we were bringing in a subscription model was that it allowed for monthly payments (something which I don't think anyone opposes having as an option).

However I've spoken to fans of other clubs and most seem to have monthly payment options too, it's just they use Direct Debit for the duration of the league season rather than Recurring Card Payments (RCPs) on an indefinite basis.

There's a good explanation of the difference between the two here: https://movimo.co.uk/direct-debit-vs-re ... -payments/

Essentially, it seems there's no good reason for a company to use RCPs over Direct Debit. The only potential benefit is faster processing times, but that should be factored in by the company for recurring payments anyway. The processing would be more expensive than using Direct Debits too.

[Linden Jones' Tash]

Re-read what I said: "20% with a subscription has been a disaster", not having 7,221 signed up for the season by any method.

Given the amount of time the club has spent pushing the subscriptions and often not even presenting the traditional season ticket as an option, I'd say it's been a failure (especially with all the negative PR they've had from supporters over various issues, notably the points system).

If you say so - your original comment suggested it was a disaster 'for the club'...

Given a stated objective of the owners is to run more sustainably from a £££ perspective, I'd argue having a slow take up of subscriptions is an annoyance rather than a 'disaster'....

But everyone is entitled to a different opinion...

The second clause in that sentence is the point I made: "I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period." Whether you think 'disaster' is hyperbole or not is a matter of opinion and (in practice) by-the-by.

The subscription model was a factor in the new ticketing website being brought in too and both will have costs associated with it.

One of the key reasons they said we were bringing in a subscription model was that it allowed for monthly payments (something which I don't think anyone opposes having as an option).

However I've spoken to fans of other clubs and most seem to have monthly payment options too, it's just they use Direct Debit for the duration of the league season rather than Recurring Card Payments (RCPs) on an indefinite basis.

There's a good explanation of the difference between the two here: https://movimo.co.uk/direct-debit-vs-re ... -payments/

Essentially, it seems there's no good reason for a company to use RCPs over Direct Debit. The only potential benefit is faster processing times, but that should be factored in by the company for recurring payments anyway. The processing would be more expensive than using Direct Debits too.

Ok, I give up, you've lost me now....

I was just suggesting that from a financial perspective, if we believe the numbers bandied about, the relative slow uptake of a subscription model hasn't done massive financial damage - given ST sales....

Particularly as the doomongers on here were suggesting other wise...

But I'll concede, if it makes you happy...

[Clyde1998]

If you say so - your original comment suggested it was a disaster 'for the club'...

Given a stated objective of the owners is to run more sustainably from a £££ perspective, I'd argue having a slow take up of subscriptions is an annoyance rather than a 'disaster'....

But everyone is entitled to a different opinion...

The second clause in that sentence is the point I made: "I'd say 20% with a subscription has been a disaster for the club, with how much they pushed it throughout the renewal period." Whether you think 'disaster' is hyperbole or not is a matter of opinion and (in practice) by-the-by.

The subscription model was a factor in the new ticketing website being brought in too and both will have costs associated with it.

One of the key reasons they said we were bringing in a subscription model was that it allowed for monthly payments (something which I don't think anyone opposes having as an option).

However I've spoken to fans of other clubs and most seem to have monthly payment options too, it's just they use Direct Debit for the duration of the league season rather than Recurring Card Payments (RCPs) on an indefinite basis.

There's a good explanation of the difference between the two here: https://movimo.co.uk/direct-debit-vs-re ... -payments/

Essentially, it seems there's no good reason for a company to use RCPs over Direct Debit. The only potential benefit is faster processing times, but that should be factored in by the company for recurring payments anyway. The processing would be more expensive than using Direct Debits too.

Ok, I give up, you've lost me now....

I was just suggesting that from a financial perspective, if we believe the numbers bandied about, the relative slow uptake of a subscription model hasn't done massive financial damage - given ST sales....

Particularly as the doomongers on here were suggesting other wise...

But I'll concede, if it makes you happy...

We've been talking at cross purposes then.

I was never talking about the numbers of people on season tickets and subscriptions; nor the financial impact on the club.

Simply the uptake of subscription over traditional season tickets being poor with how much the club was marketing it.

I was just suggesting that from a financial perspective, if we believe the numbers bandied about, the relative slow uptake of a subscription model hasn't done massive financial damage - given ST sales....

That's a point I agree with.

The only financial difference is standard season tickets would've got more money into the club now, as opposed to being divided over the season.

[SouthDownsRoyal]

Dear [name],

Thank you.

Your decision to commit to Reading Football Club this season is incredibly important to your football club. We know there are many different ways you could choose to spend your money, and we never take your support for granted. Every one of us recognises the commitment you have made and it is our responsibility to make the very best use of your investment.

I thought you might be interested to know just how successful our ticketing campaign has been so far.

As of the close of the renewal period on 15 June, we had sold more packages than at the same stage in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, and were only a few hundred behind our 2025/26 figure. In all, we have sold 7,221 packages which puts us in a strong position to surpass last season's total before the campaign even begins.

One statistic that particularly pleased me was that around 20% of supporters chose one of our new One Royal subscriptions. I have received multiple messages from fans thanking us for introducing a monthly payment option that makes following Reading more affordable. These messages have meant a great deal.

One Royal also gives us something we've never really had before: the ability to continue growing our committed supporter base throughout the season. Rather than closing the door once the campaign begins, supporters can now join at any stage on a monthly subscription. That means more fans can commit when the time is right for them, creating a stronger and more sustainable source of income for the club over the long term.

On the pitch, we remain committed to building a team that plays with intensity, energy and ambition.

Like you, we were disappointed with how last season finished. There are reasons why it unfolded as it did, including losing several key players to Championship clubs, coupled with injuries at important moments, but ultimately we simply did not do a good enough job. We know that.

Everyone across the football club is working tirelessly to give Joe Jacobson, Leam Richardson and the football staff everything they need to build a successful team. We are working hard to strengthen the squad, improve every area that supports the first team and create the environment needed to compete at the top end of League One. I fully expect us to make several additions this summer that will make us stronger and more competitive.

Your support plays a significant role in making that possible.

Many supporters may not realise that under the EFL's revised financial regulations, League One clubs can now spend only 50% of their football income on player-related costs, reduced from the previous 60%. For the first time, managerial salaries are also included within those limits.

That means increasing the club's football income has never been more important.

There are also limits on how much owners can directly invest into playing budgets. In effect, only around half of every pound we contribute can be used to increase football spending. It is an unusual system, but it makes commercial growth and supporter revenue absolutely vital to building a stronger team.

At the same time, it has encouraged us to invest heavily in the long-term future of Reading Football Club.

Since taking ownership, we have eliminated the club's debt and paid outstanding creditors. Because of that, one of the most effective ways we can continue investing is through permanent improvements to our infrastructure.

This summer has seen significant work taking place across the club.

We have introduced a brand-new ticketing system that is among the first of its kind in the UK and will continue to improve as more supporters use it.

At the Select Car Leasing Stadium, we are carrying out the most substantial pitch renovation in more than a decade, installing a completely new public address system, upgrading the floodlights to Championship standard while improving energy efficiency, introducing a new solar energy system to reduce operating costs, refurbishing supporter toilets, installing a safe standing area in the 1871 Stand, refreshing every seat in the stadium and completing a wide range of additional improvements behind the scenes.

By the start of the season, we believe our stadium will be among the very best in League One and compare favourably with many in the Championship.

We are making these investments because we believe Reading Football Club deserves the very best environment in which to succeed.

We understand the frustrations supporters have experienced over the past decade and a half. Every decision we make is driven by a desire to restore this club to where it belongs: competing in the Championship and ultimately challenging for promotion to the Premier League.

That ambition has required changes in people, processes and policies. Some of those decisions have been difficult, but every one has been made with the long-term future of Reading Football Club in mind. While we would all have liked the transformation to happen more quickly, we are confident the club is moving firmly in the right direction.

One thing that has never been in question is our commitment to the Academy.

We are immensely proud to operate a Category One Academy that continues to produce outstanding young footballers. While it represents a significant investment and does not cover its costs on an annual basis, we firmly believe it is central to the identity and future success of Reading Football Club. We remain fully committed to protecting and continually improving it.

As we look ahead to the new season, I feel genuinely excited about what lies ahead.

Thank you once again for your support, your patience and your belief in what we are building together.

As always, if I can answer any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

See you at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Rob Couhig

Chairman
Reading Football Club

He must have had a bet on for the number of times he could fit the word, your, into the email