Power defends QPR price hike
Queens Park Rangers face anger from supporters over plans to increase season ticket prices by almost 50%.
Chairman Bill Power insists the massive rise is needed to avoid another financial crisis at Loftus Road.
He said: "We're doing this with a heavy heart. It's a big increase but we've done the sums and there's no other way.
"We'll use the money to carry on paying debts and try and push for promotion, which we honestly think we can achieve next season."
The Championship club must find £80,000 a month simply to keep paying off the interest on a £10m loan it took out to satisfy creditors and come out of administration in 2002.
"It's tough," Power admitted.
"We're on top of it but we need to put season ticket prices up to stay on top of it and move forward.
Mine has gone up by over £100. The cheapest kids' season ticket is £208 - you can get a cheaper one at Chelsea!
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"The previous board didn't want to put prices up and then, in the middle of the season, the cash ran out and fans were putting money in buckets to keep the club afloat.
"There will be no going back to those days. We desperately need the season ticket money and promise supporters that this time it will be for the season."
But Paul Finney of the QPR Loyal Supporters Association warned: "I fear some fans just won't stand for this.
"We sold a record number of season tickets when we were in our darkest hour in the Second Division and a lot of people will feel this is a kick in the teeth.
"There's a lot of goodwill between the fans and the club that's going to be lost now.
"Many fans who've stuck by QPR through thick and thin just won't be able to afford to go.
"It just doesn't seem fair and I hope the club think again."
