Fans 'under no pressure' to forego their MK Dons season ticket refund

Cash flow will be vital for the survival of some football clubs during the coronavirus pandemic, but MK Dons fans are under no obligation to defer a refund on their season tickets, Andrew Cullen has emphasised.

Without a game at Stadium MK since March, the club has openly admitted it is surviving on season ticket renewals and purchases for the 2020/21 season, even though there is yet to be a confirmed kick-off date for it.

On Tuesday, quickly following the announcement that the season would be curtailed, Dons outlined the options for season ticket holders to claim back the four games they have paid for in their 2019/20 season ticket. Fans have the option of a full refund on the four games - approximately £58 in total - , next season's new black away kit, four pairs of tickets for games next season or to allow the club to keep the money and forego a refund altogether.

"We wanted to be very quick and decisive for the fans," said Mr Cullen. "We spent some time working on what we should do. There was no way we'd come out and say the season ticket holders were not entitled to a refund. That was so important given how many people have renewed already for next season. We are at 80 per cent of where we would ordinarily be for next season, but to have that faith already is remarkable and we're so grateful.

"There is no pressure on the fans whatsoever – they have to make the decision that suits them best. We've put options on the table for them. We already know our academy will be under pressure next season, all of our football operations will be. If you can leave your money with the club, we can use it to support the academy.

"The most important people are those who have stuck with us, and will stick with us for years. We had to do the right thing."