Middlesbrough told only promotion will make "quite ridiculous" situation acceptable | OneFootball

Boro have been urged to alter their pricing strategy when it comes to tickets

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

After years of near misses or underachievement, there is a great sense of belief brewing at the Riverside Stadium that Middlesbrough can end their lengthy exile from the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Previously, the club had been among the Championship's front-runners for promotion under Aitor Karanka, but after the Spaniard was able to guide the club back to the promised land in 2016/17, the Teesside outfit's best efforts to return after an immediate relegation campaign ended in play-off semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Aston Villa and Coventry City in 2018 and 2023 respectively.

Yet, despite there being a mixed reaction from Boro supporters and outsiders when Steve Gibson swiftly opted to replace the dismissed Michael Carrick with Rob Edwards, those associated with the North East club couldn't have dreamt of a better start under the former Luton Town boss, with his side the only outfit with a 100 percent second-tier record remaining.

The Reds have seen off Swansea City, Millwall, Norwich City and Sheffield United thus far, with fans' expectations also reaching fever pitch in terms of on-pitch matters due to strong transfer activity. Boro were able to retain the services of homegrown talent Hayden Hackney, whilst bolstering several areas with high-profile additions such as Matt Targett, Sverre Nypan and Slovakian international, David Strelec.

Therefore, it is unsurprising that any grudges supporters in TS3 have are related to matters off the pitch.

Middlesbrough FC slammed for "ridiculous" ticket prices despite on-pitch optimism

Indeed, when asked about his main gripe relating to Middlesbrough at this moment in time, Football League World's Boro fan pundit, Liam Day, made it very clear that season ticket prices have remained an issue, largely down to the club's inability, until now, to mount a serious bid for promotion in recent times.

"The biggest issue we've got at Boro right now is very easy. It's the ticket pricing," Day explained to FLW.

"It's been a big issue for a while with most of the fanbase. We're in an area that's not got the highest income rates, we're a working-class town and they need to be made cheaper.

"It's quite ridiculous what I'm paying for a season ticket, to be honest," Day claimed. "It's Premier League pricing.

"If we were to go up, I think the pricing would be somewhat acceptable. But, we've been in the Championship for too long now and prices haven't been great for a while.

"It's just not on," he stated. "I know the club need revenue to stay afloat and stuff like that. But, there's got to be different things you can do for that as the ticket prices right now just aren't acceptable and a lot of fans feel the same way.

"It's just a big issue with the club."

Middlesbrough FC supporters aren't alone in ticket pricing frustrations - it is a country-wide talking point

As Day referenced, the Teesside area isn't the wealthiest of economies in comparison to the location of other clubs, and when football is viewed as a ritual in the North East, it is understandable why supporters are voicing their frustrations.

At present, Middlesbrough supporters can purchase matchday tickets for upcoming home encounters such as the clash with West Bromwich Albion on Friday, September 19th. There are certain sections of the stadium - particularly in the West Stand, close to those travelling from the West Midlands - where a ticket can set an adult back up to £38.

Supporters also voiced their frustration that attendances could take a hit this term, when it was confirmed that the cheapest season ticket at the Riverside was £620, which equates to approximately £27 per fixture and is the most expensive in terms of 'cheapest' season ticket in the Championship, whilst the most expensive adult season ticket is £781.

This is another example of the country-wide issue in which regular, match-going supporters feel they are being priced away from attending games, and why those who follow clubs in the EFL are urging the governing body to take action by introducing measures such as the £30 away ticket cap which has been present for 10 seasons in the Premier League.