"AS a Trust, our message has always been that, individually, fans can't do much, but collectively we can achieve an awful lot and this is a chance to do that."
That is the message from the Mariners Trust after Grimsby Town announced an increase to some matchday and season ticket prices for the forthcoming season.
There will be a basic increase of £1 in the Pontoon and Lower Findus and £2 on adult ticket prices in the Upper Findus.
However, there will be no change in the Adult price of a seat in the Main Stand.
The changes have also had an impact on season ticket prices with the 'Early Bird' price of an adult season ticket in the Pontoon and Lower Findus going up by £19 and £20 in the Upper Findus.
The Trust have been involved in discussions on the new pricing structure and while secretary Dave Roberts, pictured, admits they are not "100 per cent" behind the move, he believes fans will understand why changes have to be made.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "This increase will help the club to remain competitive in the league and we understand that.
"It's fair to say, we're not 100 per cent behind where we finally got to, but we really do appreciate that prices do have to go up.
"As a Trust, our message has always been that, individually fans cannot do a lot but collectively, they can achieve an awful lot and this is an ideal chance to do that.
"Collectively, that extra pound or two each a week can add up to an awful lot of money which can make us more competitive and give us a cracking chance of next season."
According to competitor analysis undertaken by the club, the new pricing structure brings the Mariners 'in to line' with those of a number of Town's league rivals.
Indeed, the price of an 'Early Bird' adult season ticket in the Pontoon (£285) will be less than the un-discounted tickets at the likes of Alfreton – where season passes will cost £310 – and Braintree, whose full priced, unseated adult tickets will cost £300.
Mr Roberts added the Trust understands that there will be an degree of disappointment from some supporters, but said he hoped the majority will recognise that the changes are "not massive".
"We can understand that there will be some disappointment from fans at the increase," he said.
"But it's not a big price increase. Yes, it's disappointing but, in the grand scheme of things it's not massive – but collectively, it can be a massive help for the club.
"We've fought for things such as the Main Stand being left out of the price increase.
"We fought for that and have had it included, because we don't feel that it is a premium stand.
"This move gives people the option."
He added: "There was an average gate of 3,800 fans last season.
"3,800 people, each paying a little bit more, adds up to a significant amount."
