A loyal Blackburn Rovers fan, who has held a season ticket for 35 years, says he has missed out on renewing his pass this year after struggling with the online booking system.

In previous years, Howard Whalley would purchase a ticket via the ticket office or over the phone. He says the online system is not helpful to those not proficient with technology.

But a spokesperson for Rovers says, although it has a “clear focus on digital sales”, they claim the process for buying season tickets was made available to all supporters in all formats.

It also said help and guidance are readily available and “taken up by a number of supporters”.

Mr Whalley said: “Not everyone is an IT wizard. Rovers' latest ticket renewal system assumes that we are.

“So having held season tickets for a good 35 years, I had to watch the [first game of the season] on the telly.

“I am disappointed, upset, frustrated, and very annoyed at this lack of understanding. The Rovers of today is no longer the family club it pretends to be.”

Howard, 72, said he has been trying to renew his ticket online since the start of June, even spending hours of his holiday trying to navigate the booking system.

He said: “I had to register first and apply on the internet to renew the ticket which [I did not find] easy.

“I managed the registration bit but struggled with the verification code to renew the ticket. I was doing this every day for weeks.

“I went on holiday to Spain. While my wife was sunbathing by the pool, I was sat there in the shade trying to renew my season ticket online for a few hours every day. I was just going around in circles and always going back to phase one.”

After his holiday, Howard went to Rovers to ask a member of staff for help to be told that his season ticket, which usually costs him around £250, had increased by £75 as the first ‘early bird’ sales period had ended.

As a pensioner, Howard said he could not afford this price for both him and his wife, Susan.

Howard, from Blackburn, said: “Being pensioners, I [rang] the ticket office explaining the problem to be told that they were sorry but couldn't help, even though they could see that I had registered and was obviously intent on renewing.

“I feel like I have been ‘had’ and don’t feel like this is my fault.”

Howard, who has spent many “hours and money” attending home and away games over the decades, says the atmosphere in the pub is not the same as a stadium.

He said: “I think it’s unfair on people who aren’t as technologically savvy. I can use a computer but I am not brilliant and get stuck with things.

“I am not even sure if my original seats are still available now. I’d rather have my own seat because I know the people who sit around me and we often have a chat at half time – but if they insist on me paying the full price I just won’t come.

“I have been to the pub to watch Rovers at the start of the season but it’s just not the same atmosphere.”

The Blackburn Rovers website, under 'season ticket frequently asked questions', states season tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, for a £10 administration fee.

The ticket renewal help and guidance on the website, in a video and online document, only explains how to renew the season ticket online and does not offer an obvious alternative method of renewal.

When asked if season tickets can be purchased at Ewood Park the website says:

"You can either renew or purchase your season ticket online.

"For instructions on how to purchase or renew your season ticket online, please view the guides.

"The ticket office staff are also available for support. 

"Alternatively, you can pop down to the ticket office in person. There will be an administration fee of £10 for any transactions taking place over the phone or in-person.

"It is also important that you renew online, if possible so that we have your correct email address to provide you with any future direct communications and loyalty points to grant you priority to away tickets throughout the 2024/25 season."

A spokesperson for Blackburn Rovers said: "Whilst we have a clear focus on digital sales, the process for buying season tickets was made available to all supporters in all formats.

 “Supporters were made aware that whilst a processing fee would apply for in-person transactions, help and guidance or even the use of a club iPad with a member of staff talking them through the process, was readily available and taken up by a number of supporters.

“We also have numerous video guides and FAQs on the website to assist with the process of purchasing online, but we still offer in-person help and support.

“Senior supporter numbers have actually increased this summer, from last year, as well as an increase in overall season ticket sales and an increase in digital purchases. We believe the process to be simple and effective, with additional support available for those who need it.

“The price increase at phase three was made very clear at the start of the process, however we had a five-week sales period at the reduced prices in the first phase, as well as four-week sales period at the frozen prices in phase two.”

For help with your Blackburn Rovers season ticket purchases email ticketoffice@rovers.co.uk or call 01254372000.