BURNLEY bosses have defended their decision to charge more for walk-on supporters next season.

Season tickets for the 2005/06 campaign go on sale at Turf Moor from 9am tomorrow morning following the launch of the 'More Than 90 Minutes' drive to boost attendances at Turf Moor.

Some supporters have already voiced their criticism over the new three-tier admission system, which sees the biggest discounts reserved for season ticket holders while fans paying on the day must pay up to £3 more than match day tickets bought through the new online ticketing method.

But chief executive Dave Edmundson insists the controversial price increase has only been introduced following discussions with a select band of Clarets fans.

Edmundson said: "This came directly from the Supporters Consultancy Group, which is a cross-section of fans from all areas of the ground.

"They informed us our match day prices were really quite low compared to many other Championship grounds they attend.

"A direct comparison would be around £23 and clearly we are trying to encourage more people to buy more tickets before matches, either through either season tickets or the on-line facility."

Edmundson explained that supporters would be charged a nominal fee for using the website to book tickets, but added: "The philosophy is to get fans to buy their tickets prior to match day because it is a better customer-orientated operation.

"The alternative is supporters queuing outside the ticket office in the wind and rain and, in some cases, even missing the kick off if there is a late surge.

"But again I stress this is a result of the Supporters Consultancy Group, who made the point of raising prices on a match day and keeping them lower in advance.

"Compared to match day prices, it is a better option and it also gives the club the money early and enables us to budget better."

Overall, Edmundson revealed he was happy with the way next year's season ticket package had been broadly welcomed.

And he remains optimistic that following Steve Cotterill's impressive first season in charge, Clarets fans will back the manager by exceeding last season's final figure of 8,500 season tickets sold.

He insisted: "I am very pleased with the responses I am getting in regard to the overall package and I am confident we can exceed last season's total."

"We do seem to be getting the message across that each supporter takes out a membership of this club with a season ticket, not just provide the team with their welcome support."