BLACKBURN Rovers season-ticket sales are going steadily but a club spokesman today appealed to fans not to leave it until the last minute to renew their seats.

There were close to 20,000 season-ticket holders last season and, with only a couple of weeks to go to the deadline for fans to reclaim their own seats, it could cause administration problems at Ewood if too many leave it late.

Matchday prices at Ewood have increased by £1 in most areas next season and season-ticket costs have also risen.

Rovers have again made a Premium ticket available but with some differences to remove the "gambling factor" for both fans and club.

The special ticket will include payment for the first four home cup ties. If less than four are played, credit will be given for the 1997-98 ticket. If more cup ties are played, then fans will have to book and pay for them separately.

Season tickets are not available in the Darwen End upper tier.

Extra interest has been shown in the club's direct-debit scheme, and they are prepared to try to extend that deadline for fans. A Rovers spokesman said today: "The club are delighted at the continued response and commitment from the supporters.

"The season-ticket renewal programme is in full swing and is running at a steady pace.

"Fifty per cent have been renewed to date with an increase in supporters taking advantage of the direct-debit scheme.

"But, although all the systems are computerised, it still requires considerable administration.

"And, with the large volume of renewals involved, it will put extra pressure on the staff if everyone comes at the last minute."

New applicants can either ring the ticket line (01254-671666) or call at the ticket office for an application form.

The office is open Mon-Fri 9am-4-30pm, Sat 9am-12-30pm.

Prices of normal League season tickets, paid by cash or credit card, are:

Jack Walker Stand upper central adult £333; upper outer adult £315, concessions £160; lower central adult £315, concessions £160; lower outer adult £263, concessions £142.

Walkersteel, Blackburn End lower, Darwen End lower adult £263, concessions £142.

Family Stand, Blackburn End upper: adult £263, junior £119. The club have again made season tickets available to under-eights free.

Minimum purchase in the Family Stand is one adult, one junior and no more than two adult season tickets can be bought with one junior.

Fans buying season tickets in the Darwen End lower tier may have to accept an alternative seat for cup ties if the stand has to be allocated to visiting fans.

Premium season tickets (23 games):

Jack Walker Stand upper central adult £402; upper outer adult £381, concessions £192; lower central adult £381, concessions £192; lower outer adult £318, concessions £171.

Walkersteel, Blackburn End lower, Darwen End lower adult £318, concessions £171.

Family Stand adult £318, junior £144, under-eights free.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.