Portsmouth's play-off opponents Oxford make season-ticket plea to fans

Chairman Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth has insisted cash that isn’t reclaimed by supporters after the 2019-20 campaign was curtailed will go towards building a team to hopefully be playing in the Championship next term.

Kenny Jackett’s Blues will face the U’s in the semi-finals of a traditional four-team tournament after League One was decided by an unweighted points-per-game formula on Tuesday amid the coronavirus crisis.

The winners will then face either Fleetwood or Wycombe in the final.

Pompey have announced that season-ticket holders can receive a full refund as four of their 23 games – against Accrington, Blackpool, Bristol Rovers and Doncaster – at Fratton Park will not go ahead.

And while Oxford are saying they will offer the same option – after matches against MK Dons, Pompey, Bristol Rovers, Fleetwood and Bolon were scrapped – the club has asked fans to keep funds in the Kassam Stadium coffers.

Thanakarnjanasuth told the U’s website: ‘At the same time Oxford United have missed out on ticket revenue from five home games - 25% of our games - and for a club of our size ticket revenue remains our single most important revenue stream.

‘In normal times the play-offs and a potential trip to Wembley would have brought in a seven figure sum but these are not normal times. We will make this deficit up one way or another, but now is the time for all fans to come together and support us by taking advantage of our merchandise offers and buying season tickets when they go live.

‘We have talked to fans throughout lockdown and asked for their input. Time and time again the majority have told us that they will back the club and not ask for refunds from the games they have missed.

‘We do understand that some fans have been hit very hard and will not be in a position to do that, or to buy a season ticket for next year, and we respect that and will offer a way to help them until they are able to rejoin us.

‘The simple fact is that as a club we have the same outgoings but very little income right now. So, as the team return to playing games, we are looking to start the business side of the club again.

‘We will shortly be announcing season tickets for next season and when we do we ask all fans, if they can, not to ask for a refund from this season. If they keep that money within the club then we will return that favour by investing it in the team, in our Academy, and in helping Karl add to this fantastic group of players and build a team ready, we hope, to play in the Championship.’