Premiership fans spending E5,500 Ulster Bank has urged 'die-hard' soccer fans to save at least E450 per month to finance Premiership outings. Irish soccer fans who hold season tickets for one of the 'big four' clubs for the upcoming 2011/2012 Barclay Card English Premiership season can expect to spend in the region of E5,500 attending all 19 home games this season. The analysis by Ulster Bank looked at the combined cost of a season ticket for one of the top four clubs, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea, along with return travel, accommodation and spending money indicates a significant investment by fans in their love of the game. "There is a real passion for sport across Ireland and we expect many people to continue saving to fund their ability to support their favourite clubs despite the current economic environment. "While the costs of being a supporter are high, planning and saving regularly can help make this more affordable, and with the soccer season kicking off, now is an opportune time to look at a savings plan to help budget and plan for the season ahead," said Jim Ryan, Managing Director, Republic of Ireland Branch Banking, Private Banking and Advice at Ulster Bank. There are over 30 Manchester United supporters clubs in the Republic of Ireland, with also more than 30 for Liverpool, at least 25 for Arsenal and 10 for Chelsea. Many members of these clubs, plus many other soccer enthusiasts from across the country, are regular travellers to their respective club's home games. Ulster Bank's research shows that a season ticket for what are traditionally two of the best supported clubs in the English Premiership by Irish fans, Manchester United and Liverpool FC, will set dedicated supporters back E805 and E817 respectively. Loyal supporters of London club Arsenal, meanwhile, can expect to pay approximately double that again with season tickets costing E1,516, the highest prices in the Premier League and considerably more than the E982 paid by rival Chelsea fans.
save €450 a month?!? I work 2 jobs and couldnt do that if my life depended on it! these bankers ( could've spelt that with a W) live in a completely different world to the rest of us!
