Season tickets to watch Newcastle United and Sunderland have, in the main, gone up, but Northern League side Shields have frozen their prices.

The Mariners gained promotion from Division Two at the end of last season, and there had been some concerns that the step up – and the need to generate more money to compete at the higher level – would see admission prices to Filtrona Park also go up.

But the club has announced that they will be maintaining the gate fee at the same level as last season.

And the Mariners have also set the season ticket prices at £70, which can be discounted by a further 10 per cent to £63 by joining South Shields Football Club Supporters' Association, which brings the cost of watching the club play in Division One down to £3 per game.

The announcement was met with enthusiasm by supporters.

Mick Viney, a member of the supporters' club, said: "This decision is in the face of massive pressure to increase the budget to fund a successful First Division team, something we as supporters also want.

"But the club, however, have resisted this increase, and with the discount for members of the supporters' club, this brings the cost of watching your club down to only £3 per game.

"And with many First Division clubs charging £5 per game, I think this is a tremendous gesture and excellent value.

"If you intend to get to most games, and if you can afford it, I urge you to help your club by buying a season ticket."

Shields boss Gary Steadman, meanwhile, is hoping to add to his squad in the next few weeks as the Mariners get into pre-season training.

For more information on this season's fixtures, or if you are interested in purchasing a season ticket, contact the club on 427 9839, or by e-mailing info@southshieldsfc.co.uk.