BOSSES at Worcester City have defended their “confusing” decision to launch new ticket prices without having a ground in place for next season.

City’s chiefs have agreed to lower the cost of season tickets in a bid to retain more than 300 holders when they leave Aggborough at the end of the campaign.

Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground is understood to be lined up as Worcester’s new venue for the 2016/17 season.

But, with no ground-share deal in place and 18th-placed City yet to secure their Vanarama National League North status, some supporters have questioned the timing of the ticket launch.

Director Mike Davis, who handed out leaflets detailing the new prices at City’s match against Harrogate Town two weeks ago, said he understood the potential confusion from fans.

But he insisted it was important to start selling tickets before the season comes to a close next month.

“In the past, there has always been criticism that we haven’t got season tickets out on sale early enough,” he said.

“It has always been one or perhaps two matches before the end of the season but people like to know what’s happening next season and, with all this confusion and delays, it was a toss-up.

“In the end, I could not see the point in not publishing prices while we were waiting for a decision (on the ground-share).

“We have always known we would be playing somewhere.”

Davis added: “There was also the added complication of the fact that we are down towards the bottom of the league, so people have asked, ‘What happens if we are in the Southern League next season?’ Again, that is understandable.

“But, right or wrongly, it seemed best to get the prices out there and I thought it would add to the positive nature of the club as we look to soldier on.”

Adults, who were paying £241.50 for season tickets, can snap up them for £221 and get four free games.

They have dropped from £170 to £153 for concessions and from £105 to £102 for 16 to 20 year olds.

City, who have been in exile since 2013, are also offering a six per cent reduction and five free games for supporters buying them before June 1.

Davis said he felt the new ticket prices were “more attractive” and was hopeful of retaining their current batch of season-ticket holders.

“Surprisingly, since we left St Georges Lane we have actually increased season-ticket sales little by little to over 300 for this current season,” Davis said.

“To even retain those season-ticket holders would be something. To increase that would be fantastic and it would demonstrate a commitment from supporters to the club.”