Santa Rhodes and Father Lawn

For December, those Bradford City fans who renew, or buy, a season ticket for 2008/09 will be able to do so at the same incredible price as this season - £138.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Mark Lawn said 'it's our way of saying thank you to the fans for their loyalty. Julian Rhodes and myself have been amazed by the fantastic level of support the team are getting this season. It's great to see people turning up in such numbers every game and bringing back the atmosphere to the club. We wanted to reward that backing. So from December 1 to 31, we are giving people the chance to purchase a new season-ticket early at the same low price as now.'

If you're struggling to find the perfect gift to put under the tree then perhaps a season ticket for next year could be just the trick and it's exactly the same deal as it has been this year with 11-15 year olds paying £69 and under-11s going free (up to a maximum of two per adult season-ticket holder).

For those fans who take up the offer in the next four weeks they will be given a voucher at Valley Parade that they will be able to redeem come the summer for the cut-price season ticket.

There is no indication of what the price for next year will be otherwise but that will presumably depend on two things. The rate at which this offer is taken up and also whether the team's performances continue to improve on the pitch and in the league. Having set the 10,000 target in March, Julian Rhodes' faith in the scheme was repayed when the final total broke through the 12,000 barrier and so far this season City have an average attendance of 13,670, a figure that puts some Championship sides into the shade.

One hopes that those who find this time of year difficult enough financially and may therefore not be in a position to spend £138 on something in addition to Christmas will find the club provide additional offers throughout the season to ensure that those who may not be able to afford the higher tickets can still remain Bradford City supporters without breaking the bank!

In the days since the offer was announced there have been various rumours circulating that there are ulterior and hidden motives to this deal. Mark Lawn has moved quickly to dispel such fears saying to the fans that they can trust the management at the club. This is a Christmas present to say thank you for our loyalty. Let's just receive that generosity :)