Swindon Town fans discussed their reasons for deciding to renew their season tickets as numbers have fallen for next season.

It was revealed in the club’s advisory board minutes for May that season ticket sales for the forthcoming season were down from the previous year, in addition to TrustSTFC’s fan survey showing that 36 per cent were either not going to or were considering not renewing their season tickets.

With the Early Bird deadline this week, The Adver spoke to fans who had chosen to renew to find out what had motivated that decision.

Each person said that spending time with friends or family was the motivation behind their decision.

Simon Batchelor said: “Going back to the 90s there has been a group of us that met back then and we have been going regularly for the last 30 years.

“We have all disappeared into different parts of the county and further afield, so we only really see each other on matchdays.

“I have also got two sons and I used to go a lot with my eldest son and now he has a job, my youngest son is really keen on going and I don’t want to take that away from him.”

Emerson Wray added: “I renewed my season ticket with my brother and dad, we have had those seats together for years and we use Swindon Town as a way to see each other all year.

“I have to admit, this has been the first time I’ve considered not renewing because as of right now, I can’t name a positive thing about supporting Swindon.”

There was also a feeling amongst all of those spoken to that were those family or friend relationships not a factor, with the present state of the club they may well not have renewed.

Ben Nicholls said: “Going to Swindon is my day with my son and he wouldn’t understand me saying that we weren’t going to do it anymore.

“If it was just me then I would pick and choose my games.”

There was also agreement that it was off-field concerns more than on-field that was informing those doubts over renewing.

Alfie Sims said: “I’d say off-field [is a bigger factor] as you support your team win or lose and I have sat through many bad performances over the years but I feel disconnected and disrespected and lied to as a fan by the ownership and that is not something I want to give my money too.”