Charlton Athletic have frozen their season ticket prices for next season.

Prices for the 2010-11 campaign are being kept at their current rates until March 31, regardless of whether the team wins promotion back to the Championship.

And up to 500 supporters can put increases on ice until 2015 by signing up for a five-year season ticket based on five times the League 1 prices.

Charlton plc chairman Richard Murray (pictured)said: “It’s a measure of the loyalty of Charlton supporters that we have retained nearly 10,500 season-ticket holders in very difficult circumstances, and the board is very grateful for that support.

“We are still seeking external investment, but the club now needs to plan its finances for next year and we may not know what division we will be playing in until May, so getting season-ticket revenue in early is important to us.”

Season tickets will initially go on sale at 2009/10 prices from early February until the end of March.

If promotion is secured, adult and senior/U21 prices will then rise to at least the 2008/09 Championship rates and, in the case of the lower north stand, by at least the equivalent margin of £50 for adults and £30 for seniors/U21s. No decision has been made regarding under-18s.

The five-year offer is only open until the end of March and is being made on a first-come, first-served basis, should 500 applications be received.

It is not open to under-18s, but special arrangements can be made for supporters who reach 21 or 60 during the term.

The offer follows successful 10-year season tickets launched in 1992 as part of the Valley Investment Plan, and a previous five-year offer made in 2001.

Fans who take it up will again be known as VIPs and will receive a range of benefits in addition to their stadium seat, including a matchday invitation to the boardroom during the life of the scheme and top priority for away tickets.

Mr Murray said: “Fans have often asked us if we would make an extended season ticket available again, and this could be an important source of income for us this summer. It’s another way that those who can afford it can really help the club, and it’s potentially fantastic value, too.”

Seasonal hospitality prices, as well as car parking, are also being frozen until March 31, while the club is committed to its existing match ticket prices if it remains in League 1.

The one exception, in response to feedback from older fans, would be the introduction from August of a lower £13 matchday price for over 60s/U21s in the upper north stand and north-west quadrant.