CHARLTON chief executive Peter Varney has mounted a vigorous defence of the club’s decision to increase season ticket prices for the 2005-06 campaign, insisting they remain among the cheapest in the Premier League.

The average cost of a season ticket purchased after the May 5 deadline for discounted prices has increased by £32 from £528 to £560 for the Addicks’ 19 Premier League fixtures.

Adults who renew their seat before the May 5 deadline will pay from £335 with under-16s prices as little as £170. The cost of the same tickets rises to £385 and £220 respectively after the cut-off date.

Charlton’s prices are thought to be the cheapest among London's Premier League clubs.

Mr Varney said: "We are in a leisure industry and these prices compare most favourably with other forms of entertainment, such as the cinema, theatre and other professional football clubs within reasonable travelling times of The Valley."

"If you look at the North Stand, you can watch a home Premiership game for £17. Supporters under the age of 16 pay under £9 a game. You will not find much better prices than that in the Premier and even some of the lower divisions.

"We are keeping the pricing policy as progressive as possible because we’re trying to attract 4,000 new fans to the club as we await planning permission to increase capacity at The Valley.

"It is vital that as many supporters as possible renew their season tickets at the earliest possible date to help endorse the board of directors’ vision for the club."

Renewal forms will be sent out to existing season ticket holders over the next few weeks. Unsold seats will go on general sale from June 1.

Recent attendance figures at The Valley have been bolstered by the success of Valley Express cut-price coach service from 35 Kent towns. The club hope that newcomers invest in season tickets for the new campaign, along with those who have already invested in the last-five games ticket and travel package.