Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has defended the club’s decision to increase the majority of season ticket prices for the 2009/10 campaign.

Season ticket prices have been announced based on the club staying in League 2 but fans making their purchase during April can save money if the Gills get promoted.

If Gillingham do win promotion to League 1 the prices will be re-issued and tickets are almost certain to cost more.

Mr Scally said: “We are living in difficult times and we have tried to keep prices as low as possible but we are conscious of the need to maintain the integrity and security of your football club.

“I fully realise that some clubs have reduced prices or maintained prices at the same level as last season, however our prices have been kept lower in the past two years and it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain competitive at these current levels.”

The Gills have, however, for the time being kept their £50 season ticket offer for under-11s in all areas of the ground.

If the Gills stay in League 2 gate prices will rise by £1, meaning a cost of £20 for a ticket bought before the match and £23 on the day of the match.