QPR close to Barton deal as Fernandes cuts ticket prices
QPR’S new owner Tony Fernandes handed fans a double boost yesterday by slashing ticket prices and closing in on the signing of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.
Barton looks set to join the Loftus Road club after undergoing a medical last night. The 28-year-old is available on a free transfer after falling out with the Newcastle hierarchy earlier this summer.
“Going for a medical now, still no contract offer from NUFC…….think that just about makes my mind up,” Barton wrote on his Twitter account.
The news of the possible Barton deal followed the announcement that Fernandes had cut ticket prices. Previous majority shareholders Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore made the unpopular move to raise season ticket prices by almost 40 per cent for this season.
Season tickets prices were hiked to between £549 and £999, compared to the £666 for the most expensive season ticket last season.
But Fernandes’ cuts will see fans refunded between £99 and £149, depending on the price of their ticket. The cheapest match ticket at Loftus Road is now £25 compared to £35 before the cuts.
QPR failed to sell out their first Premier League home game in 15 years against Bolton, with more than 3,000 seats left empty. Just 4,755 fans turned up for Tuesday’s Carling Cup defeat to Rochdale.