Stoke encouraged by ticket sales

Stoke fans have been seeing top-flight football for the first time since 1985

Stoke City are hopeful of matching the number of season tickets sold in 2008/9 for the 2009/10 campaign.

Around 25% of existing season ticket holders had renewed their seats for next season, over a week before the deadline of 3 April.

Fans purchasing tickets before that date can buy them at 2008/9 prices.

Chief executive Tony Scholes told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've been busier than we've ever been at this stage. For 25% to have already renewed is fantastic."

The Britannia Stadium has a capacity of around 28,000 and there have only been three Premier League matches there (against Sunderland, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion) when the home sections have failed to sell out.

Stoke fans have been claimed to be the loudest fans in the Premier League and Scholes believes their input has helped the club in their fight against relegation.

He added: "Everyone said to me when I arrived about what would happen when this club got some success.

"They were right but no-one quite expected the atmosphere we've had at most games this year.

"We're the envy of every other club in the Premier League because of the fans that we've got and the atmosphere that we get."