SUPPORTERS have given their backing to relegation-threatened Burnley, after the club announced a 50 per cent increase on Early Bird season ticket sales.

Almost 10,000 have been snapped up in the discounted period, which ended last night.

That means the Clarets have retained at least 3,000 new season ticket holders, despite fears a return to the top flight for the first time in over three decades will come to an abrupt end given the three-point gap, and sizeable goal difference, from safety.

Chairman Barry Kilby praised supporters for their “commen-dable commitment”, adding: “I would personally like to thank them for their valued backing, especially in such a difficult financial climate and given the nature of our current position in the Premier League.”

Season ticket sales were predicted to take a hit as a result of Burnley’s precarious league position, combined with the pocket of fans who are unhappy with Brian Laws’ appointment as Owen Coyle’s successor, as well as up to a £30 price increase.

But the chairman of Burnley FC Supporters Club, Barrie Oliver, believes the majority of fans have proved they will stick by the club no matter what.

“There has been a lot of criticism of Laws and his tactics, but at the end of the day, I’m a fan of Burnley Football Club, not personnel, and I think that goes for all of your die-hard supporters,” he said.

“We don’t know which division we’re going to be in yet next season, although relegation looks increasingly likely.

"So in that respect we stand a better chance of doing well with a crowd of 12,000-15,000 behind the team than we would if we’d only sold 6,000 or 7,000 season tickets.

“I know people who have come back to the club because we’ve got into the Premier League and they have still renewed for next year, so that is good news for the club.”

Alan Beecroft, treasurer of Colne Clarets, added: “It sends a message to the manager that we are backing him and let’s have a good season next year.

“Let’s use the money wisely in the summer and see if we can bounce back. It’s not going to be easy, but let’s give it a try.”

However, Mr Oliver has called for a review of the Early Bird deadline, which was brought forward by more than a month.

“It’s not fair on the supporters to be pushing this day earlier and earlier.

“I can understand where the club is coming from, because they want money coming in to pay players’ wages over the summer.

“But especially with the financial state the country’s in they shouldn’t expect people to fork out money earlier than what they need to.”

Burnley’s most expensive seats under the Early Bird were £426, in the Bob Lord Stand and James Hargreaves upper tier.

They will now rise to £512, while the cheapest seats for adults are in the Jimmy McIlroy lower tier, priced £428 - £83 more than tickets bought before yesterday’s cut-off point.

The Clarets, who sold more than 16,000 season tickets for their first Premier League campaign - with 7,000 getting a full refund under the chairman’s Premier League Pledge, are understood to have set a 12,000 target this year.

Existing season ticket holders can still renew. However, as previously publicised all unsold seats will now be released for new applicants.

Any season ticket holders wishing to swap their seats will be able to do so from April 6, while those who have not received a renewal pack can call in at the ticket office, or phone 0871 221 1914 to request one to be posted out.