Oxford United have launched an innovative ticket scheme called the 'Manor Priority Pass'.

The pass is designed for fans who cannot get along to enough games to justify a season ticket, but still want to be certain of getting in to the matches of their choice.

The book of 11 passes for United's home Nationwide League matches for the 1998-99 season costs £98.99 (£55 for under 16s and over 65s), creating a saving of £22 off the equivalent adult matchday price.

Supporters simply present the pass at the cash terrace turnstile (one per match) and they will gain access to the ground (subject to capacity constraints). It acts just like a ticket.

For "all ticket" matches, the pass will need to be exchanged for a ticket, but the pass-holder has priority status.

Indeed, Manor Priority Pass holders will be able to book tickets for any United fixture for the same price as members even when all vouchers have been used up.

Other benefits include:

the opportunity to upgrade the Pass to purchaseseats

the ability to exchange Passes (face value £9.50 adult, £5.50 concession) for goods in the club shop from January 1.

The idea, a first in football, was presented to the club by a supporter, John Evans who said: " At the moment there is nothing between a match ticket and a season ticket.

"This is, in effect, a loyalty scheme that will hopefully generate season ticket-holders of the future."

Darren Bowler, ticket-office manager at Oxford United, said: "I've not heard of this scheme being in operation anywhere else ."It's a very interesting idea."

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