WITH the new League of Ireland season just over two weeks away Dundalk manager Ian Foster has issued a strong appeal to season ticket holders to renew for the season ahead and for fans to turn out in large numbers for the two matches in Oriel Park this week.

Dundalk face neighbours Drogheda United in the Jim Malone Cup on Thursady nibght before taking on Derry City in their final home pre-season match before the start of the season on March 5.

“The squad is shaping up nicely and the pre-season performances have been encouraging, especially the most recent run-out against Bray last Saturday. But we obviously need to fill out the squad and the quality and depth of the squad is directly related to getting the financial support from fans”, said Foster.

“Attendances against Drogheda in the Malone Cup on Thursday night and in the attractive friendly against Derry on Saturday afternoon are extremely important to the clubs income. We really need the fans to turn out in big numbers, both from the perspective of the gate income, but also to get behind the squad and show the tremendous passion and hunger that I know exists in the town for the Lilywhites.”

Foster issued a direct appeal to season ticket holders who have not yet renewed for the season ahead.

“There is a potential of €50,000 in season ticket bookings that have not yet materialised. I fully understand that some people have been slow to renew while the squad was being formed, but now is the time for season ticket holders to stand up and be counted. The level of response over the next week or 10 days is going to have a significant bearing on what we can achieve in relation to the final quality of the squad.”

A special season ticket desk will be in operation at Oriel Park for the match against Drogheda United and again against Derry City. Deposits and part-payments will be accepted. The actual season tickets will be available shortly to supporters who have already booked, and well in advance of the first home game