You may be aware that it is Arsenal’s intention to disband the Cannon Club from next season. For those who don’t know, the Cannon Club acts as an extension of Junior Gunners for 16-18 year olds and allows members to buy concession tickets in the Family Enclosure, if they book quickly enough, or elsewhere in the ground at normal prices.

When quizzed about their decision to drop this service at a recent Supporters’ Forum meeting, the club said that most Cannon Club members bought tickets at normal prices anyway and they were concerned that touts were getting hold of Cannon Club memberships and applying for Silver Club membership once Cannon Club membership expired.

This rationale is little short of pathetic. Cannon Club members may be paying normal prices – but not out of choice but for the very good reason that they can’t get into the heavily oversubscribed Family Enclosure. As for the tout problem – whatever happened to the identity cards that were required at the old ground? It’s also hardly a good excuse to drop the Cannon Club because Arsenal’s security system isn’t good enough.

Their attitude to dropping the Cannon Club is shabby and short-sighted to say the least, and was clearly something they felt embarrassed about and didn’t want to discuss at the Forum meeting. Needless to say this is an extremely short-sighted approach to developing loyalty among the fans of tomorrow – fans vitally important to Arsenal’s future and a group whose support shouldn’t be taken for granted.

This short-sightedness is also in marked contrast to the excellent initiative shown in the far-sighted pricing policy at Carling Cup matches.