St Johnstone have decided against an early season ticket launch.
Instead, if fans want to donate money to the Perth club during the coronavirus shutdown, it will be ring-fenced for a newly created Youth Development Fund.
The McDiarmid Park academy has developed a number of young stars in recent seasons, from Stevie May through to Ali McCann, and Saints want to ensure that continues.
A statement explained: “Many supporters have been in touch to enquire about how they can help in these difficult times amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Covid-19. We’re extremely grateful to our loyal fans for their support.
“In our opinion, this is not the right time to launch season tickets due to the lack of clarity on the completion of the current season and consequently having no start date for season 2020/21.
“However, discussions and meetings have taken place over the winter months regarding the creation of a Youth Development Fund. We feel this is the perfect way for those wishing to provide financial support to the club at this time to make a donation whilst at the same time investing in our young players’ futures.
“All of the money donated by supporters and local businesses to the fund will be ring-fenced in order to nurture our brightest young players currently attached to the club, and to continue identifying new talent.
“Youth academies are often one of the first things clubs look to cut back on during difficult economic times but by launching the development fund now we are protecting our youth set-up, our young players and helping to build a bright future for our club.
“The board believe that the development fund will help to sustain, support and develop the foundations of our club moving forward.
“More details on the format will follow in due course.”
