MIDDLESBROUGH took feedback from prominent supporter groups on board as the club came to a swift decision to extend the early bird deadline for season ticket applications.

The early bird window was initially scheduled to run until March 15, which was criticised by supporters, who would have only had one payday between now and the deadline.

Boro also reluctantly upped prices, with a spokesman saying the rise was "largely offset by the increase the club faces in both the National Minimum Wage and in Business Rates."

Monday's announcement sparked anger from some fans, with Rob Nichols, editor of fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, and Mark Motley, chairman of Middlesbrough Supporters' Forum, then putting those concerns and feelings to the club.

It's understood chairman Steve Gibson then held a number of conversations with Rob and took feedback on board before the decision was made to extend the early bird deadline.

A statement released by the club on Tuesday lunchtime, said: "In response to concerns expressed by a number of our supporter groups, including Rob Nichols of Fly Me To The Moon, we have reviewed our Early Bird Season Ticket deadline, and opted to extend by a further 15 days, up to and including Saturday 30 March.

"This now gives fans an extended seven-week opportunity to renew or purchase new at our Early Bird prices."

READ MORE:

Rob Nichols said: "Sadly we could not influence the cost but we managed to effectively convince the club that people needed extra time to pay. I'm very pleased that we were listened to and that the change happened so quickly."

Mark Motley added: "While it is disappointing that season ticket prices have increased we understand that rising costs have significantly affected the club.

"We are pleased that our concerns regarding the short time period for early bird sales have been taken on board and this has been extended. We will continue to work with the club to ensure the views of supporters are represented."

Boro head coach Michael Carrick has told repeatedly of how he's been blown away by the support of Boro's fans since he joined the club.

He said this week: “I’ve had great support personally and the boys have home and away.

"We appreciate that and we’re doing everything we can to create more to shout about and support and enjoy.

"We’re trying to do that in a certain way by playing the play we play, and making it successful, so I’d just ask that they keep supporting us, keep the energy and keep feeling that love and passion for the club and let’s see where we end up."

More information on season tickets is available HERE.