Terras chief denies 'greed' claims
By ECHO Staff

Monday 20th June 2005

CHAIRMAN Martyn Harrison has hit back at suggestions the Terras are `growing greedy.'

The claim was made by former commercial manager Melanie Sharpe, who quit her post last week.

Sharpe, sister of ex-chairman Ian Ridley, told yesterday's The Non-League Paper: "I jumped before I was pushed.

Another lady was brought into the department two weeks ago

I wasn't consulted and I don't think there's enough room for the two of us.

"I was also concerned by the hiked-up prices being quoted to sponsors."

Last season the maximum price for an advertising board was £350.

Next season the prices range from £550 to £750.

The cost of a full-page advert in the matchday programme has been upped from £450 to £1,000.

Sharpe, who increased sponsorship and advertising income from £16,000 to £145,000 per season added: "The club is pricing itself out of the market."

But Harrison insists any price rises have been made to pay for better quality products.

He explained: "Why does anyone put prices up? Last season the programme was black and White, next
season it's colour.

I was surprised when Mel quit - she was an integral part of our operation.

"We wanted to expand the commercial department from one to two and we've now lined someone up to replace Mel."