Boro have confirmed that season card numbers have increased for the first time in four years - boosted by the club’s innovative pricing structure.

An increase of 5% on last season’s figure has seen the season card figure hit the 20,000 mark once again.

In a bid to boost attendances, Boro introduced a new £95 season card for under-18s for 2008-09 under the title of ‘Today’s Football, Yesterday’s Prices, Tomorrow’s Fans’.

It was an investment in the future that proved extremely popular with the club’s young fans - with sales to under-18s more than doubling compared to last season.

Season card sales had fallen year on year since 2004-05, dipping below 20,000 for the first time last season.

But a review of the pricing structure and an exciting fans’ pack that included a stunning DVD helped to increase sales for a season in which Gareth Southgate wants to see his stars pushing back towards UEFA Cup qualification.

Chief Operating Officer Neil Bausor expressed the club’s delight that sales had increased, saying: “We’d like to thank all Boro fans who have purchased a season card for 2008-09.

“We particularly appreciate those who have renewed and again committed their support week in and week out, while we are delighted to welcome many new season card holders.

“We are naturally delighted to have increased season card sales and to see our new initiatives starting to reap dividends.

“The challenge now is to increase attendances overall and then further increase the number of season card holders next year.”

2008-09 season cards remain available at just £105 for under-18s - that’s just £5.52 per game - for all areas of the stadium.

Prices for 18-21s are just £215 in the North West and South West corners, while prices start at £270 for over-65s and £429 for adults.

Application forms are available from the Riverside ticket office, by calling the club hotline on 0844 499 1234 or by emailing ticket.office@mfc.co.uk. They can also be downloaded from mfc.co.uk.

•A total of 350 fans purchased one of the new three-year season cards. Plaques featuring their name alongside the MFC badge will be added to their seat before the season’s first game.