Reds fans form 'affordable' club

In 1985 it cost fans £45 for a Liverpool season ticket (Getty)

Supporters of Liverpool have formed a breakaway club that aims to provide fans with a cheaper option than watching football at Anfield.

The new club, AFC Liverpool, have applied to enter next season's North West Counties League Division Two.

"It's about affordability," spokesman Alun Parry told the Daily Telegraph.

"We aren't blaming the club, but the sad fact is that a whole community is being denied the opportunity to grow up in the 'match-going' culture."

The formation of the club follows the launch in recent years of AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester, but Parry is quick to point out that AFC Liverpool is not a result of fan unrest.

It gives us a club that we can collectively own and have a reason to support Club spokesman Alun Parry

"Far from wishing to be estranged from the club, we are hoping that Liverpool will look upon us as a little brother," he said.

"I've been going to Anfield since the late Seventies when I was six years old. A season ticket in the Kop cost £45 in 1985, today it's £650.

"In inflation terms, Eighties prices should equate to £98 today."

Supporters will be able to buy into the club and vote on the major decisions, and so far the future looks good, with over 200 fans already signed up.

606: DEBATE What do you think of AFC Liverpool?

"We are planning to launch a youth system with FA qualified coaches which will be of benefit to the community and to further the aims of AFC Liverpool,'' added Parry.

"By creating a team with an explicit LFC identity, it gives us a club that we can collectively own and have a reason to support."