Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown has paid tribute to those supporters who have parted with their cash to demonstrate their continued loyalty to the club.

More than 6,000 fans took advantage of special early-bird rates to renew their season tickets before last weekend's deadline.

And Lansdown insists such a response offers incontrovertible proof that Bristol City FC are making progress despite recent difficulties on the pitch.

Disappointed by their team's slide into the bottom half of the Championship table, some City fans, fearful that manager Gary Johnson's team might be relegated, have delayed buying season tickets for the 2010/11 campaign.

Although sales are unlikely to match the record-breaking 2008/09 season, when more than 13,000 tickets were sold, Lansdown remains confident the club will again exceed the 10,000 mark.

He said: "These early-bird figures are vindication that we are doing things the right way. It shows that the supporters are buying into what we are trying to achieve here.

"Things do not always run smoothly and there are fluctuations along the way. We have to keep our supporters happy and give them what they want and, to be fair, we have not given them a sparkling season. But if we manage to sell 10,000 season tickets, that will prove that Bristol is a football town and that people here are passionate about their local club.

"I know some smaller towns have clubs which sell more than we do, but they have perhaps had greater success in the past.

"We are still building and I would like to thank those loyal fans who have stuck with us and shown their support."

He added: "These are difficult times for many people and we know the fans have to count their pennies.

"It's not ideal having to pay up so early and that is why we have set in place schemes that enable them to spread the cost. You have to do that in the current climate."

Season tickets go back on sale from 9am tomorrow with a new set of prices. The club is targeting families in an attempt to match this season's sales of 11,600. A limited number of tickets will be available from £570, allowing families to watch home games next season from £6.20 each.

Season tickets for under-16s are available for as little as £100, while children under the age of seven will again be admitted free of charge as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

Lansdown added: "Our aim is to encourage families to come to Ashton Gate together, build our support for the future, while at the same time making watching Bristol City affordable to our most loyal supporters. I believe the season ticket offers achieve that aim."

A finance option – provided by Zebra Finance – will again be available, allowing supporters to spread the cost of their season ticket across five monthly instalments, interest-free, subject to a £15 admin charge.

The latest offer is open to 2009/10 season card holders and club members only from tomorrow until May 31. Non-members wishing to buy a season card should first pay for a 2009/10 membership (£20 adults, £5 under-16s, £40 family – two adult, two under-16s).

Renewals are simple, with season card holders able to use their current smart card for next season.

Season cards can be bought or renewed online 24 hours a day via bcfc.co.uk; by phoning 0871 222 66 66 (option1) or in person at Ashton Gate. Existing season card holders have until May 31 to secure their seat for the 2010/11 campaign before they are released for general sale.