CHAIRMAN Eddie Mitchell is targeting 4,000 season ticket sales as supporters new and existing eagerly anticipate the start of Cherries’ Championship adventure.

Mitchell was speaking after the club had revealed that more than 2,000 season tickets had been shifted in just eight days – with two thirds to new customers.

The Family Stand at Dean Court has already sold out, prompting the club to make room in one of the blocks in the Main Stand to facilitate the extra demand.

Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “Looking at the figures so far, I would like to think we would get 4,000. That number would give us a nice bit of extra revenue and boost the home support for every game.

“Season ticket sales have been encouraging and show there is a lot of interest in what we are doing. There is a lot of good football coming this way and people are taking advantage of value for money.

“Increasing attendances has always been my focus and was one way the club was going to be lifted. We can’t keep relying on the faithful and need to convert youngsters and other new supporters. The indication so far is promising and is really pleasing.”

Mitchell said the club also had plans to boost crowd numbers by putting together packages for away supporters, which are set to increase significantly next season.

“We are preparing our own promotions to put to other clubs because there is no other destination in the Football League as good as ours,” said Mitchell. “We are in the process of working with some local hotels and promoting them.

“We would like to think we could attract a few more supporters from other clubs for weekend breaks, especially during the early and late season when the weather is nice. All the signs are good at the moment.

“The cherry trees we planted at the stadium last year are in blossom and you wouldn’t think you were at a football ground when you came here, you would think it was a nature park. It is a great place to come and Bournemouth and Poole have got lots to offer.”

Mitchell confirmed work was due to start today on expanding the club shop at Dean Court and also said viewings would take place later this week to find suitable premises for an outlet in Poole.

He added: “We have got a lot of supporters in the Poole area and it would be nice for them to have somewhere local to buy tickets and merchandise. Our Bournemouth shop is not too far out of town and people know where we are. Having a shop in Poole would help us and our supporters in the town.”