Barnsley will cut the size of their playing squad next season in order to subsidise a reduction in all adult season-ticket prices at Oakwell by 20%.

Tykes owner Patrick Cryne wants increased attendances to help turn around the club's fortunes after a third successive fight to avoid relegation and will save on players' wages to make season-ticket prices more affordable.

Cryne said: "This year the financial pressures on our fans are more pronounced with the advent of the credit crunch. It is incumbent on the club to recognise this predicament and find the means to reduce season-ticket prices, even though its own costs of operation are rising."

He added: "To do so means that the club must look to cut costs and channel any savings towards reducing ticket prices. Fans should expect to see the playing staff reduced from the current 27 full-time professionals (including loanees) in favour of a smaller, but better squad.

"Every season we start a new challenge to create a side that can compete and thrive on that competition. Key to success is a strong support base, which not only provides a financial platform for player recruitment, but also an attraction for top players, particularly in Britain.

"It is fans that bring status for a club and not anything else. For our club to make a breakthrough we need your loyalty without conditions. It's a lot to ask, but without it our progress will be slow and stuttering and our future insecure."