Sheffield United are reminding supporters to keep hold of their existing season cards as they will continue to be used during 2008/09.

United introduced electronic cards last summer to improve their ticketing system, issuing fans with a plastic "credit card" style ticket, instead of the traditional bulky booklet.

The new cards have a life span of up to four years, allowing fans to use the same one for a number of seasons by contacting the Blades ticket office and renewing their ticket without the need to queue.

United are offering supporters' early renewal prices on their season ticket, which are cheaper than the last two years.

More than 18,300 fans can take advantage of the early renewal offer, with savings up to £117 on individual match ticket prices.

This summer, adult renewals on the Kop (Frasers Property Stand) have been reduced to £299 while seat prices in the Valad Stand drop to £409. Seats in the Capital One Stand (Family enclosure) and Evolution Corner (Family enclosure) are frozen at £409.

Additionally, United are offering children under 12 a free season ticket next season, to encourage more young supporters to Bramall Lane. To qualify, an under 12 needs to signs up as a Junior Blade for £10 and be accompanied by an adult season ticket holder.

Emma Wylie, ticket office manager at Sheffield United, said: "We are reminding supporters that they must keep hold of their cards for next season as replacements are only issued upon payment of a £5 charge.

"They will simply be activated with next year's season ticket and ready for fans to use at the first game of 2008/2009.The cards provide simple ways to buy seats for games, gain quicker entry at the turnstiles and for the club to easily replace and cancel lost or stolen cards.

"A major benefit of the system is that fans don't even need to come to the ticket office and queue as the renewal can be done over the phone or online."

Concession renewal prices start at £119 for 12 to under 16 year olds in all areas of the ground, with adult concessions paying £199 in the Frasers Property (Kop) rising to £219 in the Capital One Stand and Evolution Corner and £239 in the Valad Stand.

Fans can also benefit from a host of additional extras including £300 savings on offers at the club superstore and leisure facilities, while also paying their season ticket in five monthly payments by direct debit.

The offers available to supporters include one month free gym membership at fitness suites Impact, Gym Plus or at the new Copthorne Hotel, due to open late 2008, plus discounts on away Blade travel, club merchandise, Blades World, the Blades Birthday Lottery and Meadowhall restaurants.

Season tickets can be renewed at the discounted rate until 5pm on Monday May 19, by post, online at www.sufc.co.uk, by fax on 0870 442 8709, by phone on 0871 222 1889 or in person at the Bramall Lane ticket office.