Cardiff City are the only top six club to have started early season ticket renewals so far, and the difference in pricing to Elland Road makes for interesting reading.

It’ll come as no shock that Leeds United’s prices are more expensive than most. For new season ticket applicants this season, Leeds United fans paid more than anyone else in the division and all but four of the Premier League teams – including both Manchester clubs and Newcastle United.

Ken Bates responded to critics by asserting that if Leeds United fans wanted Premier League football, they needed to pay Premier League prices. This was an argument that lost all credibility after the most depressing transfer window in recent history saw Leeds miss out on a whole host of top signings because the club claimed, their wage demands were too high.

It’s interesting to note then, that a club who seems to have no problems signing players and competing for a place in the top six has season ticket prices that are on average, £150 cheaper than Leeds United’s cheapest renewal price. .

At Elland Road, adult season ticket renewals ranged from £516 in the North Stand to £669 in the East. At Cardiff City meanwhile, prices start at £345 and top out at £545 – only £29 more than the cheapest renewal price for a full paying adult at Leeds.

If you’ve made the mistake of reproducing and are forcing your affliction on the next generation, then adults in the family stand could renew for £462. Add in the compulsory kids ticket and this sum rises to £663. Fathers dragging their kids along to watch Cardiff City meanwhile can pay as little as £396 for their tickets, which is a staggering £267 cheaper than at Elland Road.

Of course, all Leeds United’s prices quoted above were for those that renewed before the 31st of January 2012. Early renewal for adults now costs from £582 to £752, and if you’re a father and child combo, you’re now looking at £750 to renew both. Cardiff City meanwhile didn’t start renewals until February the 1st and have given their fans until the end of March to benefit from the full renewal discount.