TOWN have topped 8,000 season-ticket sales.

The figure, announced today, does not include hospitality boxes or the Galpharm executive club.

It's only the fourth time in a decade at the stadium that Town have smashed the 8,000 barrier.

"On the other occasions we were in the old First Division, so to top 8,000 in Coca-Cola League I is an excellent achievement," said ticket office chief Sue Beaumont.

"We now need to build on this fantastic core support and increase our pay-on-the-day support. Season-ticket holders are already helping us to achieve this by using their Friend for a Fiver vouchers, with over 10,000 used last season and well over 1,000 already used this time.

"Performances on the field will obviously help our pay-on-the-day support and the result against Hull should help bring a bumper crowd to the Galpharm against Barnsley, for what will be our first Saturday home game next weekend."

Even though Town have staged four home league matches this term, season- tickets have continued to sell.

Town had 8,021 season-ticket holders in 1995-96, following their promotion under Neil Warnock, and boasted 8,661 for the 1999-2000 campaign when Steve Bruce was in charge.

The last time Town topped the mark was in 2000-01, when 8,585 season-tickets sold.