ATHLETIC supporters are rushing to secure their seats for next season after numbers bought hit a four-figure milestone.

Ahead of the team's return to the Championship, following their League One title success, sales of briefs for the upcoming campaign have already hit the 1,000 mark less than a month after being made available.

In announcing the figures, manager, James McPake, said he was looking forward to a "special atmosphere" at KDM Group East End Park as he begins preparations for next season's campaign in the second tier, after a solitary season away.

Their stunning campaign, in which they were undefeated at home, and lost only one of 36 matches, saw them attract the highest average attendance across the division, and the fans look set to give them bumper backing when the new season kicks off in August.

In a letter addressed to supporters launching season ticket sales, McPake said: "From my first day in the job back in May, the support you have given the players, staff and myself has been incredible.

"Dave (Mackay, McPake's assistant manager) and myself came into the job knowing you were all hurting following a difficult season and, first and foremost, we wanted to put a team out there that would make you all proud. A team that would work hard for each other, work hard for us, and work hard for you!

"The derby match at KDM Group East End Park on a cold Tuesday night (the 2-0 win over Falkirk in March) will live long in my memory. Over 7,000 excited Pars fans backing us as we beat our fierce rivals in a match that set us on the way to the title.

"Records have been broken along the way in an historic season, which will live long in the memory of many Pars fans.

"Dunfermline Athletic is a special club. I see the way you have embraced not only my family, but the families of our players and staff. This forges a togetherness that embraces challenges and tackles adversity head on. These are things we will need to continue next year as we head into the Championship.

"Football is a rollercoaster and we know there will be many more ups and downs, but with your backing and positive energy fed towards our players we know KDM Group East End Park is a difficult venue for opposition teams to come.

"We really do appreciate each and every supporter who turns up and pays their hard earned cash. This support isn't taken for granted and I`d like to thank each and everyone of you who backed us last year and would love for you to join us for the season ahead."

Existing season ticket holders have until noon on Saturday July 1 to keep their seat, and prices across all stands for under-12s and under-18s are £18 and £50 respectively, with student and young adult tickets costing £99.

For adults, tickets in the Norrie McCathie, North West and South West Wing stands are £315 (£345 in the SRJ Windows South Stand); disabled and senior citizen prices are £215 and £245; and over-75s are £165 and £195.

The Pars have announced that every adult season ticket bought before May 31 will be entered into a prize draw to win their money back and, to buy, visit the club's website – www.dafc.co.uk – or the ticket office and club shop, from 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10am-12pm on Saturdays.