THE Dragons are encouraged by season ticket sales for 2018/19 – but chairman David Buttress knows that they need to reward supporters' loyalty.

The Rodney Parade region endured their worst ever season in 2017/18 with just two wins in the Guinness PRO14, both in September.

The first year under Welsh Rugby Union control and with head coach Bernard Jackman at the helm was always going to be a challenge and long-suffering fans appear to have given the Dragons another chance.

The region say that sales are going strong and that they are on target to eclipse last year's 2,300 season ticket holders and are confident of hitting their target of 3,000.

"That shows that we have a very loyal supporter base who have had to put up with some pretty barren years of results," said Buttress.

"If we build some success then we have a pretty solid foundation to grow from, because we have a loyal supporter base that we owe success to and if we deliver that success then I am confident other people will start to come.

"I would say I would be pleased to be around the six wins mark. That would be a significant improvement and then I would like a [cup] run.

"Of course I hope for more than that because we are all greedy but six wins would be a significant improvement and then we can look to kick on in 2019/20."

The Dragons have made 14 new signings for next season, including Lions ace Ross Moriarty, Samoa lock Brandon Nansen and Wales internationals Rhodri Williams, Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington and Aaron Jarvis.

Head coach Bernard Jackman has been backed in the transfer market but Buttress knows that there is nothing like on-field success to boost the coffers.

"There are two parts [to increasing the budget]," said the chairman. "The first is one that we control with the commercial revenues and Rodney Parade as a resource, making it an engine of commercial income.

"The second part is on the pitch because it's pro sport and success on the pitch brings success off it and I was probably a little bit naïve to that when I first got involved.

"It's a key constituent part and we've got to get some relative success – we saw that with Cardiff when they won the European Challenge Cup, it's rocking and rolling.

"We've got to get a little bit of that going so that we can pull more people in and start growing the revenues."

The Dragons' early bird offer for season tickets expires today with up to £30 off adult and concessions.

Adult membership starts from £109 for new members at £10 for juniors. More information at dragonsrugby.wales