Southampton FC and Barclays Offer Fans 'World-First' Contactless Wristbands

Southampton FC have agreed a world-first deal with Barclaycard to provide the club with branded bPay bands.

The bPay bands are a contactless payment device worn around the wrist; Southampton will be the first football club to use the branded bands.

Saints fans will be able to spend up to £20 using the devices in one go, either inside the St Mary's stadium and will be able to jump beer and food queues.

A statement from Southampton said fans who sign up for the devices will be eligible for exclusive loyalty offers, prize draws and "special experiences".

Barclays added that it is currently working on developing the bands so that fans can use them to get access to the stadium on match days instead of using tickets.

Jochen Hartmann, Southampton's director of commercial operations, said: "Southampton Football club is very excited to be the first football club to partner with Barclaycard's bPay band."

Southampton have started the 2014/15 Premier League campaign strongly despite losing key players such as Adam Lalana, Ricky Lambert and Dejan Lovren over the summer.

They currently sit in second place, three points off of leaders Chelsea, after wins against the likes of Newcastle and West Ham.