Yeah but
Average Attendance 2002/2003 5,440
Average Attendance 2004/2005 5,890
Gain of 450 and we're in a similar position to where we were that season. We were in the playoffs from January onwards last season which increased the average attendance hugely. The Bristol City game alone added on about 350.
How we're doing is always going to be the main factor.
Very true, results on the pitch will always be the prime motivating factor on attendances.
However
00/01 - 6,198 (20th)
01/02 - 6,393 (13th)
02/03 - 5,440 (10th)
02/03 was a very different year to the current season. First off the return of Andy King for his first full season in charge. Not a popular call, then there was the unfortunate incident of starting pre-season in administration. There was very little expectation as the club endured its record run of defeats but managed to make up places with a late run of form.
In comparison this season started reasonably optimistic despite the usual odd summer shenanigan that we have all come to expect. Overall it has been reasonably stable but nevertheless disappointing in terms of results on the pitch.
One thing that strikes me is that in both pre-seasons there was a significant increase on ticket prices. Alright it’s year on year however both sparked probably the biggest outcry in recent years.
Going into 03/04 there was quite a buyout mood with a complete new look squad, people where maybe not warming but getting used to King, and with the success of Sam Parkin things looked to be on the up. The addition of the cheaper TE tickets took the edge off the usual increase.
We go into next season amid rumours of players leaving, slashed wage budgets and off the back of a largely disappointing year. I can’t help but think that unless King manages an awe inspiring clearout and re-build we are going to be regularly below 4k on gates.
