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Halifax,
31/08/02
Hello,
firstly I would like to welcome you to the BFCSA's page
in the programme and thank Tony for letting us have this
space.
The last
two issues have shown the new coach travel arrangements,
but if you missed them they can be found on
www.bfcsa.co.uk (Supporters Club Website).
I read with
great interest Dennis Signys article in the Chester
programme about how the club needs 3,500- 4,000
spectators at a match to break-even and a figure of 2,000
to justify full-time player's wages.
It was a
strange coincidence then, that when I got home I read an
article in a BFCSA official handbook from 1972/73 that I
had just purchased from the association.
In it John
Skinner, who was the Club and Supporters Club Treasurer,
writes:
"A
good attendance helps everyone; the Parent Club
should have an average gate of 2,000. Last season we
did not have this support and I personally wonder
what is wrong with the Town? Have many of our former
supporters become soft and traded the opportunity of
seeing a successful team for the T.V. set? Do they
really want a football club?"
Well, not a
lot has changed in thirty years has it? The average
Southern League attendance for 1971/72 was 1,333,
practically the same as last years Conference average.
What can be
done about it? Well it's not just the Club but you, the
fans as well, who can try and boost the crowd.
Why not
bring a friend or relative to the next home game? If they
say it's too expensive offer to pay half (or all!) of the
entrance fee. Surely a small extra outlay will be worth
it if they become regulars (they might even buy you a
drink in the Bar afterwards!).
A few
seasons ago my brother John came with me. He wasn't
really a football fan, but now he is a season ticket
holder, goes to more away matches than me, is on the
BFCSA committee, runs www.bfcsa.co.uk and has helped out
at KBA events!
The gate
for Telford United last season was a mere 1,306. Let's
get that figure up to 2,000 at least. You must know
someone you can bring, even if it's your Maiden Aunt!
The Club
needs fans if it's going to achieve the things you want
it to. Please do your bit; you know it makes sense.
Have a good
season and if you're not a member of the BFCSA why not
join today?
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