League attendances continue to rise

Last updated : 02 September 2003 By Luke Thornhill

Across the three division of the Nationwide League gates were up by nine per cent, with more than 1.6 million paying spectators at 178 games.

The average First Division crowd rose to 15,384 (+5%), Second Division crowds rose to 7,235 (+4%) and Division the Division Three average shot up to 5,341 (+36%).

League games at Glanford Park saw an average crowd of 3,628, up from 3,500 last August. Over the entire season United saw an average gate of 3,692 peaking at 6,284 for the local derby against Hull City.

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: "This is a very encouraging start to the new season, especially when one considers that The Football League recorded its best attendances for 38 years just last season.

"This further rise in attendances is evidence that clubs throughout The League are marketing themselves very successfully and are nurturing the next generation of football supporters.

"Our clubs have made significant efforts to ensure that Football is a safe, affordable and enjoyable environment for families to spend time together and their reward has been ever greater numbers coming through the turnstiles."