The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

I posted this on the Conference messageboard earlier, but I know a lot of people from here don't look in there, hence posting it here as well for discussion.

There have been lots of comments comparing Diamonds with Crawley, mainly because of the money, but it got me to thinking about crowds (a depressing subject for us at the moment) and comparing our Conference winning season with theirs (assuming they do, indeed, go on to win it) from an attendance point of view.

Just had a quick look and we averaged 3701 that season. Our opening day home fixture against Chester City was seen by 3966, our final day win over Dover saw 5482 (our top attendance at home all season, even beating our previous highest of 5283 vs Yeovil) at Nene Park. Our lowest home attendance all season was 2568 against Hayes.

How do these figures stck up against Crawley's? Crawley's figures are an average of 2246 (16 home league games) lowest crowd 1252 vs Bath, highest 3941 vs Barrow. They only really started to get numbers through the door on the back of the FA Cup run.

Means nowt, but just thought I'd look as so many people had been commenting about us being so much like them where the money is concerned.

What wouldn't we give for crowds of our lowest attendance that season right now? :(

Incidentally, we're currently averaging 1189 at home from our 19 home games - 311 short of what had been mentioned in the past as being our breakeven point. Sobering reading indeed.

Interesting figures there, Jim.

I think it is worth noting that our Conference winning season was our ninth under Max's control, hence the level of support had longer to build up than Crawley have had since their cash injection.

I do agree though, that Crawley's following seems to have been generated more out of their cup exploits than their League form. I'm sure they have many fair-weather fans at the moment - it will be interesting to see what happens when the money disappears.

Or indeed if results start to not go their way? The fact that Brighton will be moving into their new stadium and will nodoubt be offering some good deals next season shouldn't be overlooked either, they may have some competition in the area, and having seen the new stadium with my own eyes enroute to Eastbourne, it will be a sparking new part of their history, I'm sure the feelgood factor (and some competitive pricing) will tempt a few along.

The point that it was our 9th season is a good one to make, but frustration was high as it looked as though we were going to be the bridesmaids yet again and miss out, but the support held firm !!

I know you're sick Pigman but can't you work from home? ;)

Naaaa sorry Rob, just thought I'd post stuff to piss you off, I'm glad you recognise my contribution

Doesn't piss me off at all and for what it's worth I think that Crawley's attendances will stall and decline as soon as they hit mid-table in whatever league they're in. Apparently they're giving away 500-1,000 free tickets a game as well, which is massively boosting their attendances!

I agree, League 2 isn't a very inspiring league and the only reason most of us want to get there is the extra revenue it will bring in. If Crawley don't go up and take it by storm I can see people drifting away far quicker than our supprt has done. Glad I don't piss you off..............I must work harder ;)

PigmanRDFC wrote:Or indeed if results start to not go their way? The fact that Brighton will be moving into their new stadium and will nodoubt be offering some good deals next season shouldn't be overlooked either, they may have some competition in the area, and having seen the new stadium with my own eyes enroute to Eastbourne, it will be a sparking new part of their history, I'm sure the feelgood factor (and some competitive pricing) will tempt a few along.

The point that it was our 9th season is a good one to make, but frustration was high as it looked as though we were going to be the bridesmaids yet again and miss out, but the support held firm !!

Plus Brighton have got money to spend. According to my family in Sussex that follow Brighton, the rumour was that they had a £14million budget this year (the guy whose behind all this owns some online gambling sites).

Because of this I don't see Crawley lasting long if the money goes.

For those that haven't seen it:

PigmanRDFC wrote:For those that haven't seen it:

It's not a patch on the Withdean :lol: