There are a few minor discrepancies from the Ryman League Official site, but none in double figures. (Probably explained by the differences involved in counting on 12 digits instead of 10.)
15 of the 22 RPL clubs saw gates drop this season. Of the 7 clubs to increase their gates: 3 were playing in Div.1 last season; Hastings had that FA Cup run, yet still got 2 less than in 10/11; Concord, play-off finalists, attracted 1 extra fan but obviously had fewer derbies this term; Wingate and Stones seem the only "genuine" medium-term increases.
(Figures in brackets are for the 11/12 and 10/11 seasons) Whitehawk...........212 +70% (125/102) Leiston...............223 +16% (193/155) Wingate.............154 +13% (136/122) Enfield Town........365 +11% (330/211) Wealdstone.........549 +9% (502/440) Hastings............403 +7% (378/405) Concord.............191 0% (190/219)
Some of the percentage drops in attendance are worrying, though ETU & Canvey would have suffered from the reduction in Saaf Essix derbies. Bognor's slump may be temporary with a disappointing 2nd half after 2 stellar Div.1 seasons. Lowestoft had to cram a few games in at the end, but a second straight sizable drop is worrying. Bury Town have terrifyingly lost one-third of their support inside 2 years, even though they were in with a play-off shout with 2 weeks to go. Disappointing seasons for the pair relegated from Connie South, but still scary. E.T.U................171 -2% (174/169) Margate............336 -2% (343/349) Kingstonian........302 -7% (325/376) Lowestoft..........618 -7% (668/739) Carshalton.........225 -10% (251/291) Canvey.............323 -14% (375/375) Lewes...............546 -14% (635/679) Bury Town.........357 -15% (420/532) Harrow..............160 -15% (190/217) Hendon..............169 -15% (201/171) Bognor...............416 -18% (508/447) Cray.................158 -18% (193/203) Met Police..........141 -19% (175/123) Hampton............312 -38% (501/467) Thurrock.............200 -44% (359/309)
As for last season's relegated quartet, the figures ain't nice. Aveley lost 43% of their fans, dipping from 181 to 103. Lev'red said goodbye to 37%, going from a respectable 330 to 208. Toots lost 25%, down from 267 to 200. Horsham, close to relegation again, did best with a 19% drop from 241 to 195.
Next season's new boys and probables: Maidstone............1,698 +350% (377/311) Dulwich................490 +30% (376/215) Hornchurch...........329 +6% (310/268) Maldon.................89 -5% (94/95) Grays..................201 -15% (235/223) Billericay..............437 -15% (513/349) Fair play to Dulwich, who've lost the play-off final for the past two years and have achieved a staggering increase.
I think that if we start winning next season there will be an increase in numbers at the PF. I don't see what the problem is with under 21s getting in free, they make a great atmosphere and really are our 12th man and before anyone comments I am 65 years old and a season ticket holder. The young are the future of this club and I hope they keep coming and are still around when they reach retirement age, whatever that may be in 50 years time.
Sorry FatherXmas can't agree. When somebody has a good idea , sooner or later others adopt it. Having been to most Ryman Premier League grounds this season , the usual policy is that under 16's pay 2 or 3 and then full price.Obviously increasing their income. However with us it is different. Assuming that Dan's and Hastings Lions figures are correct we have the following :- Dan states that attendances have risen from 378 to 405 an increase of 27 HL in his post reckons that the increase in under 21's has gone from 12 to 80 , 68 more. It therefore follows that concessions and full price payers have reduced by about 40. If we assume that they were all concessions and the old rate was 6, that works out as 240 per game or about 5000 in a full season. The question is whether the amount spent by the youngsters covers this amount. Did not agree last season and don't now.
Agree with FatherXmas the atmosphere has been so much better think it was one of the best ideas this season at least made up for the shocking football at times that it did feel like a football ground otherwise it would have been like a morgue. Hope the club carry on with this and i would not be surprised if other clubs might do something similar next season as doubt you can change prices during season hope that in a few years time these people carry on support with there voice and money I also think gates will go up next season if we are at the top but that will only happen after the manager goes and someone new come in.
I also agree with FatherXmas and Peter the atmosphere @ the PF is important and is something the club needs more than ever for the new season. I'm happy to pay my £10 on the gate, but if the atmosphere was flat, maybe it would put new supports off from returning?
I see Maidstone won the Ryman South play-off so there goes our one guaranteed bumper crowd for next season. And just to make things worse, Ade scored both the goals that won it. And just to make things even worse my 'other' team is Wolves !
