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Tuesday, 9th February 2010

Drop in Latics fans attending away matches

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Published Date:
27 November 2009
The rising cost of watching football is causing fewer Wigan Athletic fans to travel to games, according to a new survey.
Despite last weekend's 9 -1 drubbing at Spurs, the increasing price of fuel and match tickets are being blamed for fewer supporters choosing to travel to watch Latics.

According to a survey by Virgin Money, the average Latics fan travelled 1,652 miles to follow their team last season – the second lowest figure in the Premier League, just ahead of bottom club Everton.

But it's not all doom and gloom for Wigan supporters as figures reveal 7% of fans travel more than 5,000 miles during a season to watch their team.

What do you think? Add your comments below ...

More than 4,000 football fans from across the country were interviewed for the survey.

Figures revealed football fans are travelling an average 132 miles less to follow their teams, compared to last year.

It is thought rising ticket prices and fuel costs are to blame with a 17% increase in petrol prices since 2006.

Matchday costs for fans have risen 7.2% since the start of the year and by 31.5% compared to January 2006.

Fans who travel by train have seen average rail fares rise by almost 10% compared to last year.

Grant Bather, from Virgin Money, said: "Travelling to games costs, not just in time, but in cash and, increasingly, fans are staying at home.

"The high price of petrol and rail fares make travelling an expensive business and for fans the cost doesn't stop there, pre-match pints, tickets and match programmes all add up to a day at the ground being a big commitment.

"Different kick-off times with late Saturday games, Sunday games, Monday games and mid-week games make travelling difficult.

"It might be good news for weekend traffic levels but it's not good for the game and a shame for those keen to see their team in action."

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  • Last Updated: 27 November 2009 4:01 PM
  • Source: Wigan Evening Post
  • Location: Wigan
 
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1

Mistress Ploppy,

27/11/2009 16:12:09
Why not save a lot of money and just travel to the nearest game being played? Supporters will see a similar mix of players with unpronounceable names who will disappear from memory as soon as the lure of the ££££ takes them elsewhere to another club. As someone who gave up on football years ago due to losing it's "local club" appeal, I fail to see what the attraction is for people to affiliate themselves to a club, where they will cheer a player one week when he's on "your side", and then hate him the next week when he's been transferred.
2

Wasted,

27/11/2009 16:47:49
Can't agree more.
3

,

27/11/2009 17:23:26
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
4

shugga,

wigan 28/11/2009 00:40:44
just hope they get drubbed again and youll get your money back
5

bluehaze,

28/11/2009 03:09:44
How is it a typical female comment? She's RIGHT, and I bet if you asked alot of men, they'd agree.

Get your head out of the 18th century will you.
6

The Realistic Latic,

Ashton 28/11/2009 09:52:28
Yes, definate female response. Loyalty to a club not understood by most females I'm afraid. As proven by Ploppy, Wasted and Blue Haze.
7

Mistress Ploppy,

28/11/2009 10:51:09
"Yes, definate female response. Loyalty to a club not understood by most females I'm afraid. As proven by Ploppy, Wasted and Blue Haze."

Spelling, grammar and making oneself clear are not understood by many, as demonstrated by The Realistic Latic.
8

ytrewq,

Wigan 28/11/2009 13:32:42
3rd Rate team in a 3rd rate sport.
We should have local people representing their own towns.
That way we would have some local interest.
I would sooner pull my own toenails out than pay good money to watch this overpaid, under-skilled bunch of foreign wasters.
Watch local football and rugby teams in the lower levels. More interest, lot less cost, involvement of the local community.
9

bluehaze,

28/11/2009 21:57:29
Yeah, 'The Realistic Latic', I think before you criticise other people's opinions simply because of their gender, you should take a look at your own ability to make constructive comments.

I have been stood in a pub whilst a match was on, near a table of men who were discussing exactly the same issue that Ploppy raised. Explain that please.
10

bluehaze,

28/11/2009 21:58:11
ytrewq, are you a woman?
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