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An attendances paradox

The National League North and South divisions offer a similar level of football, but the North attracts far higher attendances. It has ten teams with average attendances of over 1,000 whereas the south divisions has no teams with an attendance above 1,000 (Dartford is top with 909).

Part of the explanation must be the presence of former Football League teams in the North division who have managed to hold on to a considerable portion of their core support. Stockport County still manage average attendances of 3,135 (despite Premier and Football League options nearby) while recently relegated York City attract 2,825. Next comes a rather special club, FC United of Manchester with 1,825 while Salford City with its high profile backers attracts 1,643. Then come another two Football League clubs, Kidderminster Harriers (1,533) and Darlington (1,511).

A similar pattern can be seen in the National League itself with four former Football League clubs heading the attendance table, headed by Tranmere Rovers with an impressive 5,058, followed by Wrexham, Leyton Orient and Hartlepool United.

However, this does not offer a complete explanation as there are three non-league clubs in the North division that have never played in the Football League but still attract average attendances of over 1,000: Chorley, AFC Telford and Harrogate Town. They are followed by two one time Football League clubs who have not held on to their support and have average attendances of around 1,000: Boston United and Southport.

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  1. Chloe4 March 2018 at 06:38

    I think the higher attendances in NLN are helped by a larger away following of those ex league clubs you mention helping to push Chorley, Telford and Harrogate's attendances above the 1,000 mark.

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    1. Anonymous12 April 2023 at 05:00

      This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Anonymous12 April 2023 at 05:00

    Accessibility plays a part I feel

    ReplyDelete

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