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Bees in bid to gain more fans
It is easy to take something for granted.
And the people of Barnet appear to be doing just that, as far as their football club is concerned.
The Bees will begin their fourth campaign in League Two this August, no mean feat for a club of their size and resources.
But, instead of gaining more support, they are losing it.
Though Barnet have not exactly set the division alight since their return to the Football League, they have improved each season.
In contrast, attendances have dropped each year.
Manager Paul Fairclough made a point of thanking the fans who travelled far and wide last season, and the Bees are doing all they can to recruit others for the forthcoming campaign.
Supporters are being enticed by 2008/9 season tickets at reduced rates, though they have just over a week to make the most of the bargain offer. It is a deal that equates to just £8.50 a match.
While many were disappointed Barnet never made a serious push for the play-offs, the more realistic realise they are punching well above their weight.
The Bees' average attendance of 2,108 last season was the third lowest in League Two.
The highest league gate at Underhill (3,074) was for the final home game against Stockport County, but that was due to the large number of visitors, all eager to see their side secure promotion.
The lowest gate was just 1,303, when unfashionable Macclesfield Town were the visitors.
Only Dagenham & Redbridge and Accrington Stanley enticed fewer fans through the turnstiles over the course of the season.
Barnet won promotion to the Football League in 2005 on an average crowd of 2,512. Though this was slightly up at 2,578 the following season (their first back in the Football League), the 2006/7 campaign produced an average of 2,279.
Another 100 or so per game have been lost this season. It may not look a huge figure, but it does set alarm bells ringing, particularly as the team have been improving on the pitch, not to mention the many ground improvements completed and forthcoming (see news pages).
Though Barnet say sales of season tickets are up, so to are footballers' wages, as Fairclough, currently looking to strengthen his squad for a serious promotion push, knows only too well.
* Season tickets must be purchased before June 1 to take advantage of the reduced prices. Call 020 8449 6325 or go to www.barnetfc.com for details.
6:49pm Wednesday 21st May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Gary, Barnet on 1:19pm Thu 22 May 08
It is very important for local fans to get behind their football league side.
It is no surprise Barnet's crowds are down when you consider Arsenal have a huge new(ish) stadium much bigger than Highbury, and Chelsea and Tottenham have become more popular with glory supporters in recent years. Even the MK Dons may be pinching a few punters.
I have lived in Barnet for a couple of years but only paid to go to Underhill once, so I suppose I'm part of the problem, but that said, who wants to pay big money to stand on a poor terrace and watch not great football?
The new stand and the lower prices are surely the way forward, and I'm convinced more fans will turn out next season when the Bees launch another challenge for a top half finish.
Tony Kleanthous and Paul Fairclough both do incredible jobs, punching above their weight, and deserve to be rewarded for their sticking with the club.
It is very important for local fans to get behind their football league side.
It is no surprise Barnet's crowds are down when you consider Arsenal have a huge new(ish) stadium much bigger than Highbury, and Chelsea and Tottenham have become more popular with glory supporters in recent years. Even the MK Dons may be pinching a few punters.
I have lived in Barnet for a couple of years but only paid to go to Underhill once, so I suppose I'm part of the problem, but that said, who wants to pay big money to stand on a poor terrace and watch not great football?
The new stand and the lower prices are surely the way forward, and I'm convinced more fans will turn out next season when the Bees launch another challenge for a top half finish.
Tony Kleanthous and Paul Fairclough both do incredible jobs, punching above their weight, and deserve to be rewarded for their sticking with the club.
Posted by: Gav, Barnet on 5:14pm Thu 22 May 08
Attractive football always helps.
I used to watch Barnet regularly during the Barry Fry years simply because you were virtually guaranteed loads of goals (not always in the right net, admittedly).
And the team was relatively successful albeit on a tight budget (half the squad were part-time).
I've been at Barnet when there's been 5000+ but you have to give the punters something decent to watch or they just won't turn up.
Attractive football always helps.
I used to watch Barnet regularly during the Barry Fry years simply because you were virtually guaranteed loads of goals (not always in the right net, admittedly).
And the team was relatively successful albeit on a tight budget (half the squad were part-time).
I've been at Barnet when there's been 5000+ but you have to give the punters something decent to watch or they just won't turn up.
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