Once again yesterday the gate at Edgar Street, for the game against Burton Albion, was disappointing. Although Hereford United are ninth in the Conference, they are only eight points behind leaders Grays Athletic and there is plenty of time to improve from that position and finish in the play-off zone. But will the fans return if the performance improves? Or are they voting with their feet because of the lack of goals?
Taking a look at the last three seasons, the trend is plain to see.
Up to the same point in 2003, the Bulls had scored 38 goals. In 2004 the Bulls had scored 26 goals. This season they have only bagged 15.
And for the corresponding home game, the gates show the same trend.
In 2003 on October 13th against Dagenham and Redbridge the attendance was 4325. Last season on Oct 16th the gate against Woking was 2878. Yesterday against Burton it was only 2493 and that included 155 in the away end.
The average home gate for Conference games this season at Edgar Street is 2604. According to Confguide at this stage last season the average was 3286. That is a drop of 21%. That equates to a probable drop in gate receipts of around £5,000 per home game or some £35,000 this season so far.
If the trend continues for the whole of the campaign receipts could be down by £100,000 which would probably mean a loss situation for the club.
As well as a climb up the league table perhaps the entertainment value of the football at Edgar Street needs to be improved.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Rushall At Home In The League On Saturday 30th November At 3.00pm