From the Chronicle but I think this is absolutely superb from our fans… “But Sunderland's impressive home run at the start of the season has not been confined to results. Sunderland's attendance of 29,830 was the highest of the weekend across the EFL, ahead of the 27,359 who saw Sheffield United beat Peterborough at Bramall Lane, which means the Black Cats have topped the weekly attendance charts outside the Premier League for every one of their home games, and posted the four highest gates outside the top flight this season.” https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spo...derland-post-highest-attendances-efl-21564300
And if the wins keep on coming, as they will, the crowds will get bigger. Would love a 40k before the end of the season.
Saturday’s attendance was below our average since we were relegated to this level which is a tad disappointing considering our start.
If we carry on as we are I'm sure the numbers will increase as the season goes on. More attendance records for us coming up!
We hold the record ever average at this level, but I still hope the missing thousands get back to the games rather than watch in pubs and the house.
A lot of people can’t afford it these days, just have to watch attendance figures around the country to see that most are down. Makes our numbers even more impressive.
“You’re only here for the [insert opposition name]” every week from the away fans! Obviously not realising we’re there every week!!!
In days gone by we'd already be around 35,000 imo. Covid has made some people wary of mixing, especially older supporters and exiles like myself. Many jobs, and savings, have been lost and the problems with ticketing hasn't helped. I, like others I suspect, are 'keeping their powder dry' for the business end of the season. I do this every season because I need to keep days off/finances in reserve for when the games are more important. I don't think people realise just how many exiles there are and what they have to do to get to games. It's pointless, for most of us to have season tickets, so that's another hoop to jump through. Coordinating with fellow exiles on time/travel/tickets/accomodation has to be considered. No offence but those who can toddle down to the SOL or jump on a service bus have no idea what's involved. For the Cheltenham home game I'm having to drive to their only pick up point, sit on their supporters coach for hours, get back to town, after midnight, and drive home in the early hours. As I'm driving I can't drink and, if we lose, I'll have to suffer their celebrations all the way home after having cost around £80 for the day out. (I still haven't had my coach seat confirmed btw.) Also various branch buses are struggling to get going again, Darlington is just one example. So, excuse the rant, but not everyone lives on Bridge Street. (Posted on behalf of thousands of exiles.)
Our attendances are amazing under the circumstances,and I am sure they will grow,as confidence increases, I wont be surprised if the 40,000 mark is reached before the next window opens.
One thing I'd really love to see .............. given the Mags have already had crowds in the low 40s, how brilliant would it be if, even if only once we could get a crowd higher than their lowest this season? would shut them up for ever.....PL Newc&stle having a lower gate than L1 Sunderland..
For those old enough to remember, during the 'Hurley' era of the 60's, we were the 1st past the one million attendees mark in a single season even though were in the old 2nd division at the time!
Agree entirely Smug, I work three weekends out of six so season card is a no no. I'm keen to get back to going to SOL but the missus has put her foot down 're covid worries, I'm 72 and have underlying health issues. Like you I'll wait til later in the season and reasses and go from there. I've always been in awe of our attendance record both home and away and applaud each and everyone who makes the effort to attend. Last weekend the opposition was hardly mouthwatering even tho it was top of the table, they are not easy on the eye are Stanley, Bolton however are playing just as well and scoring goals so 30,000+ is a distinct possibility.
Those were the days, amazing that the team struggled to get promotion when you think of the players we had in that era, admittedly we started from a low base after the upheavals of our first relegation, but a spine of Montgomery, Hurley and Clough should have been enough alone.
The Keane promotion season was exciting but I missed a fair few due to living in France. I still managed 7 of the last 11 games which was the best part of the season and a great experience ... ... if things work out that were fighting for a top two place on the last quarter, of the season, I wouldn't want to have used up my days off. We're likely to have important games, like Sheff Wed away, shoehorned into midweek in that period. So I have to bear that in mind as well. The amount of lads who'll travel, these days, has dropped so it's often just two or three in the car and that makes every game expensive. I'd go to every game if I could.
Most missing fans want to see a sustained progress and not another Indian summer before committing I'd say.
There's an element of that and it's no surprise. Not everyone is a fanatial 'SAFC before everything' supporter ... ... some go to be entertained which is fair enough. Another aspect is that if a dad/mum takes a couple of kids, who lose interest because of the sad state of things, you lose the parent as well. It's only when the kids want to go again that you get the parent back as they can't always leave their kids at home for 3 or 4 hours.
