Hi Proph, if we take the urban catchment Norwich is about 1/2 the population of Cardiff. Must admit I did not realise Cardiff was that big (including the urban areas). Yes, our support is awesome but it has only been that way for perhaps 6 - 7 years. It has suddenly really caught on since we signed Darren Huckerby all that time ago. Like I said, get in the PL and Bluebirds will see a significant rise in attendance. Stay their for a few years and the requirement for a bigger stadium will be on the cards
Morning Thai, I'm suprised to hear you say that, my memory (admittedly hazy at times ) is (apart from when they were in the top tier) that Norwich were always near the top of the attendances table what ever league they were in.
Apart from the top league we only were in the 2nd tier (except our 1 and only very brief visit to the 3rd tier). Historically the 'good' attendances were only relative. During the late 80' & early 90's we would only average around 16,000 - 18,000 although our capacity at the time was a little over 21,000. It was rare to see a 'sell out' game, even in FA Cup games but generally in that era other teams attendances were also lower. In that era it could be argued comparatively we were well supported but I never felt we were and compared to what has happened in recent years the attendances were terrible. Anything under say 25,800 - 26,000 now is a bad day!
The support that Norwich and Derby get has always impressed me. Relative to their urban size, they both enjoy huge turnouts and have an impressive firm base of "through thick and thin fans". I've been to Carrow Road a couple of times and there seemed to be the feel of a family club. Their attitude toward disabled aupporters was hugely impressive.
Hiya Thai. I think your earlier point about Norwich not spending any length of time in the lower reaches having an impact on support, is very relative. But, I still wonder if Norwich's gates would drop to 2000 if they found themselves in the lower leagues for a while. I get the firm impression that while their attendances would fall, it would not be to the same degree that we suffered. It's difficult to say this without sounding critical of the supporters of my own club, but there doesn't seem to be the same level of "unconditional" support at Cardiff. Yes, success will bring out more people at any club, but it seems quite extreme here. Anyway, and thank goodness, we are enjoying a period of relative success and the crowds are pretty good for us. Perhaps we can do things that will ensure that the majority of them will stick around through the bad times too. Good luck today.
Hi Clingo Very hard to know for sure but it perhaps would not be a surprise if attendances did fall in that scenario - lets hope it never happens so hopefully we will never find out The season we got relegated from the Championship our season ticket sales for the next season increased! and that was on the back of very strong belief we could even get relegated to L2 (seriously - many thought just that). The hardcore of years gone by, which was about 12,000 or so has now become 21,000 or so. Tickets have become like rocking horse **** these days. Most of you guys on here know I like Cardiff to an extent and would like to see you guys go up and see how you would cope. Enjoy battering Forest today
As I said - impressive. I'm pretty confident that our ST sales wouldn't increase if we went down the table a bit, let alone get relegated with a fear of a further drop. I'm not critical of our "fair weather" fans - until they dissappear! Not sure we're going to overwhelm Forest today but I'm hopeful of the tree points. Have a good afternoon.
