League attendances rise

The Football League have confirmed a 5% rise in attendances over the first half of the 2004/5 season.

More than 9.4 million fans have watched matches in the League’s three divisions so far this season at an average of almost 10,000 per game.

The rise is largely due to the relegation from the Premiership last season of Leeds United, who still attract gates just below the 30,000 mark despite their continued struggle.

However the figures represent a boost for the League which last season boasted its biggest attendance figures for 40 years.

Football League chairman Brian Mawhinney said: “These figures are very encouraging – clearly our clubs are providing competitive and exciting football.

“We hope this season’s figures will turn out to be even better than last season’s figures.”