4 Nov 2009Match attendance on the rise at Bolton Wanderers

Football Finance News | Football Supporters News

Bolton Wanderers saw attendance levels at the Reebok Stadium increase by eight per cent last season, new figures have revealed.

Data released by the English Premier League club's parent company Burnden Leisure shows that the average crowd was 22,485 during the 2008-09 campaign, up from 20,900 the previous year.

The company also reported a three per cent rise in turnover to £51.8 million, although overall losses increased from £8 million to £13.2 million.

"Despite the difficult economic conditions and the challenges that brings, our objectives remain clear and focused," commented Allan Duckworth, chief executive of Burnden Leisure.

Meanwhile, Preston North End midfielder Richard Chaplow has claimed that the team has been unaffected by a recent slump in attendance levels at Deepdale.

Just over 12,500 fans watched the Championship side's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend, but Chaplow said he understands why some supporters may be choosing to stay away.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "The bottom line is people just can't afford to come and if that's the case then who are we to say that they're wrong for doing that?"

Written by Mark Thompson

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