7 Oct 2010Football fans 'spending less on merchandise'

Football Clubs News | Football Supporters News

English Premier League football fans are set to spend less on official merchandise this season due to concerns over the strength of the economy and the cost of match tickets, a new poll has suggested.

According to a survey carried out by the Football Fans Census (FFC) on behalf of Virgin Money, 42 per cent of supporters questioned said they intend to cut their spending on replica shirts, programmes and other goods this term.

"The cost of going to live games is still a big bite out of anyone's income and something has to give," said Virgin Money spokesman Grant Mather. "That appears to be club merchandise, with replica shirts the biggest target."

Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City look set to be hardest hit with 52 per cent of fans purchasing less merchandise, while 35 per cent of West Ham United followers are planning to pick up fewer replicas.

Last month, another FFC and Virgin Money study revealed that a growing number of supporters are sharing season tickets with other people in an effort to save money.

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Posted by Paul Roberts 

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