A Football Supporters’ Federation survey asked 4000 fans in all four professional divisions about how they rated all their away day experiences based on transport links, turnstiles, stadium layout, food and drink, view of the pitch and security.
The cost of entering the ground itself was deemed important by just 45% of respondents (they obviously didn’t get propositioned with some of the prices we did last season) with more people thinking kick off time was important (53%) and distance of travel (52%). Just 4% said the the likelihood of their team winning was the reason for travelling away.
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the FSF, said: “Away supporters are vital to the health of our game and football matches would be far poorer places without their presence. Football shouldn’t take them for granted.
“If a visitor comes to your home, you treat them well, yet we often hear from travelling fans who feel they’re treated as a problem, rather than as a valued guest.
“Whether it’s high prices or an unfriendly welcome, away supporters are often at the sharp end.
“We want to fix that, stand up for the travelling fan, and highlight those clubs who do it right.
“It’s in everyone’s interests, particularly in terms of atmosphere in the ground, to have healthy away attendances.”
Premier League Ratings (Out Of Ten)
1. Hull City 7.79,
2. Southampton 7.23,
3. Stoke City 6.94,
4. Sunderland 6.93,
5. Leicester City 6.84,
6. Arsenal 6.84,
7. Swansea City 6.72,
8. Newcastle United 6.68,
9. WBA 6.63,
10. Manchester City 6.53,
11. Spurs 6.11,
12. Everton 5.80,
13. Burnley 5.76,
14. Aston Villa 5.69,
15. West Ham United 5.58,
16. Chelsea 5.52,
17. Manchester United 5.40,
18. Liverpool 5.32,
19. Crystal Palace 4.94,
20. QPR 3.58
Plenty of work to do then, although a fairly harsh rating, all things considered.
