Attendances

This article offers an interesting look at what is happening to football attendances, arguing that they are stagnating in England and falling in some other European countries.   The writer also argues that, in effect, some clubs have gone for 'vanity' stadiums which they can never really fill and does not create a good atmosphere.

David Beckham helped Los Angeles Galazy to a 2-1 semi-final win against the New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer (MLS) play-offs, putting his team in the Western Conference final.   But he is nearing the end of his five-year contract in the States and is considering his options.   He doesn't want to retire and Paris St. Germain as well as unnamed Premiership clubs have come calling.   Then there is the Olympics to look forward to where the British team is likely to made up of Becks and ten others.

Accrington Stanley's owner Ilyas Khan thinks that the club is not sustainable at the Crown Ground in the longer run and needs to move to a new stadium to be viable.   The club has already had to reduce staff numbers to keep costs under control.   A possible site for a £7m stadium has been identified near Hyndburn Sports Ground and Mr Khan might be prepared to contribute £2m towards the cost.

Coventry City have seen a long slow decline in attendance.   Last night's crowd of 12,822 for the game against Blackpool could be one of the smallest in a league game the club has seen for some time.  Poor performances on the pitch, the struggling local economy and discontent with the owners could all play their part.