Stranraer chairman Neil Redhead rates his club's chances of surviving beyond this season as about 50/50. Stranraer lost 8-2 at home today. Such results are unlikely to help their gates. Redhead cites another major problem: "I think you've got so much football on the television that people don't want to come out and watch our type of football."
Will Stranraer become the second borders club in a year to go out of business? One thing is certain; it's not only Scottish clubs that are suffering as a result of locals thinking their time and money is better spent elsewhere.
Albacete, a struggling Spanish second division club were in the top flight just a few seasons ago but gates have dropped to less than five thousand. This despite prices being dropped to between €3 and €8 per game. Very reasonable you would think when it costs €18 to see a bullfight, €15 to go to the theatre, €6.60 for the cinema and even a swim can be more exepensive at €3.70.
Albacete are trying to attract fans back in order to avoid slipping out of the professional ranks.
Do you love your local club enough to support them through thick and thin come rain or shine? If not, would cheaper pricing entice you back?
Albacete info translated and adapted from Marca, 16th April, 2008
