Attendances on the up

Last updated : 10 November 2009 By Paul Farrington
The BBC had reported on their Match of the Day programme that the Latics were suffering from poor attendances and almost went so far as to mock the club.

The programme was an insult to Wigan Athletic fans who turned out well for the game with Fulham, who inturn brought around 200 supporters for the game.

The club is believed to be very aggrieved by the reporting from the BBC and has issued a statement via the official website.

The statement reads:

Wigan Athletic Football Club would like to put on record its thanks to the supporters who attended the DW Stadium for the game versus Fulham at the weekend.

Season Ticket Holders and Matchday Purchasers alike supported the current ticket initiatives that the Club is offering and the atmosphere generated by the home support, particularly in the second half of the game, was evident.

Commercial Director Paul Hunt commented, "It was a great effort by the fans with so many taking up the various offers. The real plus point was that supporters are supporting the Club in pushing attendance with so many new, and in particular, young faces at the game. It bodes well for the future."

The atmosphere supported the team performance too with wave after wave of attack that unfortunately wasn't quite able to penetrate the stubborn Fulham defence.

Manager Roberto Martinez was very pleased, "You should be proud of yourselves for the support you are giving to the team and it may be a cliché but you really made a big difference. I for one am looking forward to the next home game versus Sunderland for another great performance from our supporters - thanks again."

The home support has increased for every single game this season with around 80% of the home seating being utilised for the Fulham game, a game the detractors may suggest is an un-popular one. To be going head to head with the pre-eminent game in the country on television (Chelsea versus Manchester United) and on the back of a negative result the previous weekend, the support was extremely positive. Couple this with the current financial climate and the change of date to accommodate the visitors, then the Club is very thankful to everyone who came along to the game.

The home support at the Fulham game was the fifth highest for 18 months. Only the visits of Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United attracted higher levels of home support last season.

Hopefully what was witnessed versus Fulham is a sign of things to come too with some great attacking and possession play from the team that will assist in the Club's drive to increase attendances.

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