[ Sat 10th Dec ] v Lincoln Utd, KO 3pm NPL1S HOME

[AFCRD_Dan]

More people will stop watching Rushden & Diamonds than begin watching them. The clubs fanbase is clearly based on Rushden & Diamonds fans, and many of these will move away/get bored of watching the standard of football on offer. The chances of one existing R&D fan stopping watching is higher than a potential new AFCRD supporter in the area starting to watch us.

E.g. myself, regularly came to games with Dad and/or 2-3 mates when AFCRD started. Move on four years and both me and Dad moved away from the area and friends are all abroad post-graduation. Even last year when in London went to 6/7 away games and the odd home game because I felt more invested in the season. Compare to this season, I won't go to a game this season unless we make the play offs because I don't think 4 hours commuting time is worth it to watch regular season games at Home and obviously won't be travelling to the opposite side of the country unless I can co-incide with other plans.

I also think the premier league affect doesn't help, not just us, but many non-league clubs no doubt suffer because of the premier league big boys.

It's disheartening to be walking around Rushden high street, and see people wearing Man Utd, Liverpool & Chelsea shirts, usually their kids have the same shirts on as well, I doubt many of those have ever watched them play, other than on the television.

It doesn't help because kids will grow up watching the premier league, idolizing players like Wayne Rooney etc, and show little actual interest in local football teams.

What's wrong with that? Speaking as someone who juggles frequent trips to Old Trafford a season with R&D, if I was a Dad, I'm not sure Id want my kids football education to be Step 4 non league. In Rushden we are probably least affected by big clubs, compared to our rivals in different areas.

Ultimately the fanbase of AFCRD will only increase if we get promoted and players get better/more exciting. People may point to the fact this hasn't necessarily happened thus far but the next few steps are much bigger in impact. I'm not sure some of our players would entice neutrals to part with their cash. I know I'd rather spend £20 to go and watch Sone Aluko and Scott Parker on my doorstep than spend £9 for N1DS.

Nothing wrong with that, it's just a shame that more local people don't choose to support their local team.