In defence of away fans

There was a time, not so long ago, when Motherwell could count on the backing of around 1,500 fans for any game in reasonable travelling distance. That included trips to Rugby Park, the Edinburgh grounds and those closer to home in Glasgow and Hamilton. That was reciprocated by our opponents. St Mirren and Falkirk brought well over 1,000 and Hearts and Hibs could easily deliver 3,000 to 4,000. If either of the big Glasgow teams came to Fir Park a sell out was almost guaranteed. Remember when the South Stand was opened? We made an offer to fans of Rangers and Celtic that would guarantee them the chance to buy a ticket when their teams visited! Too often they could pick their seat nowadays.

Empty away stand

There are many factors that have contributed to the long term decline of attendances in Scotland, some obvious examples are the cost of travel, the quality of football on show and the over exposure of the game on television. But time after time supporters cite the outrageous prices charged for entry.

This criticism is directed at all clubs in the league. Every one of them has to take responsibility for shutting customers out. There is a desperate need for a collective plan to revive the old custom of following tour team home and away. A few diehards keep the tradition alive but the pay a hefty price for the privilege.

Motherwell charge visiting fans £22 to watch their team (and that also applies for the Friday Football experiment on Friday 2 December), £25 if the Old Firm visit. Celtic and Rangers charge a similar rate for the few hundred that are given the worst seats at Ibrox and Parkhead. Aberdeen are looking for £23 when we visit next Saturday and they have a concession rate of £17!! What inducement is a £21 ticket to encourage St Jonstone fan to visit Easter Road?

With all respect to the players who ply their trade north of the border, we have to realise that the Scottish game is not the best football league in the world or anywhere near it. Clubs need to raise their sights beyond the short term mania that forces prices ever higher and begin to foster long term committment.

Most of the travelling regulars are already season ticket holders but many of their fellow fans would be tempted to take to the road if a little realism crept into the pricing policy. What is the sense in individual clubs offering decent discounts for their home games, making every effort to ensnare potential supporters with free tickets for kids, family deals and all the rest if they turn their backs on a ready made audience by viewing away fans as a cash cow?

The time for an 'away season book' is long overdue. Participating clubs could share the pot and the result might be that we revive the tradition of supporting your team home and away. Football spectators are creatures of habit and if clubs do nothing to reverse the trend many will find other avenues to fill their Saturday afternoons (and their Friday nights!).