Bees in bid to gain more fans

6:49pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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It is easy to take something for granted.

And the people of Barnet appear to be doing just that, as far as their football club is concerned.

The Bees will begin their fourth campaign in League Two this August, no mean feat for a club of their size and resources.

But, instead of gaining more support, they are losing it.

Though Barnet have not exactly set the division alight since their return to the Football League, they have improved each season.

In contrast, attendances have dropped each year.

Manager Paul Fairclough made a point of thanking the fans who travelled far and wide last season, and the Bees are doing all they can to recruit others for the forthcoming campaign.

Supporters are being enticed by 2008/9 season tickets at reduced rates, though they have just over a week to make the most of the bargain offer. It is a deal that equates to just £8.50 a match.

While many were disappointed Barnet never made a serious push for the play-offs, the more realistic realise they are punching well above their weight.

The Bees' average attendance of 2,108 last season was the third lowest in League Two.

The highest league gate at Underhill (3,074) was for the final home game against Stockport County, but that was due to the large number of visitors, all eager to see their side secure promotion.

The lowest gate was just 1,303, when unfashionable Macclesfield Town were the visitors.

Only Dagenham & Redbridge and Accrington Stanley enticed fewer fans through the turnstiles over the course of the season.

Barnet won promotion to the Football League in 2005 on an average crowd of 2,512. Though this was slightly up at 2,578 the following season (their first back in the Football League), the 2006/7 campaign produced an average of 2,279.

Another 100 or so per game have been lost this season. It may not look a huge figure, but it does set alarm bells ringing, particularly as the team have been improving on the pitch, not to mention the many ground improvements completed and forthcoming (see news pages).

Though Barnet say sales of season tickets are up, so to are footballers' wages, as Fairclough, currently looking to strengthen his squad for a serious promotion push, knows only too well.

* Season tickets must be purchased before June 1 to take advantage of the reduced prices. Call 020 8449 6325 or go to www.barnetfc.com for details.