North-south divide a burden for clubs

ATHLETIC believe the Football League should explore the possibility of regionalising Coca-Cola Leagues One and Two.

Figures show respective falls in attendances of 5.4 per cent and 3.9 per cent.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy is convinced there are arguments for regionalisation as next season Athletic will have to find the money for up to 14 overnight stays.

Southampton, Charlton and Norwich have all been relegated from the Championship, while promoted from League Two are Brentford, Wycombe, Exeter and Shrewsbury or Gillingham.

“It probably averages £3,000 for an overnight stay so you can see this will be a large item of expense next season,” said Mr Hardy.

Athletic had been rooting for Rochdale or Bury to be promoted via the play-offs, but both bowed out, leaving the distinct possibility of Gillingham joining them in League One.

Mr Hardy added: “When you look at the composition of League One there is already a north-south split, with more southern-based teams.

“I would welcome a study into regionalising Leagues One and Two on economic grounds.
“When you look at the viability of clubs, a visit from Bury and Rochdale would bring more visiting supporters than Exeter and Yeovil.

“Clubs at our level need to bring in more revenue while at the same time look at ways to reduce expenses such as overnight stays.”

Possible “overnighters” next season are Brentford, Brighton, Charlton, Colchester, Exeter, Gillingham, Leyton Orient, Millwall, Southampton, Southend, Swindon, Wycombe and Yeovil.