Fatboys Limb wrote:
I'm quoting the only season in the Prem at Burnden and the current season - how is that 'to suit my argument?!'
What other figures could be any more relevant?! Your comment about the old 3rd Division (we were actually in the old 4th when I started following them) is just nonsense. I wouldn't mind putting money on the fact that we'd get less at the Reebok in League 2 now than we got in Division 4 back at Burnden though!
I fully appreciate what the Reebok has done FOR Bolton (and don't disagree with any of the examples you give) but I've also seen (at close quarters) what the Reebok has done TO Bolton, and it's certainly not all positive. My worry is the Salford will blindly ese the positives and ignore the negatives, and increased attendances are a prime example of that.
The first year in the Prem was a novelty and Bolton were bound to attract more fans, even to burnden. I am sure it brought back lapsed/casual supporters who wanted to see them play bigger teams with world class players.
I also share your concern like many about the club wasting an opportunity and not maximising on the potential the new stadium could offer. I appreciate it's not just a case of build it and overnight we will have thousands of new fans turning up.
It's about the club gaining some momentum now, the strength and efforts of the team on the field, entertaining people, great marketing, positive spin and offering value for money. Unfortunately due to years of disappointments our own hardcore support are probably not selling the club to others either with so much critisism and negativity. I can feel the negative atmosphere at the games and it must put off any potential new supporters who visit the Willows for the first time. I'm guilty of it, I have regularly criticised the team to friends and work mates days after a poor result without realising the negative impact it must have on attracting new support.
Perhaps we should all take a look at ourselves too and ask are we doing all we can to help our club at a crucial period in the clubs history?