Why they don't support Wrexham 

Ruthin-based Mark Williams explores a vitally important issue

With Wrexham's dwindling attendances causing continuing concern, I decided to do some research into why some people I know who all live locally do not support their local team.

 EVERTON FAN:
  • How often do you watch the Blues? "About 3 times a season. It's a bit expensive to go more often."
  • Why don't you consider going to watch Wrexham? "To me it's a leisure choice? The atmosphere at Wrexham would be like going to watch Ruthin FC for me."
  • If Wrexham got promoted would you go then? "Not sure. I used to go in the seventies when the ground was full but it only takes a hour to go Everton now the roads have improved."

LIVERPOOL FAN:
  • How often do you watch Liverpool? "Most games. Sometimes I cannot get a ticket if it's a really big match.'
  • Ever considered going to watch your local team Wrexham? "I went out of interest a couple of seasons ago but found it a bit depressing, the quality was a bit below I was used to."
  • Would you go if they got promoted? "Possibly! It's a bit expensive going to Liverpool every week."

MANCHESTER UNITED FAN:
  • How often do you go? "Never any more. Can't get the tickets - mainly watch on the TV."
  • Would you ever watch Wrexham? "No. I saw a match on BBC2 - a Premier Cup game - and it was awful."
  • Did you go to Wrexham in the past? "Yeah, years ago when they had a decent side."

So there you go. It's not going to be easy getting back the sleeping fans of North Wales. I myself as a young child supported Liverpool - be it through peer pressure, glamour etc. In fact if my Dad's car had not been stolen while watching a game, I might not be a Wrexham fan now (he would not take me again so we started going to Wrexham). In those days we had a season ticket and the Yale Stand was full of season ticket holders; somehow I think those days are gone. Even with promotion I could only see crowds of 5,000 or 6,000. Kids want to see the stars they see on Match of the Day. It's going to take a lot of effort to change that.