“Bob - Good post, although in the case of Cheltenham, the local population has never REALLY got fully behind their local club - in my opinion anyway. In Gloucestershire, the top sports in order of attendence are: 1) Horse Racing 2) Glos Rugby Club 3) Cricket Festival 4) Chelt Town (possible, thou could be even lower). Even if Chelt got to the Championship, we would struggle to pull in more than 10,000 fans regularly - I think that sums it all up really.

Anyway, Bob, I hope that MA proves you and other doubters wrong - I certainly think the style of football played will be more attractive than under JW + KD, but maybe we will have to wait a couple of seasons for success to return to WR.”

“Jonny - you clearly remember the days when local populations would pour into football grounds on a Saturday afternoon to support their local teams out of sheer loyalty and because, frankly, there were precious few other things for the predominently male population to do on a Saturday afternoon. Those days have gone for all clubs except the most successful. Now people look at things like entertainment and value for money. The Robins are in no different position to so many other clubs and, to have any hope of attracting supporters over and above the diehards, have to provide both of the above. I think most fringe supporters who have drifted away do not consider that the current amount it costs to get into the ground to watch football at the lowest level in the football league represents good value for money. And, of course, they have disappeared because they sat through probably the most depressing season in the club's history.. Many of the supporters on whom the club depends for income are sick to the back teeth of Allen and his childish antics and watching football that had the team stuck at the bottom of the league for virtually the whole season. it is absurd to expect people to come to the football 'just because they should' - football should be entertaining, exciting and worthwhile spending hard earned money on not turgid and boring. If the team is up at the top end of the league by, say, the end of September, some people will return. If the team is struggling and playing boring football, if anything the crowds wil decrease further. Those of you calling for supporters to come to the Robins 'just because they should' are harking back to past days which have long gone. It is Martin Allen's responsibility to put together and motivate a team that will excite the crowds and get them back. Frankly, I don't think he's up to it and will look to get out as soon as he can. Phew !! I need a lie down .....”

“Well Jonny, you should know by now, they're not happy unless they're moaning.”

“theres too many people talking the club down at the moment, to be sucessfull we have to get behind the manager and the club and support the players. If we don't the chances of failure are higher this we don't want.”

“where as the bulls have already made their signing of the season in leon!!

best of luck my son.”