Colchester United are facing a massive loss of £130,000 on this season's home gates unless they improve dramatically in the second half of the season.
Worried U's chief executive Marie Partner said as she looked ahead to tomorrow's Layer Road clash with Tranmere Rovers: "We must try to turn things around.
"Our attendances are the worst in Division Two and we are pulling out all the stops to bring about an upturn in our gates over the second half of the season.
"Looking at our attendances over the past three seasons we are currently 500 people down per match.
"It doesn't take a genius to work out that even at our cheapest admission fee £10 we are losing a lot of revenue every game and we can't afford to carry on losing that kind of money.
"Manager Steve Whitton and the players are aware of the situation, but it's a simple case of the chicken and egg scenario. Do the fans pour in and spur the players on to better performances, or do better performances from the players attract more spectators?"
Meanwhile, as Whitton takes the U's into the New Year looking for an upturn in fortunes on the pitch, he said: "There are still a lot of points to play for and we will be looking to climb out of danger up the table."
More on Colchester United FC
What are your views on Colchester United? Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board.
Published Friday, January 3, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article