How many clubs in the top flight are managing to maintain last season's attendances?
Take away the three promoted clubs ... and I would say NONE!
At every other ground across the country numbers are falling at an alarming rate.
Many of Newcastle's dismayed supporters have stayed away from St James' Park this season, and even away trips which have traditionally been sell-outs ... Old Trafford and Goodison Park ... have had unsold tickets.
Although there are extenuating circumstances on Tyneside, Newcastle's figures for their last two home games have fallen below the 50,000 mark for the first time in a decade.
Take away the three promoted clubs ... and I would say NONE!
At every other ground across the country numbers are falling at an alarming rate.
Many of Newcastle's dismayed supporters have stayed away from St James' Park this season, and even away trips which have traditionally been sell-outs ... Old Trafford and Goodison Park ... have had unsold tickets.Although there are extenuating circumstances on Tyneside, Newcastle's figures for their last two home games have fallen below the 50,000 mark for the first time in a decade.
Their last home game - against Blackburn Rovers - was 5,861 down on the corresponding fixture last season.
Sunderland hosted Arsenal on the final day of last season and even though the North-East club were already safe, the fixture attracted a crowd of 47,802.
Last week they managed just over 40,000 - a reduction of 7,603.
Everton's televised home game with Newcastle was down 5,787 on last year, Sunderland's visit to Aston Villa was down 4,234 on last season, Blackburn hosted champions Manchester United at the weekend with 2,995 fewer spectators and the London derby between Fulham and West Ham was down 1,334.
If any proof was needed ... the Premiership has reached saturation point.