Hi everyone. Some of you might know me from Bluesky but this is my first post on here so please be kind 🙂

Having seen a Notts fan elsewhere recently claim that the club’s rise in attendances over recent years was just reflecting the current trend that all clubs have seen post-Covid, I thought I’d investigate this a little further.

I looked at the clubs who were in League 1 & League 2 in 2025/26 & compared their average attendances with the averages those same clubs got in 2019/20 - the season that was interrupted near the end by Covid.

The average attendances for L1 & L2 crowds from 2019/20 - 2025/26 increased by 20.75% (13 clubs have actually seen a drop in average attendances in that time). During that period, Notts’ average increased by a massive 100.23%, which was not only almost 5 times the overall average but the 6th biggest % increase out of the 48 clubs.

We also had the 4th biggest increase in terms of the number of people through the turnstiles which went up by 5222 and was only bettered by Bolton, Bradford & Plymouth. The average increase in attendances for the 48 clubs was 1379. Proof, if it were ever needed, that our growth far exceeds any general trends and it is likely to increase significantly next year. These really are great times to be a Notts fan.

@Matt

That's a really interesting bit of research and it completely undermines the idea that Notts' growth is simply following a wider post-Covid trend.

If the average attendance increase across League One and League Two clubs was 20.75%, then a 100.23% increase at Notts is clearly something exceptional rather than normal. Being almost five times the average and ranking sixth out of 48 clubs shows that what has happened at Meadow Lane is driven by factors specific to the club, not just a general rise in football attendances.

The data suggests that the club has successfully re-engaged supporters, attracted new fans and built momentum both on and off the pitch. If performances continue and the club keeps progressing, there's every reason to believe attendances can rise further. For a club that was in the National League not long ago, it's a remarkable story and a great time to be a Notts fan.

I think the increased attendance at games is more than just following the general trend in football. Since the brothers took over there has been a gradual momentum building at the club. Although some fans may criticise the off-field investments saying we need to spend more on recruitment, The Nest, Padel Courts and the collaboration with Nottingham University have all been significant contributions to the overall momentum. The general style of play that is being tweaked as we climb the pyramid has also play a role. It's seems that our progress is not just some random approach, but a clear structure for continued success. The owners are intelligent businessman who know what they are doing. They would not be investing money into the club if didn't have a clear objective. Hold on tight, yes there will some bumps in the road, but lets enjoy the ride! COYP!

16 hours ago, Michael D Pie. said:

For a club that was in the National League not long ago, it's a remarkable story and a great time to be a Notts fan.

That's what makes it even more impressive really, because the growth started in the 5th tier. I think the brothers were brave in wanting a possession style of play at the level but it definitely worked. We didn't have, bar one or two, the big name opposition to attract the fans but the excitement in the way we played basically became the pulling factor. I think we broke the NL attendance record twice, I remember the Yeovil one because that was 16,000 and that is probably going to stand for a long time.

I think the increase in attendance for Notts is also down to Notts attracting, families, & the casual supporter due to Notts competitive tickets prices.

The people of Nottingham & surrounding areas are being attracted by good attacking football, that is leading to success at an affordable price.