The Cost of Following Your Club

Hereford United manager Graham Turner recently commented that the credit crunch could make a difference to attendances at games this season.

"Season tickets have held up extremely well - you would expect that having been promoted - but to counter that people, there's a lot of hardship ahead for families in particular," said Turner.

"So I think it is going to be a tough time financially for a lot of companies, individual families.

"We hope we don't feel it too badly in terms of the size of the attendance."

This morning a Swansea City fan has revealed how much he thinks following his club might cost. The costs in the Championship are a little higher than in League One but the principle is the same.

Phil Sumbler, 37, a business development manager, of Llwyn Arian, Margam, told Wales on Sunday: “Although I go to about half the total season’s away games, I tend to pick and choose the ones which have the most atmosphere.

“The Tuesday games are the most difficult ones to get to because of the difficulties of getting away from work. Having already had a look at the fixtures, games like Charlton Athletic will cost up to £30 (for a ticket).

“If you drive, you’re looking at £40 worth of fuel. Stretching the cost by getting a few other people in the car will save you money, but you’ll still have to shell out at least £10. Add in to that the Severn Bridge toll, £5.30; £5 to £10 on food; £5 for a couple of beers; and about £5 for a programme. The cheapest you’re going to get away with, from all that, is about £60 to £70.

“For a family making the trip you’re taking about spending £150.”

Phil has been a Swansea City supporter for 30 years.

“I would say the cost of attending all 23 away games for a Swans fan this season will be about £1,600,” he said. “Those with a season ticket will have already spent £400 and then there’s the food, drink and taxi which goes into that.

“It is not inconceivable the average Swansea fan this year will spend £3,000 following the team.

“But it’s very rare I’ve ever come home from an away game and focused on how much money I’ve spent. The passion takes over and it’s something you want to do.”

Interestingly the paper also interviewed Phil's wife.

PHIL Sumbler’s sweetheart Angela was faced with a stark choice when she moved to Margam from Bolton in 2002 – follow Swansea City or become a football widow.

The loyal wife caved in and bought a season ticket for the Vetch Field, beginning a love affair with the Jacks.

The 34-year-old mum-of-two now sees their Saturday afternoons at the Liberty Stadium as valuable husband-and-wife time.

But she admitted she is left “holding the kids” – the couple’s two daughters, Lucy, four and Gemma, three – on Swans’ away days, when Phil drives up and down the country following his team.

She said: “I don’t really mind because I knew what he was like when I married him.

“But it can get frustrating at times, especially if he has been away in the week as well.

“Sometimes Lucy asks why daddy has gone away watching football all the time.”

And Angela, a health screening coordinator, revealed even her 34th birthday celebration came second to a midweek tie when Swansea beat Walsall 2-0 at the Liberty in the Football League cup.

“We couldn’t go out for dinner but it was something I had to put up with,” she said.

But tolerant Angela doesn’t begrudge Phil splashing cash following the Swans, adding: “Him spending money can get frustrating, but I just use it as an excuse to have a night out with the girls or buy some clothes.”

And when Phil is on the road with the Jacks he stays in touch with Angela, giving her regular updates of the on-field action.

“I get texts if there’s been a goal, a penalty or a sending off, then a phone call when he’s back in the car on the way home,” she said.

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