It's poor really. Thought we'd top the 23k for JPT but I suppose many casual supporters will say they've already had their day out at Wembley. As long as we win....that's the main thing
99% of fans are going... what's not to like? its just that some are leaving their family's at home this time that's all.. Ureds...
Think it's probably the 'casual supporters' who are boosting it up to 20k. For whatever reasons our fans knock the casual supporters attending only the glamour ties. Except when we fail to fill Wembley then the casual supporters get knocked for NOT going to Wembley. 20k is a good effort given the timings, the travel, the costs and the time since 23k last went to Wembley!
That's definitely the situation for me - Mrs Merde came last time and loved it, but a combination of childcare issues and expensive air tickets due to the short time between semi and final, and the fact that all big games are the same to her, means it's just me flying this time. Plus a mate who lives in London and supports Liverpool came last time, as he thought £28 was a bargain for a Wembley final. He's much less enamoured with £40, so decided to give it a miss this time. Fair enough.
I'm going but I'm past caring how many are with me tbh. Entirely focussed on our performance and the result. You Reds!
I intiially hoped for 27-28,000 but then realised that was probably too ambitious given the circumstances. I did however think we'd beat the JPT final following due to the relative importance of the game. 20,000? Yeah I'm disappointed I won't lie, it's less than we took to the Millenium and that felt on the low side plus I always think a smaller following at Wembley always looks worse than it is given the size of the allocation. But hey, it is what it is, I'd imagine those that want to go are going and I'm sure a lot of noise will still be made.
Good job she doesn't read this forum, as I don't think she'd appreciate being referred to as either of those to be honest!
It is an amazing number when you take in to account the economic difficulties surrounding the area. The JPT was a one off so to speak so unless you had a crystal ball you couldn't have foreseen a second visit within weeks. Many families simply cannot afford the second visit so to get 20k plus is remarkable!
Agreed its cost and the lack of time to sell them. Jpt gave people loads of time to decide to come get cheap trains and hotels.
And considering Millwall have shifted 25k themselves, its now looking a respectable total. Up the Reds.