tvoc wrote:
I'd have thought crowds decreasing during a recession would be the norm. St Helens bucking that trend is the surprise for me.
Although the marketing efforts will no doubt have had an effect, unless I'm imagining it there has been a new buzz among the fans this season, what with a new coach, just one signing (who we have dropped very lucky with) and a bunch of young guys coming out to play for the first time. Although a number of fans I stand with at home games were somewhat nervous and skeptical about the young guns, those same fans now are itching to see who is playing this game and how well they are doing. Likewise, there was natural caution as well as curiosity about the new coach but we're seeing changes in the team that have been refreshing (with the exception of our discipline, which is disappointing but with Slick Mick - a name I quite like for him! - it was somewhat predictable given the Dragons' record). On top of that, of course, there is tangible progress with regard to the new stadium (the site has been pretty much flattened and no doubt will soon be enjoying a clean up, if the Saints website update is anything to go by).
All in all, the club has had some new life breathed into it this season and I'm sure that has helped, along with the promotional stuff.
However, as others have said, how well we will maintain the numbers seen so far is anyone's guess given that we have yet to have Quins, the Dragons and the Crusaders visit (of course we have Catalans twice with the CC next round, though not sure we count the CC in the overall attendance figures?).
