Attendances rise again

FOOTBALL

A troubled season of sleaze and controversy failed to stop more spectators watching top-flight football as attendance levels broke the 11 million barrier for the first time in 14 years.

The total Premiership attendance was 11,213,371 (average 24,271), an increase of more than five per cent on last season's 10,644,551 (average 23,040), and 15 per cent better than the 1992-93 season, which saw the launch of the Premiership.

Rick Parry, the Premiership chief executive, described the 1994-95 season as "fundamentally successful but with important reminders that there can be no room for complacency.

"On a number of fronts, effective action has been needed and has indeed been taken. No-one involved in the game should believe that they are bigger than the game itself.

"The game's integrity is paramount and all necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the game is guided by the highest possible standards.

"I want us to spend more time on the development of young players and improved income distribution. I am confident if we can do that we can ensure a healthy future."