Evolution of Fandom

Supporting your football club in the present day is now more expensive than ever before, with many fans finding themselves priced out of watching the club they love. From match tickets to the half-time pie and pint, prices have risen astronomically, and fans attending away games also have to contend with fuel prices at an all-time high. Here we show the scale of these price hikes with a series of infographics.

Getting Shirty

Back in the mid-eighties just a handful of kit manufacturers existed, and fans were limited to buying shirts by mail order. Many club shirts in 1985 were still unsponsored, and the average shirt price in Division 1 was around £13. Present day shirt prices now average at over £42, and the number of manufacturers has doubled.

Top Tip Resist the temptation to splash out on your club's latest shirt release - why not opt for a more reasonably priced polo shirt or training top instead. Cutting back on small things now will mean that you can stay in a workplace pension and invest in your future.

Win a complete footie kitfor your 11-a-side team

You're Kidding Me!

Parents can often be pressured into buying their football-crazy kids the latest team strip - and they don't come cheap. The average price of an outfield junior replica strip for Premier League teams is £58.

Top Tip Wait until the January sales when junior kits are often heavily discounted.

Facing the drop

A recent survey found that up to 42% of fans are planning to cut back on official merchandise spend this year - a real sign of the times as the recession bites.

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