Fulham fans ‘will stop coming’ – finance expert makes dark prediction after shock twist
Fulham may risk losing supporters if they continue to keep ticket prices in three figures following the redevelopment of Craven Cottage.
That is according to football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley who exclusively told Football Insider his verdict on Fulham‘s high prices.
Fulham have increased revenue by redeveloping Craven Cottage with a particular focus on expanding their hospitality area for use on non-matchdays.
However, ticket prices at Fulham have caused fury amongst fans, with supporters protesting about the cost of watching Premier League football at the Cottage.
Fulham fans will ‘stop coming’ amid ticket prices
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Plumley does not believe Fulham can continue with the ticket prices currently on offer for fans in the long-term.
“I just think you’ve seen that you’ve already seen the fans get very vocal about that in the last few days, and I think, you know, we can talk about corporate hospitality tickets, and I understand why clubs do that,” Plumley said.
“People will pay that kind of money for corporate hospitality, and if you can get that and grow it, that’s a valuable strategy.
“But I think charging a £100 in this in the football industry we’re in right now and everything else is going on in the wider social environment, I don’t think you can sustain ticket prices of £100 to regular fans.
“I just think they’ll stop coming ultimately, and you run the risk of losing a few fans there.
“So, yeah, I think that too high given the context of Fulham and where they’re at at the minute for the normal match day prices.
“And I think you’ve got to look to do it in other ways. Again, we might see them come out with high ticket prices for the next few games because, you know, they might think that’s the only way they can do it.”
Fulham’s home form could decide Premier League status
Fulham’s 3-0 win over Wolves was their second Premier League win at Craven Cottage with only Arsenal having won at the West London club this season.
However, Marco Silva’s side are only one point above the relegation zone, as they have only picked up a draw on their travels so far, and could find themselves in a relegation battle.
Their home form will therefore prove vital, but Fulham have fourth placed Sunderland and title challengers Man City as their next opponents at the Cottage.