I'M SURE I wasn't alone in feeling disappointed at the low attendances at last weekend's FA Cup 3rd Round clashes.
Next week I will be at St Mary's to watch Saints entertain Derby County in the third round replay but it would be really good to see a full stadium.
Maybe the club could help here by slashing admission prices to enable those on limited incomes – including many families with young children – enjoy a cracking cup-tie. I'm sure any potential loss in turnstile revenue would be adequately compensated by increased catering and merchandise receipts.
Maybe the local bus companies could also chip in a bit by providing free public transport for ticket holders on those routes serving St Mary's. We've already seen the elimination of a number of Premier League sides – some at the hands of lower division teams – and there will be further casualties in the next round.
If Saints overcome County next week we face the prospect of a trip to Accrington (somewhere in East Lancashire between Blackburn and Burnley). For old romantics like me, I relish opportunities like this where we can be reminded that the magic of the FA Cup is not entirely lost.
Dave Shields
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