Wimborne Town set their highest average league attendance for 2022/23 season

Wimborne Town have recorded their highest ever average league attendance in Southern League Division One for the 2022/23 season.

The Magpies saw an average attendance of 563 at their matches last season, a new record for the club.

Wimborne Town’s finance director and co-owner Lee Merrifield thinks that the team’s good form is impacting the rise of their attendances.

He said: “The team is playing well on the pitch, I think at the end of the day if you put good football on and you’re doing well in the league then you tend to find crowds go up.”

Wimborne finished in 4th place in Southern League Division One in 2022/23, they currently sit top of the table this season.

Merrifield said: “We’re moving in the right direction, and I think the club feels progressive in terms of what we’re doing and what we’re trying to achieve, and people want to get behind that.”

Wimborne increased their average attendances after recording an average of 383 in the 2021/22 season.

Wimborne’s new stadium, ‘New Cuthbury’, has also played its part in attracting more families and young people to games, creating stronger atmospheres on matchdays.

Wimborne’s match reporter Graham Dunn explains that the modern facilities have helped to increase the attendances.

He said: “At the old club they [the facilities] were pretty naff and they were sort of run down, but now you’ve got these lovely new facilities, the clubhouse is terrific and I think that makes a huge difference.”

New Cuthbury’s appeal will also please many fans, and supporters club member Richard Barton thinks the atmosphere is the best part of the experience.

He said: “We play some half decent football, but the atmosphere is building and that’s what football fans want.”

Wimborne Town had the second highest average crowds across the league, falling behind AFC Totton, who recorded a 1,107 average attendance.

The club will be hoping to record a higher attendance average again this season, with their next home match against Willand Rovers on November 25.