Quote Originally Posted by LesBradd4England View Post
The National League is a tough league. History tells us teams do not generally bounce straight back. What you have to consider is the ultimate fate of those teams.
For some their is the acceptance of why they are relegated and the fierce determination to regain league status. fans and communities rally round, attendances can increase and clubs and their true supporters become stronger. Think of Lincoln, Luton, Tranmere and even Mansfield, who eventually returned. The likes of Wrexham, Leyton Orient continue to enjoy stronger support than they did in later league days and winning if not promotion seasons.
Even further falls into Conference North and South has served to galvanise clubs like Stockport and Torquay with no massive reduction in spectators.
I'd rather my money be spent on a 20 man squad earning their £800-£1000 per week which is about average for the National League than pay an bloated squad of 38, most of who never kick a competitive ball all week
Do not be mislead by the term "league football" there is little difference in quality. This is just snobbery.
Whilst it would be devastating to be relegated, it is how we approach it that would be of most importance.
The one thing I know about Notts County, is the fan base is sound for around 3,500 irrespective of relegation. A winning team no matter what standard draws casual supporters. I am confident a winning (not necessarily) a promotion winning team would average 4500-5000. Spend the income wisely, employ a manager comfortable in those surroundings (we have one) and we can begin to look upwards not down.
True, the National League is tough. The quality isn't noticeably different to L2 really. I mean most National League clubs would hammer Notts on current form. As for our fan base, it depends on many things. If Forest make it to the Prem, which is bound to happen eventually, they'll be 5 divisions above us, and entertaining world superstars each week. It will be very difficult to persuade new fans to come and watch Notts in that case. I reckon if we were up the top of the table, with a decent manager that everyone liked (like Ardley) and some decent, honest players, we'd get around 4000 average. But if we end up struggling, or just kicking about in mid-table for a few years, and Forest continue to be a decent Championship side or, god forbid, a Prem side, we'll surely see crowds dwindle.