FOOTBALL IN BRITAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20133, 30 December 1939, Page 9

FOOTBALL IN BRITAIN

CROWDS AT MATCHES BRINGING THEM BACK How arc the crowds to be brought back to football? This question is being examined, and, with the season still six months to run, it is believed that the position might be considerably improved, states an English writer. It is pointed out that other sports are making definite moves to overcome the difficulties which were immediately experienced when the war started, and it is felt that the restrictions originally imposed have now been sufficiently relaxedw to create greater possibilities for football. The clubs probably see the chance to make more money than under present Conditions, and bring about a revival of public interest in the game. They will not do that by giving bonuses lo players. That would simply be tinkering with a situation which may require to be completely remodelled. lam afraid the tendency is to blame the Association authorities for the present state of affairs, but the clubs themselves threw up their hands immediately war was declared. It was realised that these precipitate decisions were a mistake but without waiting for the position to be clarified and to see how if would develop, pressure was brought to bear on the management committee, and the regional competitions were the result.