Fans abandon Preston in worst season.

Championship team Preston North End have been made to suffer by their fans in what has been the club's worst season in four years.

Figures taken from the club's website show average attendance at Championship games has fallen by almost ten per cent this season to 12,576.

Preston, who had their Premiership promotion hopes dashed last year by a poor run of form, won only two of their first ten games this season.

The club's poor start to the season led to the dismissal of manager Paul Simpson, who had earlier blamed fans for the team's poor performance.

Andrew Steel, 20, a Preston North End supporter, of Leighton Street, Preston thinks the club should have predicted the drop in attendance.  He said:

"You're always going to get fans who drift away when a club is underachieving.  Preston  got off to a poor start and shouldn't be surprised to lose their supporters."

Driving instructor Frank Foxcroft, 53, of Boot Lane, Bolton believes fans will always react to a teams performance:

"You can't expect the fans to support the club when the club doesn't provide for them.  You'll get die hard fans but the majority expect results."

Since joining the club in November, new Preston manager Alan Irvine has reversed his team's fortunes, providing a strong end to the season to impress the fans.

Helen James, 24, of Wildman Street, Preston thinks clubs rely on their fans loyalty.  She said:

"Supporters should back their club no matter what, especially when they are underachieving.  It's when they're needed most.

"Preston have proved themselves toward the end of this season and a lot of so-called fans have clearly missed out on that."

Nicky Strang, 30, an entertainment manager, of Dehalind Way, Preston agrees:

"You should support your side through the highs and the lows.  That's what makes you a true fan.'

Preston meet Plymouth away this Saturday.