West Brom 'the best supported club' in Premier League
West Brom were the best supported Premier League club last season based on the percentage of their local town versus attendance figures.
With an average attendance of 25,801, the Baggies are not threatening the traditional attendance figures but when compared to the population of West Bromwich (75,405), it is revealed that a third (33.3%) of the town would be empty if they all attended a home game.
Though their season ended with relegation, Burnley can take some heart from being the second best 'pound for pound' supported club in the country. An average attendance of 19,158 combined with the town's population of 73,021 means that over a quarter (26.2%) of the town's population packed into Turf Moor every weekend.
A study conducted by Tailorbet found that Sunderland may have averaged around 8,000 less people in their ground than arch-rivals Newcastle, but when it comes to attendance vs population, the Wearsiders have the advantage. Sunderland's population is almost 100,000 smaller than Newcastle's, meaning their average attendance of 42,960 accounts for 24.6% of the city's inhabitants. In contrast, Newcastle's boycott affected average attendance of 50,262 and city population of 279,100 means that 'only' 18% of the town are in the stadium.
Being located in a big city is an obvious kick in the shins in this study, but when breaking it down by more specific boroughs and towns – some of the biggest clubs fair very well. Manchester United's average attendance may only account for 3% of Manchester's population, but when compared to Trafford – the town in which Old Trafford is situated – the Theatre of Dreams accounts for 33.1% of its local population.
Similarly, Arsenal's average attendance of 59,993 accounts for 0.69% of London's population but 27.8% of Highbury and Islington – the borough in which The Emirates is located.