February 2010

And in the 26-year history of the Football League Trophy, the previous best for an attendance outside the final was 24,002 at Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s Stadium in 1994/5.

The news is another huge boost for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, which is already boasting a 37 per cent increase in crowds compared to 2008/09.

A total of 174,824 supporters have flocked through the turnstiles prior to the area finals, dwarfing the 128,034 figure set last season for the same period.

On average, just under 4,000 fans have watched each game played so far this campaign, compared to 2,910 in 2008/09, 3,475 in 2007/08 and 2,377 in 2006/07.

And for the area semi-finals alone, attendances were up by a whopping 170 per cent on last season, with 32,692 spectators watching the four games played, an average of 8,173 per game.

The statistics indicate that the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is more popular than at any stage in its history, in a huge boost to the sponsors.

Sponsorship manager Teresa Hardwick said: “Southampton’s away support at stadium:MK for the first leg was immense, and we are amazed again at their fanaticism ahead of Tuesday.

“We were impressed by the atmosphere generated at St Mary’s earlier in the season when Southampton beat Charlton Athletic in the trophy.

“But the prospect of a packed house, with up to 30,000 fans cheering the teams on, is a mouthwatering one. We are sure that the noise will be phenomenal.”

Meanwhile, Leeds United have sold 1,400 tickets for their trip at Carlisle United in the northern area final, which will be screened live on Sky Sports 3.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.