7,600 to City on Saturday..... where will that rank in terms of biggest away followings for us?

Play off final's

The Cup replay v b@st@rds was similar. Beyond that you’re probably going back to 60s/70s when there was terracing and few restrictions on numbers.

Carlisle and York when we won the 4th division were special as well. Doubt it they were 7,600, but in terms of percentage of ground occupied they were something else!

Of course, when I say highest, I mean biggest! Highest was probably at Newcastle!

How many did we take to Ewood last time, and Chelsea in 2008?

Didn't we have 9k at Sheff Utd FA Cup 1993? I would say similar at Carlisle in 92, but there were issues with their ground safety certificate from memory. Liverpool 1983 Milk Cup semi was a big following, it was an awesome sight for a 14 year old. And we were bloody loud that evening, despite the 3-0 defeat.

Didn't we take around 10,000 to Sheff U in the fa cup in '93? I actually thought it was closer to 12,000 but I was only 16 at the time so I'm being conservative.

Sean Dyche's Watch wrote:Of course, when I say highest, I mean biggest! Highest was probably at Newcastle!

How many did we take to Ewood last time, and Chelsea in 2008?

Ewood has been about 5k the last couple of times. Chelsea was 6,600.

Highest percentage of total gate must be Halifax back in the day when the home fans were sent to the away end.

It's only in more recent years that away followings have been announced but I'd throw in the Sheff U cup tie and the Carlisle game in 1992 as possibles.

Ewood has been mentioned. The last time we played there in the league (when Super Scott Arfield put the ball in someone's net) we had 4,723 but beat that with 5,135 for this season's League Cup tie.

Very rare these days are the big followings where a new stand would be opened up for us, or they would move the home fans.
PNE last season 5,550 went, I'd have thought we could and would have taken 9,000 to Charlton should they have allowed it. ( they did for Bournemouth the previous season when the won the league)

Other than cup games, where the rule forces a bigger allocation, there cannot be many sides who offer up 4k+ anymore for away fans. That obviously changes if the home side already really struggle to sell the home stands.

Total attendance announced for the Carlisle game was 9,051, and there were more than a few thousand home fans there

UpTheBeehole wrote:Total attendance announced for the Carlisle game was 9,051, and there were more than a few thousand home fans there

I think Carlisle only had a safety certificate up to a gate of 9k, hence the announced gate of a shade over 9k.

Mention of Preston above reminds me of Preston in 1973. A lot of Clarets there that day. Another vote for the 'oldies' was 5th round FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in 1965(they won it in the last minute,believe it or not) where I remember queuing up at the Turf on a Sunday morning with my dad to get tickets and I think we had an allocation of 12,500. Our tickets that day were in the Stretford End. Times have changed.

Officially only Sheff United cup tie is bigger but a guesstimate of 8k were at Carlisle.

Silkyskills1 wrote:Mention of Preston above reminds me of Preston in 1973. A lot of Clarets there that day. Another vote for the 'oldies' was 5th round FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in 1965(they won it in the last minute,believe it or not) where I remember queuing up at the Turf on a Sunday morning with my dad to get tickets and I think we had an allocation of 12,500. Our tickets that day were in the Stretford End. Times have changed.

I was at Deepdale that day. I think the attendance was around the 21k mark and at least half that was us. There was hardly a Preston fan to be seen in 'their' end that day it was a sea of Claret.

Herts Clarets wrote:I think Carlisle only had a safety certificate up to a gate of 9k, hence the announced gate of a shade over 9k.

Clarets Chronicles shows it as an estimated 10,000. The little end was closed down at the time but they had to open it and apparently had no means of counting who was in there. Goodness knows what the attendance was.

Thought we took 10,000 to Port Vale in FA Cup in late seventies ? 2-1 defeat.

Manchester United (1964/65): 12,500 sold out
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that this was the allocation somewhere too?

Manchester City (1959/60): ???
Who knows, but the police were turning fans back over the tops of Manchester Road from 5.30pm, so I’d say A LOT!

Preston (1972/73): 12,000.
I’ve seen reports of 15,000, but I’d always go with the lower figure as I don’t think 15K is realistic all things considered, and fans exaggerate. Even their fans say we took over their ground that day to win the title.

Carlisle (1991/92): 7,500
A police officer we were stood next to in the ground during the game gave us this figure as the Burnley following in the away ends. He told us they’d been briefed to expect 2,500 Clarets, and hadn’t manned up for the following we took. Carlisle announced the attendance at 10,000 exactly, and I think our seasonal video stated “9,000 Clarets” (?) but I’m sure there was a safety certificate issue meaning they couldn’t announce higher? Definitely more than 10,000 inside that ground, and some of their fans have suggested up to 13,000 overall. Anyway, the police have the correct info, so I’d go with 7,500 rather than the 9K.

Sheffield United (1992/93): 8,500
We sold the initial 7,000 quickly and then got more as I recall, which certainly took us over 8,000.

Port Vale (1976/77): 10,000
There were 18,068 on that day, and their home crowds at the time were around the 4-5,000 mark. Their highest crowds that season were 6,449 (League v Brighton who were promoted), and 10,688 (Cup v Hull in the previous round). Must have been 8-10,000 anyway.

Bradford City (1910/11): 7,000 sold out
The year is not a mistake, and it was in their record attendance of 39,146.
Bradford City (2000/01): 3,107
Bradford City (2003/04): 3,451

Chelsea (2008/09): 6,100 sold out

Derby (1991/92): 4,000 sold out
Derby (1999/00): 5,000 sold out

Coventry (1999/00): 4,000 sold out

Watford (2002/03): 4,494 sold out

Tottenham (2008/09): 4,212 sold out ?

Arsenal (2008/09): 5,188 sold out

Bury (1999/00): 5,100

Wigan (1999/00): 6,546

Preston (1999/00): 3,869
Preston (2001/02): 5,208 sold out
Preston (2010/11): 5,456 sold out
Preston (2015/16): 5,630 sold out
* We’ve sold a few out here when only getting half of the stand too

Blackburn (2000/01): 5,100 sold out
Blackburn (2004/05): 7,000 sold out
Blackburn (2012/13): 4,000 sold out
Blackburn (2013/14): 4,640 sold out
Blackburn (2015/16): 4,723 sold out
Blackburn (2017/18): 5,135 sold out

Bolton (2000/01): 5,500 sold out
Bolton (2012/13): 3,634 sold out (?)
Bolton (2009/10): 4,654 sold out
Bolton (2015/16): 3,877 sold out (?)

We also had some sizeable followings at Liverpool down the years too. Milk Cup semi Final? FA Cup games in the 90’s must have been 5,000+ too? What about Sheffield Wednesday for the FA Cup 1/4 final replay in 1982/83?

The Liverpool FA cup game in the 90s must of been a big one as we had all of Anfield Rd and up to the halfway line in the side stand.

Bradford when Ian Moore scored was over 6k. They wouldn't print tickets and the away end had been filled by 2pm. Luckily I walked past the side stand turnstiles as they opened for Burnley fans. They kept moving Bradford fans up until we got half the stand with still plenty locked out.

I reckon the highest away following is at Newcastle, those bloody steps seem to go on for ever!!

Quickenthetempo wrote:The Liverpool FA cup game in the 90s must of been a big one as we had all of Anfield Rd and up to the halfway line in the side stand.

Bradford when Ian Moore scored was over 6k. They wouldn't print tickets and the away end had been filled by 2pm. Luckily I walked past the side stand turnstiles as they opened for Burnley fans. They kept moving Bradford fans up until we got half the stand with still plenty locked out.

I was there that day, and you're right that there might have been more than the official numbers I think (I recall more Clarets turning up, but unsure whether they are included?), but I've now edited in the official numbers in my above post.

Claretforever wrote:Manchester United (1964/65): 12,500 sold out
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that this was the allocation somewhere too?

Manchester City (1959/60): ???
Who knows, but the police were turning fans back over the tops of Manchester Road from 5.30pm, so I’d say A LOT!

Preston (1972/73): 12,000.
I’ve seen reports of 15,000, but I’d always go with the lower figure as I don’t think 15K is realistic all things considered, and fans exaggerate. Even their fans say we took over their ground that day to win the title.

Carlisle (1991/92): 7,500
A police officer we were stood next to in the ground during the game gave us this figure as the Burnley following in the away ends. He told us they’d been briefed to expect 2,500 Clarets, and hadn’t manned up for the following we took. Carlisle announced the attendance at 10,000 exactly, and I think our seasonal video stated “9,000 Clarets” (?) but I’m sure there was a safety certificate issue meaning they couldn’t announce higher? Definitely more than 10,000 inside that ground, and some of their fans have suggested up to 13,000 overall. Anyway, the police have the correct info, so I’d go with 7,500 rather than the 9K.

Sheffield United (1992/93): 8,500
We sold the initial 7,000 quickly and then got more as I recall, which certainly took us over 8,000.

Port Vale (1976/77): 10,000
There were 18,068 on that day, and their home crowds at the time were around the 4-5,000 mark. Their highest crowds that season were 6,449 (League v Brighton who were promoted), and 10,688 (Cup v Hull in the previous round). Must have been 8-10,000 anyway.

Bradford City (1910/11): 7,000 sold out
The year is not a mistake, and it was in their record attendance of 39,146.
Bradford City (2000/01): 3,107
Bradford City (2003/04): 3,451

Chelsea (2008/09): 6,100 sold out

Derby (1991/92): 4,000 sold out
Derby (1999/00): 5,000 sold out

Coventry (1999/00): 4,000 sold out

Watford (2002/03): 4,494 sold out

Tottenham (2008/09): 4,212 sold out ?

Arsenal (2008/09): 5,188 sold out

Bury (1999/00): 5,100

Wigan (1999/00): 6,546

Preston (1999/00): 3,869
Preston (2001/02): 5,208 sold out
Preston (2010/11): 5,456 sold out
Preston (2015/16): 5,630 sold out
* We’ve sold a few out here when only getting half of the stand too

Blackburn (2000/01): 5,100 sold out
Blackburn (2004/05): 7,000 sold out
Blackburn (2012/13): 4,000 sold out
Blackburn (2013/14): 4,640 sold out
Blackburn (2015/16): 4,723 sold out
Blackburn (2017/18): 5,135 sold out

Bolton (2000/01): 5,500 sold out
Bolton (2012/13): 3,634 sold out (?)
Bolton (2009/10): 4,654 sold out
Bolton (2015/16): 3,877 sold out (?)

We also had some sizeable followings at Liverpool down the years too. Milk Cup semi Final? FA Cup games in the 90’s must have been 5,000+ too? What about Sheffield Wednesday for the FA Cup 1/4 final replay in 1982/83?

Cant believe some of our games against the lashers haven't made that list. They used to give us half of the kop and one side of the ground in the early to mid nineties. And Oldham in the Waddle season was a huge following. My very first away game Bury FA Cup 4th round 1980 must also be around the 8k mark.

12,000 at Bloomfield Rd Boxing Day 1972. Won 2-1 with a mate of my best student friend being sent off for them on his debut.

Wrexham we have had some sizable followings too, one in the FA cup comes to mind massive followings in league games their to.
Another not been mentioned is the first game of the season 2009 away to Sheffield Wednesday.
Tottenham league cup at white hart lane 82/83
Plymouth play offs second leg
dont know figures but big followings

Silkyskills1 wrote:12,000 at Bloomfield Rd Boxing Day 1972. Won 2-1 with a mate of my best student friend being sent off for them on his debut.

Kevin Tully

That was him. A Manchester lad as was/is my mate.

Claretforever wrote:Manchester United (1964/65): 12,500 sold out
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that this was the allocation somewhere too?

Manchester City (1959/60): ???
Who knows, but the police were turning fans back over the tops of Manchester Road from 5.30pm, so I’d say A LOT!

Preston (1972/73): 12,000.
I’ve seen reports of 15,000, but I’d always go with the lower figure as I don’t think 15K is realistic all things considered, and fans exaggerate. Even their fans say we took over their ground that day to win the title.

Carlisle (1991/92): 7,500
A police officer we were stood next to in the ground during the game gave us this figure as the Burnley following in the away ends. He told us they’d been briefed to expect 2,500 Clarets, and hadn’t manned up for the following we took. Carlisle announced the attendance at 10,000 exactly, and I think our seasonal video stated “9,000 Clarets” (?) but I’m sure there was a safety certificate issue meaning they couldn’t announce higher? Definitely more than 10,000 inside that ground, and some of their fans have suggested up to 13,000 overall. Anyway, the police have the correct info, so I’d go with 7,500 rather than the 9K.

Sheffield United (1992/93): 8,500
We sold the initial 7,000 quickly and then got more as I recall, which certainly took us over 8,000.

Port Vale (1976/77): 10,000
There were 18,068 on that day, and their home crowds at the time were around the 4-5,000 mark. Their highest crowds that season were 6,449 (League v Brighton who were promoted), and 10,688 (Cup v Hull in the previous round). Must have been 8-10,000 anyway.

Bradford City (1910/11): 7,000 sold out
The year is not a mistake, and it was in their record attendance of 39,146.
Bradford City (2000/01): 3,107
Bradford City (2003/04): 3,451

Chelsea (2008/09): 6,100 sold out

Derby (1991/92): 4,000 sold out
Derby (1999/00): 5,000 sold out

Coventry (1999/00): 4,000 sold out

Watford (2002/03): 4,494 sold out

Tottenham (2008/09): 4,212 sold out ?

Arsenal (2008/09): 5,188 sold out

Bury (1999/00): 5,100

Wigan (1999/00): 6,546

Preston (1999/00): 3,869
Preston (2001/02): 5,208 sold out
Preston (2010/11): 5,456 sold out
Preston (2015/16): 5,630 sold out
* We’ve sold a few out here when only getting half of the stand too

Blackburn (2000/01): 5,100 sold out
Blackburn (2004/05): 7,000 sold out
Blackburn (2012/13): 4,000 sold out
Blackburn (2013/14): 4,640 sold out
Blackburn (2015/16): 4,723 sold out
Blackburn (2017/18): 5,135 sold out

Bolton (2000/01): 5,500 sold out
Bolton (2012/13): 3,634 sold out (?)
Bolton (2009/10): 4,654 sold out
Bolton (2015/16): 3,877 sold out (?)

We also had some sizeable followings at Liverpool down the years too. Milk Cup semi Final? FA Cup games in the 90’s must have been 5,000+ too? What about Sheffield Wednesday for the FA Cup 1/4 final replay in 1982/83?

The Preston figure for '73 sounds about right as we probably had a bit more than half the attendance of around 21k. No way it was 15k as that would make about 6k Preston fans who needed a point that day to avoid relegation. Can't see them only having that many for such an important game for them.

I remember a sizeable following at Blackpool in the FA Cup third round 1975.

Rocket Lawn mentions the FAC game at Bury 80, the Alan Stevenson game! I was going to add that one to the list too.

The Rochdale game at Easter befor the famous Orient match.The whole of Duke Bar ,Accy Road and Burnley wood turned out fer this game.We had a good mob at Crewe the night match last away game of the same season.They were not our biggest away support ever, but we took thousands when it mattered.We thought we were doomed .but the rest is history.

gawthorpe_view wrote:I remember a sizeable following at Blackpool in the FA Cup third round 1975.

I think that might have been around 12,000, and I'm surprised it took so long for someone to mention it.

Waldron scored a late equaliser that was disallowed for no good reason if I remember rightly.

Blackpool fa Cup 3rd round was it not 3/1/1976 not 75?

Stan Tastic wrote:I think that might have been around 12,000, and I'm surprised it took so long for someone to mention it.

Waldron scored a late equaliser that was disallowed for no good reason if I remember rightly.

Thought it was 9,000 tickets ,
I remember we went to Blackpool to buy tickets in the home end so was obviously more as quite a few did this

Oldham 4th round in 74 must have been over 10,000

Blackpool 72/73. Burnley fans filled the whole of the promenade never mind the ground. Barring Wembley this is the most I can ever remember at San away game.

The crowd for the Bury FA Cup game 1980 was 17,700, there must have been a huge Claret contingent.

Was 7 at the time but do remember a few things like the dodgy goal when Stevenson bounced it on the line and a group of us youngsters were told beforehand we had to have a pee before the game started and were given nothing to eat or drink during. I think the parents view was if you get on your feet you lose your seat or wooden bench in the main stand in this case.

Burnley packed the Manchester Rd End plus half the main stand and paddock.

How many went to york that day ??

dpinsussex wrote:How many went to york that day ??

They came to York in their thousands...

COTTY wrote:Blackpool fa Cup 3rd round was it not 3/1/1976 not 75?

Quite probably, 75/76 season?

NL Claret wrote:The crowd for the Bury FA Cup game 1980 was 17,700, there must have been a huge Claret contingent.

Was 7 at the time but do remember a few things like the dodgy goal when Stevenson bounced it on the line and a group of us youngsters were told beforehand we had to have a pee before the game started and were given nothing to eat or drink during. I think the parents view was if you get on your feet you lose your seat or wooden bench in the main stand in this case.

Burnley packed the Manchester Rd End plus half the main stand and paddock.

We lost but a consolation for myself and many others was that we got in for free after someone opened a gate to let a car in and we all piled through.

gawthorpe_view wrote:They came to York in their thousands...

Exactly but how.many ?

I remember the bury game. Boxing day 1999 where we seemed to outnumber the bury fans 2 to 1. We were 4-0 down at half time before missing our 2 late goals.

gandhisflipflop wrote:I remember the bury game. Boxing day 1999 where we seemed to outnumber the bury fans 2 to 1. We were 4-0 down at half time before missing our 2 late goals.

Had to drag myself off the sick bed, wasn't missing that game. Was raining heavily and in doubt with pitch inspections. Unfortunately it got the green light and we were 4-0 down at HT with Steve Davis sent off. If I'd had enough money in my pocket I'd have gone then back to sick bed but my dad decided to stick it out until 10 minutes to go. We heard both our goals on the radio...........how dare we leave early these days?

dpinsussex wrote:How many went to york that day ??

5,000 I believe it was.

Also too 5,300 to Rochdale that year, and I think we’d sold more but for some returns as we’d already tied up the title. Pretty sure the allocation was 5,500? We probably took similar the season before if I recall?

So we’ve also got:

Oldham (1973/74): 10,000-12,000 ?
Their big Boxing Day game at home to Blackburn not long before had an attendance of 10,130.
The attendance for this game was 26,000.

Blackpool (1975/76): 9,000 sold out
Can’t count the fans in the home ends really, but the 9,000 is a lot to sell out anyway.

Bury (1979/80): 10,000
York (1991/92): 5,000 sold out
Rochdale (1991/92): 5,300

The Oldham game was a shambles, with around six thousand Burnley fans in the open end and a couple of hundred in the Oldham end, one of which was me.

This was an all-ticket game so there was no excuse.

I was at the Blackpool game and we had all of the Kop except for the top corner, I reckon 12000 would be about right, but then we always had a massive following at Blackpool, another was Port Vale in the cup when we had a huge following, many more than Vale.

How many clarets were at Watford first game of season when waddle was in charge? I was only about 10 at the time but seem to remember we had a big following that day.

Boll ewood wrote:How many clarets were at Watford first game of season when waddle was in charge? I was only about 10 at the time but seem to remember we had a big following that day.

I think about 4,000 but could be wrong. Huge anti-climax that was!

We filled the entire away stand at Watford for the 1/4 final in 2003, and that was 4,494.

I’ll tell you what I’ve missed, Barnsley:

Barnsley (2000/01): 5,165

The following at PNE on the last day of the 1972-73 season has never been surpassed for a league or cup game. In excess of 15,000, I'd say. Maybe as high as 18,000.