- Mar 10, 2005
- 40,244
- 64,155
Pretty much. They were getting there during the Keegan and later the Robson years but since 2005 both Ashley and the previous owners have done almost everything wrong and that potential international fanbase has not materialised.I can only assume it's linked to their consistently high home-game attendance figures.
I think at a minimum they bring in crowds in the 40000s, and up to 50000, and did so even in the Championship.
There are hardly any clubs in the UK that can do that.
That said, football has moved on and if you're looking to be considered a truly 'big' club, you have to have an international fanbase and compete in the CL (or at least the Europa League) on a consistent basis.