Crewe Alex: Davis looks to entice new generation of supporter
CREWE'S emphasis on youth development is not just limited to the pitch as manager Steve Davis seeks to attract a younger crowd to Gresty Road.
The Alex are averaging a gate of 4,778 for home games in League One this season and Davis is keen to take that figure over the 5,000 mark.
To do so, he thinks the club should embrace their family-friendly reputation and explore avenues to encourage a younger generation to more games.
"The younger supporters are the future of the club. I'd like to see more younger supporters coming here, and maybe we need to find a way to do that," he said.
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Crewe are currently 11th in League One, just three points adrift of the play-off places, and their success this term has been largely based on some fine home form.
They won 16 of their 25 home matches in 2012, losing only four.
Their record for 2013 took a dent when the Alex lost 2-1 to Stevenage on Saturday, but crowds are already up by 500 from their level in League Two last season.
Davis feels that supporters are right to keep looking upwards, and hopes to nurture lofty ambitions in the fan-base.
"Obviously the expectation from last season has grown and rightly so," he added.
"That expectation is there and at certain times they'll be unhappy with some things that we do, but they tend to be very patient with us and our young players at this football club.
"Our fans have really got behind us the last 18 months, especially away from home where they have been brilliant.
"If we could just get another 500 to 1000 at home that would be nice."
Crewe's average gate peaked when the club were playing in the Championship and reached 7,741 in 2003/04.
Davis believes the fans have become used to being entertained at Gresty Road, but stressed that they also need to see positive results to keep coming back.
"They have been used to Dario (Gradi) being here for a long, long time and doing a fantastic job," he said.
"Crewe have been spoilt in terms of how the team has played, what sort of football that has been played and the entertainment that has been provided.
"Our fans expect to be entertained and to win some football games."
RORY RAINE
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