Vauxhall Motors chairman Alan Bartlam has warned that home crowds need to improve next season if the club is to survive at Blue Square Bet North level.
The Motormen finished the 2012-13 campaign in 12th place but their average attendance figure at Rivacre Park was a disappointing 267, the second lowest in the division behind Solihull Moors (239).
The club ran some ‘bring a friend for free’ offers last season but it did not lead to any significant increase in fans coming through the turnstiles.
“We are unable to survive on such meagre pickings at this level,” warned Bartlam.
The long-serving Vauxhall chairman added: “The club has just enjoyed one of its very best seasons in the Conference North. With a little more luck, we would surely have recorded our best ever points tally, victories and position, by playing the beautiful game the right way.
“Our manager Carl Macauley has done a fantastic job in guiding the club into relatively quiet waters within this highly competitive division – yet the people of the area still don’t seem interested in coming along to watch a great game of football at Rivacre Park.
“I am at a loss to understand why a football town such as Ellesmere Port and the Wirral in general is not right behind us. We are a friendly club, operating on a much lesser budget than many others, and should be perceived as the great underdogs and worthy of everyone’s support.”
During the last Blue Square Bet North campaign, Vauxhall rubbed shoulders with former Football League clubs like Chester, Halifax and Boston United – all of whom boast significantly bigger budgets, with revenue from sizeable home crowds a major contributing factor.
Macauley, working to a much more modest budget and operating with a smaller squad, was able to keep his team clear of relegation danger all season.
The club’s 12th-placed finish was only one place lower than Motors’ all-time highest.
Bartlam said Macauley and his management team had done a ‘tremendous job’, adding: “It is cheaper to watch football at this level at Rivacre Park than any other club in our division, so cost should not the issue (for fans).
“I would welcome any comments on this subject but in reality the only thing that will address it is a significant improvement in our attendances going forward.”
Striker Obi Anoruo has left Vauxhall and signed for Blue Square Bet North rivals Stalybridge Celtic.
Vauxhall will be holding a 'clean up' day at Rivacre Park on Saturday to make sure the ground is in pristine condition for next season.
Work starts at the ground at 10am. Lunch will be provided by the club as well as tea and coffee.
