CROWD figures at English League matches are on course for a new season high of around 11.5 million, continuing the upward trend that began with the launch of end-of-season play-offs in the 1986-87 season.

The play-off system was introduced in the season after attendances hit an all-time low of 16.5 million across the then four divisions of the Football League. And despite the lure of the Premiership introduced five years ago attendances in the lower divisions have continued to rise.