Ipswich got relegated two weeks ago when we drew against Birmingham and it could be argued we've been down since March given our poor form. Also, our attendances are well down on what they were 10 years ago, falling as low as 13-14k under Mick McCarthy last season. It's only improved as alienated fans have returned. We averaged 19k-23k in the mid 2000s.

However, comparing these is like chalk and cheese. We have 15.5k home fans and 12.5k season ticket holders. No away club has ever taken 10k fans to an away game barring major events, so you're left with home support.

We're also in a sport where we're saturated by the amount of times we play teams. In football, you play a team once home and away. In the stupid new loopy system you can play the same team 3 teams in the league, 4 times including play-offs, 5 if you meet in the cup and 6 if you meet in the Grand Final. 7 if you play a pre-season friendly against each other. It's too much.

You want fans to travel to a game you have to make it unique or a rarity. Cas have got Leeds at Headingley again in two weeks. It may be down the road but why would fans be bothered about attending again when you've done it once already? Playing at Elland Road made it more of an event and attracted fans including neutrals.

There's also the excitement of playing different teams in football and doing the '92' because there's more teams - unlikely in rugby league!

If I were selling oranges and my shop was up for refurbishment, but I knew I was the #1 orange seller in town, would I:
A/ just sell fewer oranges and run the risk of my buyers going elsewhere
or
B/ Take a hit on the rent of another shop for a couple of years and make sure my Orange buyers requirements were met?

Attending games is a habit......those fans who've not bothered for 2 years may not bother again........or they might, but I for one would have treated them with the ultimate respect and courtesy when the building work was being done.

As for digging a hole? I am someone who posts and deals in facts......I am fully aware that Leeds have had a reduced capacity over the last couple of years.....but my point is that id they were limited to 12,800 or 13,500, surely the rush for tickets would have seen HOUSE FULL posters......it hasn't!

That orange comparison to being a fan of a CERTAIN sports team really is extremely bad. If you like oranges you can go elsewhere and get the exact same product. If you’re a Leeds fan, possibly for decades you can’t get that anywhere else.

Whilst yes the force of habit can have an effect you just put the effort/time/resources/promotion etc. in to make sure you get them back and/or new fans in and you’ve got nothing say Leeds won’t be doing just that.

You’re right. Attending games is a habit. Whatever you do in this situation is changing that habit. Leeds could have played at Elland Road every week. But that wouldn’t have increased crowds particularly. Yes Leeds got high crowds for 2 games there last season. But they were one-off’s. That crowd level would not have been there all season because, as you say, it’s a habit and Rhinos fans habits are going to their spot or seat at Headingley not Elland Road.

With regards Leeds, doesn't help having both Leeds teams playing at the same time. Twice this season from memory I've known a number of regular Rhinos fans have to choose between the rugby and football. The choice of a team fighting for promotion to the Premiership or a team that is just bad to watch. Its an easy choice there straightaway.

With Easter, this year is the first time in years I've done both Easter games. Its just not practical to do both normally. Its a long weekend, I'd like to get away for a few days and that's my choice. I'd probably be more inclined to pick my teams home game to attend and miss the away game. Possibly the same for many others with familys

Spot on, I recall when some fans suggested moving to Elland Road for the full season, plenty said they wouldn’t get season tickets if they did.