IT may be a funny old game, but the cost of following their favourite team is no laughing matter for Swindon Town fans.

Although costs across League One were tough to swallow in the current economic climate, the Robins’ vital statistics came out on the wrong side of average in several categories.

Town’s cheapest season ticket was marked down as £310.50, with the league average at £284.96, with the club’s most expensive season ticket almost £15 above the league’s £402.04 average.

At £27, the County Ground’s most expensive match-day ticket was £2.50 up on the League One average, however, at £18, the club’s lowest-price match-ticket is more than £2 below average.

To get your hands on a replica adidas club shirt, the retail price of £45 is matched only by Sheffield United across the whole division.

You might also be best filling up before heading to County Road for a home game too, with pies at a red hot £3.40, the second-highest in the league.

The figures, compiled by the BBC for its annual study, may go some way to explaining the drop in attendances experienced at the County Ground, with an approximate drop off of 600 fans from matches last season.

The club has already reacted by offering fans the chance to buy ticket packs of six or eight games, which brings the price per ticket down to as little as £14.38 for an adult in the Town End.

Steve Mytton, chairman of Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust, said: “In terms of ticketing, the club have reacted to the low numbers because of the court case.

“We had a survey among the membership and it’s clear from the response on that, the main reason’s because they have other family commitments and they can’t be sure they are going to make 23 games.

“The shirt prices are a little high, but some of that is driven by Adidas, which is beyond the club’s control.

“It’s the same with catering. Those companies set the prices, and not a lot has to do with the club.

“We have been working with the club and it’s clear they are doing everything they can to encourage people back into the ground.”

Roger Bunce, chairman of Swindon Town Supporters’ Club, said: “Football has made itself more expensive for whatever reason.

“I used to take three boys, plus myself, and it wasn’t all that expensive.

“When you compare the sport to how it used to be, its sky-rocketed.