The EFL this week announces which teams are the divisional winners for having the best top away days in the 2019/20 season.
In previous years, the league organisation claim that over 1.5 million fans attended away matches in past campaigns.
On order to come up with the winners for best away day, the EFL Away Fan Experience Campaign get ‘genuine’ away fans to share their experiences.
Along with that, they had to give their views on information, first impressions, quality of refreshments and thoughts on inside the stadiums.
EFL also say by hearing feedback, clubs can use it to enhance and making it better for those travelling fans attending matches at their ground.
Find out who was best and given the top away day status below…
Championship – MIDDLESBROUGH
Middlesbrough have been named Championship winners of an Away Fan Experience award for the 2019/20 season.
The Teesside club said via their website: “The coronavirus pandemic ensured that 2019/20 was a truncated campaign for the match-going fan, and while we await the day when spectators can return to the Riverside, our stadium has been acknowledged for its welcoming experience for fans of the visiting side as well as home supporters.
“Since 2016/17 and in partnership with the Football Supporters Association, the EFL have been assessing away days up and down the country, awarding the host club a score based on a range of criteria including planning and travel to the game, arrival at the ground, concourse facilities, seating accommodation, and engagement from club staff.
“Boro’s score of 9/10, received following our match against Charlton Athletic last December, sees us granted the divisional award for the Championship.
“The snapshot report, compiled by a genuine away supporter, gave particular reference to the ‘exceptional’ welcoming attitude of stewarding staff.
“There was also praise for our FanZone and Sensory Room facilities, which are available to fans of both clubs, as well as efforts to engage with all supporters on a matchday.”
League One – IPSWICH TOWN
Ipswich Town have been named League One winners of the Away Fan Experience award for the 2019/20 season.
The East Anglian club said via their website: “Blues have come out on top in League One for providing the best away fan experience at Portman Road.
“Since 2016/17, the EFL have been assessing away days up and down the country, awarding the host club a score based on a range of criteria including planning and travel to the game, arrival at the ground, concourse facilities, seating accommodation, and engagement from Club staff.
“Town were praised for the detailed away day guide’s that are published on the Club website and sent to the opposition by the Town’s supporter liaison officer, Liz Edwards.
“Blues’ Junior Announcer initiative that sees a young home and away fan visit the Portman Road dugout to read out their team’s starting XI was also highlighted as best practice.
“Town’s score of 9/10 which was received following our match against Shrewsbury Town in August 2019, sees Blues granted the divisional award for League One.”
League Two – MANSFIELD TOWN
Mansfield Town are yet to reveal news of the award, however it has been mentioned by the other winners Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town.
One fans’ review read: “Travel: Very easy. I live in Derby so only a 40 minute drive and I parked a five minute walk away from the ground.
“Refreshments: Stopped at a corner shop for some sweets and then into the ground. The home friends were very friendly and when they knew I was a neutral I was given lots of information about their players and recent events at the club itself.
“Impressions: A great example of a lower league ground. Both ends and one side have been redeveloped over the years. One side isn’t used and is full of local company advertising and a giant electronic scoreboard and proper old-school floodlights make it easier to find the ground when you’ve not been before.
“Atmosphere: The game was a little disappointing, the home team struggled to get going and in the first half both teams cancelled each other out. The second half was much the same until Crewe scored, Mansfield getting one back late on, Crewe played the better football and deserved their win. There was a good selection of food available inside the ground and stewards very helpful. Definitely worth a visit.”
Other winners from previous years are as follows:
18/19 WINNERS
Championship – PRESTON NORTH END
League One – DONCASTER ROVERS
League Two – EXETER CITY
17/18 WINNERS
Championship – CARDIFF CITY
League One – WIGAN ATHLETIC
League Two – NOTTS COUNTY
16/17 WINNERS
Championship – BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
League One – SHEFFIELD UNITED
League Two – CREWE ALEXANDRA
A few months back, the Sky Bet EFL Awards 2020 winners list was revealed with the ceremony unable to take place this year to the coronavirus pandemic.
Why not find out who won the divisional Players of the Year, divisional Apprentices of the Year, Young Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Moment of the Season, Players in the Community, Community Club of the Year, Community Project of the Year and Family Club of the Year. Just simply click HERE to find out.
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