That was because Whelan got greedy one year and jacked the price up massively so many refused to go. He didn't make that mistake next season and we filled that end up again.
The extra £8 was still £4 cheaper than the previous visit to Bolton away in the upper tier which sold out. Being 1245 and on telly had a lot to do with it, as well as having very poor away form in teh first half of Pearce's last season.
We got a simialr crowd at Everton shortly after with a range of prices, mine was the cheapest at £27 bullens lower level 1 restricted view, and had 10 rows at the back to myself. 1000 empty seats for Everton away 3pm Sat.
The season after there was a takeover and investment and Sven, and more people wanted to go again.