Reds fans are now following in the footsteps of other breakaway teams
like AFC Wimbledon and FC United and have applied to join the Vodkat
North West Counties League Division Two in time for the next campaign.
But
whereas Wimbledon and Manchester United fans started breakaway teams as
a protest against the plans of the owners, those behind AFC Liverpool
have stressed it is only about one thing: ticket prices.
As such, those behind the new club are hoping that it can flourish
alongside Liverpool, offering young or less wealthy supporters the
chance to attend regular football matches, a concept dying in today's
multi-million pound Premier League industry.
"This has
nothing to do with the ownership issue, it's about affordability," AFC organiser Alun Parry told the Daily Telegraph. "I've
been going to Anfield since the late Seventies when I was six years
old. A season ticket in the Kop cost £45 in 1985, today it's £650,
which I know is a lot cheaper than some other Premier League clubs, but
in inflation terms Eighties prices should equate to £98 today.
"We aren't blaming the club," Parry continued. "We realise they have no choice, but
the sad fact is that a whole community is being denied the opportunity
to grow up in the 'match-going' culture.
The
average age of a Premier
League supporter is now 43. At a recent game I spotted only two
children, so kids who can't afford to go are forced to learn what it
means to support a club from one source - television. Far from wishing
to be estranged from the club, we are hoping that Liverpool will look
upon us as a little brother."