The Hardy Core

I’ve read a post on a forum claiming that Salford’s core home support is 2,000. It’s a pointless bet, we can’t measure it, but my hunch would be closer to one (thousand, not just one). A good 800 to 1,500 fans would turn out to watch Salford play Barrow next year. I’m not sure how many would also pay to watch Goole, but weather-permitting and the time of year, you’d hope for a four figure attendance.

What makes that core turn-up week-in week-out? It’s not entertainment. There’s been many a time in the week leading up to a match, even when I’ve turned up at grounds, where I’ve thought what am I doing here? We’ve often said that the game has spoiled an otherwise good day out. There is something else going on.

Call it a habit or a streak. Streaks are definitely a thing. There are supporters who will not have missed a home game for decades, not missed a trip to Perpignan, and pride themselves on it, even if they don’t tell anybody about it. Their internal Goggins won’t allow them to miss, on the pain of mental anguish. Match days, to use a modern turn of phrase, just hit different – and there’s the fear of missing out.

If Salford skip the 2026 season (just typing 2026 feels bloody weird) that core will be forced to do something else. Whatever that is: watch Swinton instead, find a new hobby or indulge in others. But the habit, the streak, the reason, call it what you will, in some people could be broken. There are sensible reasons for Salford missing out on 2026, not least building back in a thoughtful and measured way rather than rushing, but I’m also concerned about the effects skipping a season will have on the hardiest of us.