The 1,656 matches of the 2004/05 season were watched by 16.4 million people - the highest since 1959/60 (18 million) and up three per cent on the previous season.
It reflects a sustained period of attendance growth over the last 19 years, with crowds steadily rising from a low of 7.4 million for the league’s three divisions in 1985/86.
The Coca-Cola Championship saw crowds rise 10 per cent to 9.6 million in the first season since re-branding, the most since the 1952/53 season. Championship crowds now average 17,410 per match.
Football League chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: “Looking forward to next season, we intend to build on these figures by working with our clubs on a further programme of attendance driving initiatives, so that the next generation of football supporters decide to follow their local club.”
