NOTWITHSTANDING THE point that he has never been to a Coca-Cola Championship game, Sven-Göran Eriksson, the England coach, yesterday offered his wholehearted backing for the league’s campaign to prove it has one of the best products in Europe.

The league launched its “Everything To Play For” strategy by highlighting that its matches attract more spectators than those in Serie A. Last season some 9.8 million fans watched Championship football, which is “real football for real fans”, the League claims.

“Young English players get the opportunity to shine in the Championship and it is a competition that will continue to contribute a great deal to the England team,” Eriksson said.

In addition, Peter Taylor, the England Under-21 coach, chose 40 per cent of the players in his squads from the Championship last season, even excluding those on loan from Premiership clubs. The league is trying to negotiate a place in the Intertoto Cup for its winners.

“We’re offering an alternative product which is accessible, unpredictable, exciting and affordable,” John Nagle, the Football League’s head of communications, said.

Tickets for a Championship match for two adults and two children cost, on average, £54; they would pay £78 to go to Alton Towers, or £100 to watch Mamma Mia at the Prince of Wales theatre in London.

TOP SIX DIVISIONS IN EUROPE BY TOTAL ATTENDANCE 2004-05: 1, The Premiership (12.88m); 2, Bundesliga (11.57m); 3, La Liga (10.92m); 4, The Championship (9.8m); 5, Serie A (9.77m); 6, Ligue 1 (France) (8.17m).

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