While some football fans will travel thousands of miles in support of their club during the course of the season, Virgin Money has warned that rising fuel costs may push their financial dedication to the limits.

According to the group, the average fan will travel 2,031 miles in pursuit of the title, but will pay more than a quarter (26 per cent) in fuel costs when compared to last season. The group indicated that while this shows the faith that many have in their teams, it also shows the increasing strain that following their team on the path to glory is having on their finances.

In 2006 – when fuel cost four pounds and six pence a gallon on average – the typical fan could expect to fork out around 192 pounds to cover the cost of travelling to away games over the course of the season. However, this year fans should brace their wallets as more than 50 pounds is added to travel costs, with an average spend of 243 pounds. And the more dedicated the fan, the more devastating these additional costs are likely to be. For the ten per cent of Premiership fans who plan on driving more than 5,000 miles in support of their team, Virgin Money warned that this year could put their finances under serious pressure. Indeed, a fan travelling 7,500 miles can expect to fork out 898 pounds and 50 pence on travel costs alone, with ticket prices increasing this year as well. Portsmouth fans may find themselves particularly hard hit, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of Pompey supporters expecting to travel in excess of 5,000 miles.

So too, this season may not be an ideal time to be a Manchester United or Aston Villa fan, as 18 per cent and 16 per cent of supporters plan to travel more than 5,000 respectively.

For those who are struggling to keep up with the costs of following their team, taking out a cheap loan may provide the financial freedom to ensure that none of the action is missed.

Commenting on the findings, Virgin Moneys Scott Mowbray said: “People often focus on rising ticket prices but there are plenty of other factors that affect football fans – not least the distance they travel supporting their teams. The average fan may travel over 2,000 miles in a season but there are thousands of fans going much further than that and the increased cost of petrol will take its toll this year. The question is, with rising ticket prices, programme costs, food expenses, merchandising and now increased fuel bills, how much more can the average punter take? This could be the season when many fans stop following their teams away from home.”

Earlier this year, Virgin Money warned Stoke City, West Brom and Hull City fans that they may be in for a financial shock this season as they have to fork out more at the gates to see Premiership matches after their triumph in the Championship. For those who find themselves caught out by the inflated costs, taking out a personal loan may allow them to make sure they are there in support as their teams do battle with the top-flight.

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