Football League crowds have broken the 16 million barrier for the fourth consecutive season, according to new figures published today.

In total, more than 16.2m supporters attended the 1,656 matches played during 2007/08 season, which was 1.6 per cent down on last year's record of 16.4m.

The Coca-Cola Championship is now the fourth most watched League in Europe, with its total audience of 9.4m fans being bettered only by the Premiership, Germany's Bundesliga and Spain's La Liga.

Crowds for Championship matches averaged 17,022, compared to 7,992 in League One and 4,343 in League Two.

Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "These are another set of impressive figures.

"I would like to offer my appreciation to everybody that has gone to watch League football this season.

"Our competitions thrive on the passion and loyalty that fans give to their clubs."