NO wonder Robert Elstone requested the fixture planners hand Everton at least one home game over the festive period next year.

The traditional Boxing Day and New Year holidays are usually the time for bumper crowds, great atmospheres and, yes, a healthy income at the gate.

By contrast, arguably the worst time to play is in the week before Christmas when many fans are either dragged out for some shopping or finding their wallet bare.

This season, Everton, along with a number of other clubs, have had to play two home games in those seven days.

And it has told. The attendance on Saturday against Norwich City was 31,004 – the lowest in the Premier League under David Moyes – while Wednesday’s turn-out for the visit of Swansea City was only a thousand more.

Of course, there are other reasons for declining attendances at Goodison this season.

Fewer away fans are making the trip to Merseyside, the recession and redundancies are starting to bite, and Everton haven’t exactly helped by selling some of their best players.

But at least, thanks to a gentle reminder from the club, the lack of festive football won’t be afflicting Goodison next year.