SUPPORTERS of two of the region's Premiership football clubs are considering voting with their feet due to the cost of watching matches, according to a survey.

The Football Fans' Price Index shows that 21 per cent of Middlesbrough fans may not renew their ticket due to the cost.

It also shows 19 per cent of Newcastle United fans are considering not renewing due to cost. Another ten per cent say poor football may drive them away.

In 2006-7, a season ticket in the East Stand at St James' Park was £583 - meaning fans paid more than £30 a game, and more than £25 a goal.

The Magpies have not scored in the league at home since February 10.

Newcastle internet fan sites suggest season ticket sales could be the lowest in years. Bosses hope the appointment of Sam Allardyce -announced yesterday - will help increase demand.

Mark Jensen, editor of fanzine The Mag, said Newcastle's form made prices difficult to justify.

"There are extremes like Chelsea, but prices here are still at the high end in the Premiership," he said.

"When your team is at the bottom, it's harder to justify those prices. People are looking for encouragement to renew their season ticket, such as new signings."

A seat in Middlesbrough's East Upper stand in 2006-7 was £500 - meaning games were £26 each, and goals £16 each.

Boro sold 22,000 season tickets for 2006-7. A spokesman said sales for next season were "encouraging", despite the survey.

"This is the third year we have frozen prices," he said. "We have just signed Jonathan Woodgate, who is a big favourite, and people see us as a club who invest in the local community."

Sunderland, who finished top of the Championship, have already improved on last year's 21,000 season tickets - with three months until the Premiership kicks off. A season ticket in the Stadium of Light's East Stand will cost £460.

The price index monitors the cost of watching football, including tickets, refreshments, and transport. In total, it shows the price of Premiership football has risen nearly 18 per cent in a year.

But it's not all bad news for football clubs. In the Arngrove Northern League - average ticket prices are about £4 and attendances have risen for the fifth successive season.