Surely it's not rocket science for people to realise that clashing with a key United game is not going to produce a fantastic Salford crowd.This game should have been re-arranged the moment United were announced on Sky.On this basis that's why Friday night was Salford night no clashes with any football.
I think about the 5,000 mark is where Salford are right now.Its been said a lot(not least by me) the crowds will only build with consistent winning rugby and a startling result or two against a top team.A headline like Salford in the top four is going to put bums on seats not heroic defeat by Warrington followed by annihilation by Saints.

So we're about the 5000 mark? We've played 3 home games, on 3 different days, and not hit 5000 yet this season - and that's including away fans. You can't count fans that don't turn up.

Don't forget true Salford fans like Mario will be bringing at least 100,000 extra fans each game.

Though I agree, the scheduling of the games is often perplexing, seems the clubs doesn't help itself at times.

Don`t know what all the fuss is about, the game has a 3pm ko That is the time the game should start, regardless of anything else going on.

It has to be an optical illusion but the ground just seems fuller than that.
Maybe there are some freebies that,it is agreed with the authorities, don't count towards the official attendance

I don't think it's looked over 5k yet. Vs Wakey did appear more than stated though. Just my opinion of course.

How much say do the club actually have, though? I'd suggest it's probably the RFL that need to do a bit more thinking when planning the fixtures.

Possibly, but then you'd think that a very strong Salford would be an asset to the game.

Koukash has stated if we don't get big crowds v Wigan and Leeds then we never will, I'm not being funny but the Leeds game what do they expect? Yes they have moved it to a 1pm kick off but that only gives people an hour to get to Old Trafford throwing in traffic etc people probably wouldn't risk it and I don't think United or City fans would fancy watching the derby in the fans bar (I know I don't).

A 12pm KO would of been miles better and was there really no way it could of been played on a different day, these things need to be looked at I know none football fans will pull their faces but at the end of the day a lot of our support are football fans.

Surely the issue is not those actually going to the derby, as you say they're going to go anyway and will inevitably miss the Salford game, it's the many who will watch the derby either in the pub or at home and would have done so in preference to coming to the AJB.
All credit to the club for moving the time - the casual support now has the option of both watching Salford live and the derby on TV later.