The EFL has become “the highest attended league body in Europe” after bringing more than 21million fans through the turnstiles over the past season.

It is the highest total since the 1951/52 campaign following an 11 per cent rise compared to the figures 12 months ago.

Rovers played their part as the Championship became the second-most attended division in Europe - above the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A – with nearly 13 million supporters visiting stadia.

That total is up by 22 per cent from the previous campaign and is the highest-ever posted in the history of the division.

Moreover, the play-off final between Leeds and Southampton saw nearly 86,000 fans pack into Wembley – more than were in attendance for the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City.

Rovers fans travelled up and down the country in their numbers as John Eustace’s men avoid relegation following victory at champions Leicester on the final day.

Elsewhere, League One reported the ninth highest attendance figures in the continent with more than 5million fans passing through the turnstiles.

League Two reported an eight per cent increase, attracting nearly 3.5million fans through the turnstiles for the first time since 1964/65.

There were also 1.8million supporters who attended ties in the Carabao Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy, taking the overall total for EFL competitions to 23.7million.

Chief executive Trevor Birch believes the rising attendances are a “remarkable feat” and insists they further highlight the need for Premier League clubs to agree on a new funding deal.

He said: “The 2023/24 numbers - not just in stadiums, but inside homes all around the world – are tangible proof that our competitions now rank among some of the most exciting and popular in European football. To be the highest attended league body in Europe is testament to our League and clubs.

“It really is a remarkable feat when you consider the quality of players and football on show across the continent. 

“These numbers are not only a result of the strength and depth of the EFL but also highlight the importance of the football pyramid and the reasons why we need to protect it.”