Portsmouth has the most devoted and loyal traveling fans with 45 per cent of fans saying they managed to clock up over 1,000 miles between grounds. Other big travelers were Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. Most reluctant to travel far were fans of Everton, Blackburn and Charlton with only 10, 11 and 13 per cent saying they hit the 1,000 mile mark respectively.

The total average mileage of a traveling fan in 2006 was 1,264 miles – 63 miles per game. But around seven per cent clocked up more than 5,000 miles each.

“English football fans’ loyalty is legendary and this demonstrates the extent to which some will go to follow their teams," thinks John Franklin of Virgin Money. He added: “Unfortunately the rising costs of following the game will no doubt affect how many supporters will be able to travel long distances in 2007. If all the associated costs of being a fan continue to rise, sadly many will have to stay at home and plump for the television highlights."

The cost of being a fan is soaring. Virgin Money’s Football Fans’ Prices Index runs every three months and looks at the cost of a typical basket of goods monitoring the ups and downs of prices.

The Index shows that in 2006 the cost of attending games has risen by 17.33 per cent to £91.46. When the index was launched on January 31st 2006 the matchday basket of goods cost £77.95.

With Virgin Money’s travel insurance you can spread the cost of annual cover by paying monthly, with no extra charge.