Welcome to my blog 'The 100 Football Grounds Club' the site dedicated to groundhoppers everywhere.Please feel free to leave any comments if you wish.
Cheers!!!
site updated on post date
Welcome to my site - The 100 Football Grounds Club
Welcome to my blog 'The 100 Football Grounds Club' the site dedicated to groundhoppers everywhere.Please feel free to leave any comments if you wish.
Cheers!!!
Dawn of a new season
After the briefest of mid season breaks, the 100FGC returns for which will be the blog’s fourth season
Whickham FC share the Glebe with the cricket club. So with the sound of leather on willow in full swing, they started their pre-season programme at Beggarswood the home of Northern Alliance club Rutherford AFC.
Rutherford are actually the oldest club in Tyneside. Formed in 1878, originally as Science and Art FC, becoming founder members of the Northumberland FA in 1883.
Matchday facts
There’s a lot to look forward to over the coming season. My main priority this season will be in the Conference. Gateshead make their return to the Premier of Non-League f
ootball, where I’ll be trying to take in as many games on the road with the Heed Army as possible. However after studying the fixtures, this could prove to be a difficult task. There’s some great towns and grounds that I’m looking forward to visiting, as we hope to establish ourselves in the Blue Square Premier (I’ll start using the sponsored name from now on)
ootball, where I’ll be trying to take in as many games on the road with the Heed Army as possible. However after studying the fixtures, this could prove to be a difficult task. There’s some great towns and grounds that I’m looking forward to visiting, as we hope to establish ourselves in the Blue Square Premier (I’ll start using the sponsored name from now on)
I can always turn a negative into a positive, and personally the one positive thing to come out of the Toon’s relegation is I can now get to the grounds that were too far out of reach. Which I couldn’t travel to independently, but now easier to access by cadging a lift or through an organised coach party.
So there are two prolonged trips to South Wales as well as the longest journey in League football – Newcastle to Plymouth to navigate.
This will give me a chance to see United sporting their new two-tone banana kit in the company of the newly named Toongerine Army.
My lifetime work of trying to finish the 92, is a continuous crawl. A case of two steps forward, three steps back. I’ll continue to chip away at the League grounds to at least give myself a respectable running total and of course my favourable trips north of the border will again feature this season.
Local interest sees two new clubs enter the Northern League; Gillford Park and Newton Aycliffe. A new ground for Penrith and I still have to travel further west to visit Whitehaven, so I can again complete the ‘set’ of “the second oldest league in the world”.
Serial favourites ‘Around the Alliance’ and Wearside League Wanderings will again be making a reappearance during the year as well as the odd toilet block for the world renowned ’Football Bog Blog.
I’ll be taking advantage of the Appreciation Society Facebook group, which was set up with much thanks and applause by Mr. Steven Clifton. I’ll be posting more pictures as well as listing my forthcoming fixture lists, so you know where to see/avoid (delete where appropriate) me over the campaign.
So hopefully with good health and work commitments not causing too many problems, I’ve a lot to get through, so without further ado it's now oficially the 2009-10 season, a new dawn fades at..
216 - Farnacres, Beggarswood Park
(Home of Rutherford AFC)
Whickham 3v0 Ashton Town
Pre-season Friendly
4th July 2009
Whickham FC share the Glebe with the cricket club. So with the sound of leather on willow in full swing, they started their pre-season programme at Beggarswood the home of Northern Alliance club Rutherford AFC.
Rutherford are actually the oldest club in Tyneside. Formed in 1878, originally as Science and Art FC, becoming founder members of the Northumberland FA in 1883.The club change it’s name in recognition of its founder Dr.John Hunter Rutherford, originally playing their home games on the Town Moor in Newcastle.
Now based in the Lobley Hill area of Gateshead, the ground is situated west of the Team Valley, just off the A1 motorway.
The ground is found off a country lane which runs parallel to the motorway, the entrance is at the bottom of a bank, with the clubhouse and changing rooms found at the top of the hill. The pitch is opposite, enclosed with grassbanks, fully fenced off with a set of brick dugouts.
Whickham’s opponents were North West Counties League Division One side Ashton Town. The reason they travelled all the way from Ashton-in-Makerfield for a friendly was a simple one; so they could have a night out in the Toon.
Thoughts of a night in in the big city must have been playing their minds, as Whickham won the game at ease 3-0. A penalty by Pitt, a hilarious own goal and a cracking strike from Kerr (My goal of the season so far) gave the Whickham lads a good work out and it wasn't too bad a game to start off my season
Matchday factsWFC 3(Pitt 4pen, Crompton OG 30, Kerr 75) ATFC 0
Admission and programme:none
Att. 80est.
My original visit to Whickham’s Glebe Ground.
My Back Pages - 6 Roker Park
Sunderland 2v2 Newcastle United
League Cup 2nd Round - 1st Leg
29th August 1979
My first away match by myself, that is without my Dad to hold my hand, happened almost 30 years ago. Newcastle and Sunderland were both in the old Second Division at the time and the old enemies were paired together for this midweek League Cup tie. This was a time when I used to enjoy the Tyne -Wear derby experience, although back then I was an angelic 14 year old who wasn’t old enough to know any better and had yet to experience the derby horrors to come.
The journey to Roker Park was usually made by train, from Central Station to Seaburn, although for this first venture into enemy territory we departed from Gateshead. This was back in the day when the town had its own train station, which was located at the end of the High Level Bridge, the platform basically sitting on the bridge itself.
I travelled down to Roker with Ian (100FGC squad#2) This was our first away match together and we’ve remained travelling companion ever since, spanning over four decades following the team that has giving us a few ups and plenty of downs. Also with us was another one of my old Toon comrades, a lad named “Windy” so called because of his intestinal gas problems. I went to home games in the old Leazers End with Windy, mostly during our relegation season in 1977/78 (My first relegation in a current series of three…Eddy)
The train journey took about half an hour. I can’t remember where the train stopped at, but it most likely would have called at Heworth and Boldon, before arriving at Seaburn in the shadow of that big windmill next to the station.
The walk to the ground was about a mile and a half away from the station, a good half an hour crawl in the company of a heavy police presence. Among those was quite a big quota of mounted coppers, as we tried our best to keep out of their way, fearing getting trampled, as well as dodging the large amounts of turd dropping scattered along our path. (what the hell do they feed them on?) Each time I made this journey the walk always seemed to take much longer than previously. The march to Roker Park was spent chanting songs which were mostly taking from the Anti-makem songbook. The usual favourites like ‘White cliffs of Dover’ ‘There is a makem-takem’ and my old favourite ‘Tiptoe through the Fulwell’
There wasn’t any major problems or too much trouble along this route, the appearance of red and white didn’t come into view until approaching Roker Park, where their fans used to gather in the back alleys which ran through the surrounding neighbouring streets, singing there own repertoire of Anti-Mag songs and hurling the odd object in our general direction, which in turn was returned to where it once came.
Supporters did manage to break through the police escort and there was the odd scrap , but I never witnessed any mass brawls. I always felt quite safe when visiting Roker, although I don’t want to paint a picture of it being all sweetness and light, all hell may would have broke lose somewhere nearby, but I was lucky enough not to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Sunderland AFC (make sure you don’t forget that ‘A’) played at Roker Park between 1898 - 1997. The club was formed in 1879, playing on grounds south of the River Wear before moving north, going on to play at Horatio Road in Roker, Abbs Field in Fulwell and then three years on which was the best ground in the area on Newcastle Road.
The need for a bigger ground saw the club negotiating the use of farmland in the Roker area. Part of the deal was the club’s presence would not affect houses being built on the remaining land on the site, the club having to pay rent on all the land until the houses were built.
After the site was purchased the ground was up and running within a year. The first clock stand was built, this along with turf imported from Ireland saw the ground open in September 1898. Their first opponents (and also their last) was a friendly against Liverpool, a 1-0 win for the Rokerites.
Away supporters were housed in the Roker End, an open terrace at the south side of the ground. This was concreted in 1913, built up with large concrete supports with a long staircase where access was gained at the top of the terrace. I always thought on subsequent visits that the stairways looked at bit dangerous and the terrace was deteriorating. In 1982 safety measures saw the capacity almost halved from 17,5000 to 8,000, which cut the overall capacity at that time to under 38,000.
The Main Stand replaced the old wooden ’President Stand’ in 1929. Legendary football ground architect Archibald Leitch designed the stand, which had his signature of a steel criss-cross balcony. The shelf was added between the top seats and the paddock standing in 1950 given it a three tie look. The last change came in 1973 when a row of fourteen executive boxes were added on the middle tier.
The Clock Stand was rebuilt in 1936 which originally held 15,500. The clock itself sits on the centre of the TV gantry which is perched on top of the grey pitched roof with a standing paddock at the front.
The Fulwell End terrace was expanded in 1925 with the roof added when the ground was chosen as a venue for the 1966 World Cup. Temporary seating was also added to the stand and both paddocks, as Roker hosted three matches in Group 4 as well as the quarter final between USSR and Hungary.
The record attendance was 75,118 for a Wednesday afternoon fixture against Derby County in the 6th Round of the FA Cup in March 1933, even though the official capacity was 60,000 at the time.
They became the second club to install floodlights, following on from Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium. These were first used in 1952 in a friendly against Dundee.
After the Taylor Report, options were limited as far as upgraded to an all-seated stadium. The ground location meant expansion was limited, so this would mean a big drop in capacity, leaving the only viable option to move on and build a brand new stadium.
After the club moved to the Stadium of Light, the land was redeveloped into a housing estate . In commemoration of the old ground the streets were named Clockstand Close, Midfield Drive, Goalmouth Close, Roker Park Close and Promotion Close (where’s Relegation Road? Sorry! couldn’t resist it…Eddy)
The first leg of this League Cup tie produced a cracking game, although a poor turn out of nearly 28,000 were present that evening. Newcastle were the better side on the night but it was Sunderland who took their chances. Wilf Rostron gave the Wearsiders a half time lead and when Pop Robson doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, they looked on their way to gaining the local bragging rights as well as booking a place in the 3rd Round.
All was not lost though, as immediately from the restart Welsh International full-back Ian Davies halved the deficit with a fine effort. United then pushed for an equaliser and the unlikely hero was local lad Peter Cartwright, a recent signing from North Shields, who was making only his second substitute appearance for the club. The youngster’s shot from the edge of the box at the Roker End sent to Geordie hordes into raptures, as the team produced great character and fighting spirit to set up an exciting second leg back on Tyneside the following week.*
After the game me and Windy had a leisurely stroll back to Seaburn train station. I don’t know what happened to Ian though. I remember him going missing during the first half then reappearing looking somewhat distressed, saying something along the lines of “we’re ganna get wi heeds kicked in after the match” That was the last I saw of him that evening. I think he just left, although I’ve never ever asked him about his disappearance to this very day. If he did nick off then he missed out on a thrilling game played in a red hot atmosphere. So Ian - if you ever read this; you can leave a comment which will clear up the mysterious vanishing act, which has remained unanswered for the last 30 years.
I attend all the Tyne-Wear derbies after this game up until the away fan ban in 1996-97, which turned out to be the last derby at Roker Park. I only visited Roker eight times in total over the next 13 years, due to the fact that both clubs weren’t competing in the same league too often. The last of those was in September 1992, not via train but courtesy of my mate Zippy’s car. That game lives happily in the memory after finally seeing a United victory courtesy of a fantastic free kick from Liam O’Brien.
To be honest these games were usually dismal affairs, my first and last matches at the ground, without doubt the best out of a poor series of matches.
When rivalries recommenced in 1999, Sunderland were settled in there new home in Monkwearmouth. The train journeys now a thing of the past, transport to Wearside was provided free in a convey of coaches, on the advice of the local constabulary. I hated the trips to SoL, maybe it’s because I’m getting on a bit or I’m getting too soft, or because I just can’t be bothered with all the hassle, all that hate and bitterness directed towards us, is not something that I can say I really enjoy, even though I never seen a defeat on my four visits into the light.
After the match in 2006, I officially “retired” from the Wear-Tyne derby. Seeing Newcastle win 4-1 was a good one to finish on, I reckon that would take some beating, so I decided on the way home from that game that I won’t be going back. Since then I’ve never went back on my word, I don’t think I ever will, I’m quite happy to look back in nostalgia to those halcyon days when it was a match to be savoured and not as it eventually became - the one I always dreaded.
Teams as per programme(click pic to enlarge) except Wayne Entwistle replaced Rowell
Matchday Stats
SAFC 2 (Rostron, Robson) NUFC 2 (Davies, Cartwright)
Attendance; 27,747
Admission 70p concession (Full price £1.30)
Programme 25p
* The second leg didn’t fail to live up to the expectations of the previous week. After a goalless first half Sunderland took the lead through Alan Brown, but United hit back with goals from Boam and Shoulder which looked to have settled the tie, but a second from Brown deep into injury time took the game into extra time.
After no further goals in the allotted 30 minutes, the tie was settled on penalties. After 13 consecutive successful spot kicks, the unfortunate culprit to finally miss was Jim Pearson, who saw his weak effort saved by Fatty Siddle. That penalty miss spelt the end of his United career, a lack of confidence and nagging injuries meant this was his 13th and last appearances for the club. The Scot retired from the professional game in February 1980 before having a successful time in Non-League football.
Pictures courtesy of http://www.sunderland-saga.de/index.html
Simple Pieman’s first visit in 1981
The Football Bog Blog
The big wall at Burscough
This bog is found in the far corner of Victoria Park, the home of Merseyside outfit Burscough FC.
This peeing wall is unlike the one I experienced at Ashton United, where you could peep over the wall and still watch the game. Here you need to be well over six foot and on your tippy toes if you don’t want to miss out on any of the match action.
2008-09 Season Compendious
An eventful season, one of both joy and despair, but overall one I’ve enjoyed immensely
I managed to get to 83 matches this season, half of those at new grounds. As I mentioned in this article last season, that not many compared to some, but I’ll be happy enough to continue with that sort of matches/grounds ratio every season until I go to that great football stadium in the sky, or hang up the woolen scarf, put away the notebook and camera for good.
As I had expected, although it was hard to comprehend when it was finally confirmed; Newcastle United FC have been relegated. (cue large cheer and schoolboy giggle from the majority of your readers…Eddy) There’s been much talk in the media about where the blame lies and I’ve heard tales from close sources about what’s been going on behind the scenes, stuff which I obviously can’t relate on here for legal reasons.
I had originally wrote a long piece about my feelings on the state of NUFC, but I’ve pulled the plug on it and decided not to post it within this years review. I feel my thought on the subject are best suited for a different publication and not drag down this blog with a depressing “man on the window ledge” rant.
However what I’ll briefly say is I feel the blame not only lies with the club hierarchy, but also long term with the clubs supporters, not all mind; just some…well not me anyway! If the Toon Army truly think things are really bad now, then all I can say is - “You’ve seen nowt yet!”
I’ll leave the final word on this subject with a video from our supporters’ branch on mainland Europe. It’s a savage but honest assessment and I warn you it’s not to be viewed by young’uns eyes.
And now the good news, it hasn’t been all football doom and gloom on Tyneside; Gateshead Football Club are back in the Conference after an 11 year absence. During that time away the club dropped two divisions and almost went out of business, but back-to-back promotions will see the Heed return to the top of the Non-League pyramid.
If I’m honest I didn’t think we were going to go up, even though Gateshead were in the top two from the turn of the new year. It’s not that I questioned the teams credentials, we continued from where we left off the previous season, playing great football and scoring lots of goals, it’s just I couldn’t imagine Gateshead playing in the Conference in 2009-10. It’s all seemed too good to be true, so maybe my negativity with NUFC spread to my love of GFC, my football psyche telling me it’s all going to go wrong.
You may have read how the promotion race progressed as I had some brilliant away trips visiting some of the grounds in the Conference North. Tamworth piped us to the title and so for the second successive season it was left to the do or die of the play-offs. Southport were comfortably despatched over the two legged semi-finals which set up the final against AFC Telford United at the International Stadium.
(Picture courtesy of Petty Officer Percival)
A crowd of over 4200, including over 1000 from Shropshire witnessed a tense game played in an electric atmosphere. A game of very few chances was settled by a Wayne Phillips goal eight minutes from time, which signaled wild celebrations from the Heed Army and Champaign flowing after the full time whistle.
The fact promotion was achieved took a few days to sink in. I spoke to a few people who attended the game who never go to the Stadium, all in agreement that they enjoyed the occasion and will be returning next season. The club has a reputation for not having a big support but attendances have continued to rise over the last few seasons, this as well as acquiring some of the disillusioned Toon support means things are looking up both on and off the pitch.
I managed to get to 83 matches this season, half of those at new grounds. As I mentioned in this article last season, that not many compared to some, but I’ll be happy enough to continue with that sort of matches/grounds ratio every season until I go to that great football stadium in the sky, or hang up the woolen scarf, put away the notebook and camera for good.
As I had expected, although it was hard to comprehend when it was finally confirmed; Newcastle United FC have been relegated. (cue large cheer and schoolboy giggle from the majority of your readers…Eddy) There’s been much talk in the media about where the blame lies and I’ve heard tales from close sources about what’s been going on behind the scenes, stuff which I obviously can’t relate on here for legal reasons.
I had originally wrote a long piece about my feelings on the state of NUFC, but I’ve pulled the plug on it and decided not to post it within this years review. I feel my thought on the subject are best suited for a different publication and not drag down this blog with a depressing “man on the window ledge” rant.
However what I’ll briefly say is I feel the blame not only lies with the club hierarchy, but also long term with the clubs supporters, not all mind; just some…well not me anyway! If the Toon Army truly think things are really bad now, then all I can say is - “You’ve seen nowt yet!”
I’ll leave the final word on this subject with a video from our supporters’ branch on mainland Europe. It’s a savage but honest assessment and I warn you it’s not to be viewed by young’uns eyes.
The very last sentence says it all for me and is the moment before everything spoilt again.
And now the good news, it hasn’t been all football doom and gloom on Tyneside; Gateshead Football Club are back in the Conference after an 11 year absence. During that time away the club dropped two divisions and almost went out of business, but back-to-back promotions will see the Heed return to the top of the Non-League pyramid.
If I’m honest I didn’t think we were going to go up, even though Gateshead were in the top two from the turn of the new year. It’s not that I questioned the teams credentials, we continued from where we left off the previous season, playing great football and scoring lots of goals, it’s just I couldn’t imagine Gateshead playing in the Conference in 2009-10. It’s all seemed too good to be true, so maybe my negativity with NUFC spread to my love of GFC, my football psyche telling me it’s all going to go wrong.
You may have read how the promotion race progressed as I had some brilliant away trips visiting some of the grounds in the Conference North. Tamworth piped us to the title and so for the second successive season it was left to the do or die of the play-offs. Southport were comfortably despatched over the two legged semi-finals which set up the final against AFC Telford United at the International Stadium.
(Picture courtesy of Petty Officer Percival)A crowd of over 4200, including over 1000 from Shropshire witnessed a tense game played in an electric atmosphere. A game of very few chances was settled by a Wayne Phillips goal eight minutes from time, which signaled wild celebrations from the Heed Army and Champaign flowing after the full time whistle.
The fact promotion was achieved took a few days to sink in. I spoke to a few people who attended the game who never go to the Stadium, all in agreement that they enjoyed the occasion and will be returning next season. The club has a reputation for not having a big support but attendances have continued to rise over the last few seasons, this as well as acquiring some of the disillusioned Toon support means things are looking up both on and off the pitch.
I didn’t have any plans concerning bagging new grounds for this season. It‘s basically been if I’m in any particular vicinity I’ll try my best to get to a game. As the season progressed I decided to try and make headway with my missing League grounds, a list which never seems to go down over the years and remain at the 50-60 mark, due to clubs getting relegated or moving elsewhere.
Again I enjoyed meeting up with some of the 100FGC squad during the season, I’ve made some great friends who I’ll hopefully catch up with again, as well as some of the rest of the squad next season. (As long as they buy you a pint! …Eddy)
Until then
Cheers!
Thee Shaun Smith (venerable journalist and webmaster and not him off ‘Britain’s Got Talent‘)
My Matchday - 215 Fir Park
Motherwell 1v2 Kilmarnock
The Main Stand is now called The Phil O’Donnell Stand, in honour of the club captain who died on the Fir Park pitch during a game against Dundee United in December 2007. The stand has 3,385 seats in a mixture of claret wooden flip seats, with amber bucket seats added at each side. The stand comes to a stop with the iron girder still visible from the incomplete construction 37 years ago.
Following the Taylor Report work started on the other three sides of Fir Park. In 1991 the East Stand was covered and seats added for 3,128 after ‘Well won the Scottish Cup for a second time and enjoyed their first venture into European football. The stand is known for its KEEP CIGARETTES AWAY FROM THE MATCH façade, since the introduction of the smoking ban in 2006.
The ground is dominated by the South Stand which was constructed in 1993 at a cost of £2.2M, the two tiers of claret seats are split by a row of large windowed executive boxes. The capacity is 4,856 which is reserved for away fans. There’s an amber section of seats directly behind the goal, with FIR PARK picked out in claret.
At the north end the Knowetop Terrace was seated and renamed after one of my personal favourite Scottish footballers Davie Cooper, who served both Rangers and Motherwell and later Clydebank with distinction. He died in 1995 aged only 39 and played a major part in Motherwell lifting the Cup in ’91. The stand was built in 1995 and is divided into five sections, again in the club colors with more executive boxes at the back of the stand. The roof has a large façade but is naked unlike the South Stand which has large advertising space.
An eye catching feature of Fir Park is the floodlight pylons, which lean onto the sides of the stands, looking like a couple of bodyguards shielding both goal side stands. The pitch has caused major trouble for the club over the last few years. The problem is being resolved this summer with remedial work and repairing the under soil heating system. The current capacity of Fir Park stands at 13,742.
Scottish Premier League
23rd May 2009 
Motherwell is a large town, south-east of Glasgow in North Lanarkshire. The town was known as the steel production capital of Scotland, with its Ravenscraig steelworks one of the longest working plants in the world, earning the town the nickname “Steelopolis” until the facilities closed in 1992.
The town’s football club formed in 1886, the amalgamation of two local amateur works teams; Glencairn and Alpha. Their formative years played on Alpha’s pitch on Roman Road, then from 1889 at Dalzell Park, which opened with a 3-3 draw against Rangers.
Fir Park opened in 1895, when the club purchased a stretch of wooden park land off Lord Hamilton at the north edge of his Dalzell estate. A crowd of over 6,000 witnessed its first game, an 8-1 trouncing off Celtic at the start of the 1895-96 season. In the early years the ground had a pavilion on the east side, then banks of terracing were added which raised the capacity to 15,000 after Fir Park staged its first international fixture.
A two-tier Main stand was built on the west side after further work in improvements to terracing, the playing surface and after purchasing more land; new turnstiles at the Knowetop end.
Success on the park saw the League Championship in 1932, breaking the Old Firm’s monopoly, winning the title for the only time five points clear of Rangers, including a record 52 goal maul from Willie McFadyen .
The Scottish Cup was won for the first time in 1952, a cup run which witnessed Fir Park’s record gate of 35,632 for the 4th round replay - a 2-1 victory over Rangers. That decade saw more ground improvements, with cover added to the enclosure and lamps mounded on the stand roofs, until wind damage to the enclosure roof resulted in four corner pylons being built in 1959.
In 1962 a new Main Stand was constructed at a cost of £92,000 financed by the sale of two players; Pat Quinn and another lad[*] who both signed for Liverpool. Motherwell supporters were naturally upset with this club policy; many shunned the stand making it the least populated side of the ground. The stand remains incomplete to this day, after one of the residents of the neighbouring houses complained, refusing to sell and questioned the property‘s valuation. The annoyed neighbour won his dispute, so by the time the house owner moved on, the club weren’t in a financial position to finish off the stand, although they did purchase the house themselves to use as offices.
Motherwell is a large town, south-east of Glasgow in North Lanarkshire. The town was known as the steel production capital of Scotland, with its Ravenscraig steelworks one of the longest working plants in the world, earning the town the nickname “Steelopolis” until the facilities closed in 1992.The town’s football club formed in 1886, the amalgamation of two local amateur works teams; Glencairn and Alpha. Their formative years played on Alpha’s pitch on Roman Road, then from 1889 at Dalzell Park, which opened with a 3-3 draw against Rangers.
Fir Park opened in 1895, when the club purchased a stretch of wooden park land off Lord Hamilton at the north edge of his Dalzell estate. A crowd of over 6,000 witnessed its first game, an 8-1 trouncing off Celtic at the start of the 1895-96 season. In the early years the ground had a pavilion on the east side, then banks of terracing were added which raised the capacity to 15,000 after Fir Park staged its first international fixture.
A two-tier Main stand was built on the west side after further work in improvements to terracing, the playing surface and after purchasing more land; new turnstiles at the Knowetop end.
Success on the park saw the League Championship in 1932, breaking the Old Firm’s monopoly, winning the title for the only time five points clear of Rangers, including a record 52 goal maul from Willie McFadyen .
The Scottish Cup was won for the first time in 1952, a cup run which witnessed Fir Park’s record gate of 35,632 for the 4th round replay - a 2-1 victory over Rangers. That decade saw more ground improvements, with cover added to the enclosure and lamps mounded on the stand roofs, until wind damage to the enclosure roof resulted in four corner pylons being built in 1959.
In 1962 a new Main Stand was constructed at a cost of £92,000 financed by the sale of two players; Pat Quinn and another lad[*] who both signed for Liverpool. Motherwell supporters were naturally upset with this club policy; many shunned the stand making it the least populated side of the ground. The stand remains incomplete to this day, after one of the residents of the neighbouring houses complained, refusing to sell and questioned the property‘s valuation. The annoyed neighbour won his dispute, so by the time the house owner moved on, the club weren’t in a financial position to finish off the stand, although they did purchase the house themselves to use as offices.
[*]The lad in question had the same nickname as a TV character played by Roger Moore and later Ian Ogilvy. This man later had a career in the media, spending Saturday lunch times on our TV screens, hanging on his co-host’s every word and hysterically laughing at his un-witty remarks. I also remember he had an undying love and uncontrollable infatuation for the then England skipper, which he made no effort to hide, or was it only me that noticed this?
I’ve always despised this man, reason being is his unhindered dislike to a football club close to my heart. Earlier in his career he had a trial at this club, but was rejected and always remained bitter thereafter, even though his career path took an upward turn.
I’ve always despised this man, reason being is his unhindered dislike to a football club close to my heart. Earlier in his career he had a trial at this club, but was rejected and always remained bitter thereafter, even though his career path took an upward turn.
The Main Stand is now called The Phil O’Donnell Stand, in honour of the club captain who died on the Fir Park pitch during a game against Dundee United in December 2007. The stand has 3,385 seats in a mixture of claret wooden flip seats, with amber bucket seats added at each side. The stand comes to a stop with the iron girder still visible from the incomplete construction 37 years ago.Following the Taylor Report work started on the other three sides of Fir Park. In 1991 the East Stand was covered and seats added for 3,128 after ‘Well won the Scottish Cup for a second time and enjoyed their first venture into European football. The stand is known for its KEEP CIGARETTES AWAY FROM THE MATCH façade, since the introduction of the smoking ban in 2006.
The ground is dominated by the South Stand which was constructed in 1993 at a cost of £2.2M, the two tiers of claret seats are split by a row of large windowed executive boxes. The capacity is 4,856 which is reserved for away fans. There’s an amber section of seats directly behind the goal, with FIR PARK picked out in claret.
At the north end the Knowetop Terrace was seated and renamed after one of my personal favourite Scottish footballers Davie Cooper, who served both Rangers and Motherwell and later Clydebank with distinction. He died in 1995 aged only 39 and played a major part in Motherwell lifting the Cup in ’91. The stand was built in 1995 and is divided into five sections, again in the club colors with more executive boxes at the back of the stand. The roof has a large façade but is naked unlike the South Stand which has large advertising space.
An eye catching feature of Fir Park is the floodlight pylons, which lean onto the sides of the stands, looking like a couple of bodyguards shielding both goal side stands. The pitch has caused major trouble for the club over the last few years. The problem is being resolved this summer with remedial work and repairing the under soil heating system. The current capacity of Fir Park stands at 13,742.
The match against Kilmarnock was a clash at the top end of the bottom part of the split, in other words; a mid table clash. Before the teams arrived the PA played a canny little ditty called ‘Up The ‘Well which sounded like it was sung by an Andy Stewart tribute act, this was followed by that awful Russian funeral march they play at sunderland and then a saving grace; a burst of Local Hero when the players ran onto the pitch.
The game was a poor affair with nothing happening of worthy note in the first 25 minutes. The highlights in that opening period were a rather attractive young lady looking for her seat in the stand which caused heads to turn in the press box. Then police and stewards went to great trouble to confiscate an inflatable alligator from the Killy end, which was a bit over the top, as the away supporters were just enjoying themselves and not being any bother.
The first shot on target produced the opening goal on 27 minutes, a fine through ball found Invincible unmarked, who had a simple task of hitting the target from 12 yards past the helpless Krysiak.
The second half continued in similar fashion, although the Steelmen did go close with two headed efforts both from corner kicks, the first of those from Brian McClean bounced back off the crossbar.
Motherwell struggled as the clock ticked towards full time, I could already predict the football manager clichés that Mark McGhee would say after the game, quotes like ‘we weren’t at the races today’ or ‘we struggled to get out of the stalls’ but then when all seem lost ’Well equalized with ten minutes remaining.
A brief spell of pressure ended with Clarkson getting the ball near the bye line, who did well to get in a cross for McClean who side footed the ball first time into the far corner of the net. That looked like that was it, honours even, but in the last minute of the game and for me personally, the last seconds of my season, a cracking goal to finish off my groundhopping campaign. A great piece of skill from Fernandez with a cheeky back heel and flick, played in Mehdi Taouil who himself showed great skill, slipping past a defender then selling a couple of lollipops before slamming the ball home at the near post. Overall maybe Killy just about shaded it, but the performance from Motherwell wasn’t the best way to leave your supporters for the summer holidays.
It’s become an end of season tradition now that my last match of the season is a journey into Northern Britain. There’s a regular train direct from Newcastle to Glasgow which passes through Motherwell, the journey takes about two and a half hours. I caught the 0752 arriving in the town with plenty of time for breakfast and a drink, so regular readers can probably guess where I went? Aye you guessed it, well done! - Wetherspoons. The Brandon Works pub is just around the corner from the station and I enjoyed an excellent big plate of Scottish breakfast washed down with a pint from the local Strathaven brewery.
I really liked Fir Park, a good mix of old and new and with the club colours being amber and claret, (which originated from Lord Hamilton by the way….Eddy) the ground is more attractive than banks of red or blue seats which are commonplace elsewhere.
I’d like to thank the club for their hospitality, I was well looked after from the moment I arrived. At half time the scotch pie and chocolate bar that complemented my cuppa were splendid (apparently you only get a tray of biscuits at Wembley…Eddy)
After the match I had a good hour and a half to kill before the 1604 train, so I planned to check out a few more pubs. I popped my head in a few bars next to the station but I walked back out again, didn’t like the vibes I was getting and the clientele didn‘t look over friendly, so I returned to the safe haven and £1.49 a pint of The Brandon Works. (I must give a special mention to the excellent bar staff at this ‘Spoons, brilliant service both before and after the game, ta!)
So that’s me done for another football season, I’ve traveled some miles this term and as always I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing my groundhopping adventures with you. When the season’s over I usually welcome a rest from football, but within a fortnight I’m trawling the papers and internet looking for news of pre-season friendlies and needing a footy fix. For the time being though, I’m happy to go into football hibernation for the summer, which sounds like a long break doesn’t it? But it’s only six weeks until I take in my first game of the brand new football season.
The game was a poor affair with nothing happening of worthy note in the first 25 minutes. The highlights in that opening period were a rather attractive young lady looking for her seat in the stand which caused heads to turn in the press box. Then police and stewards went to great trouble to confiscate an inflatable alligator from the Killy end, which was a bit over the top, as the away supporters were just enjoying themselves and not being any bother.
The first shot on target produced the opening goal on 27 minutes, a fine through ball found Invincible unmarked, who had a simple task of hitting the target from 12 yards past the helpless Krysiak.
The second half continued in similar fashion, although the Steelmen did go close with two headed efforts both from corner kicks, the first of those from Brian McClean bounced back off the crossbar.
Motherwell struggled as the clock ticked towards full time, I could already predict the football manager clichés that Mark McGhee would say after the game, quotes like ‘we weren’t at the races today’ or ‘we struggled to get out of the stalls’ but then when all seem lost ’Well equalized with ten minutes remaining.
A brief spell of pressure ended with Clarkson getting the ball near the bye line, who did well to get in a cross for McClean who side footed the ball first time into the far corner of the net. That looked like that was it, honours even, but in the last minute of the game and for me personally, the last seconds of my season, a cracking goal to finish off my groundhopping campaign. A great piece of skill from Fernandez with a cheeky back heel and flick, played in Mehdi Taouil who himself showed great skill, slipping past a defender then selling a couple of lollipops before slamming the ball home at the near post. Overall maybe Killy just about shaded it, but the performance from Motherwell wasn’t the best way to leave your supporters for the summer holidays.
It’s become an end of season tradition now that my last match of the season is a journey into Northern Britain. There’s a regular train direct from Newcastle to Glasgow which passes through Motherwell, the journey takes about two and a half hours. I caught the 0752 arriving in the town with plenty of time for breakfast and a drink, so regular readers can probably guess where I went? Aye you guessed it, well done! - Wetherspoons. The Brandon Works pub is just around the corner from the station and I enjoyed an excellent big plate of Scottish breakfast washed down with a pint from the local Strathaven brewery.I really liked Fir Park, a good mix of old and new and with the club colours being amber and claret, (which originated from Lord Hamilton by the way….Eddy) the ground is more attractive than banks of red or blue seats which are commonplace elsewhere.
I’d like to thank the club for their hospitality, I was well looked after from the moment I arrived. At half time the scotch pie and chocolate bar that complemented my cuppa were splendid (apparently you only get a tray of biscuits at Wembley…Eddy)
After the match I had a good hour and a half to kill before the 1604 train, so I planned to check out a few more pubs. I popped my head in a few bars next to the station but I walked back out again, didn’t like the vibes I was getting and the clientele didn‘t look over friendly, so I returned to the safe haven and £1.49 a pint of The Brandon Works. (I must give a special mention to the excellent bar staff at this ‘Spoons, brilliant service both before and after the game, ta!)
So that’s me done for another football season, I’ve traveled some miles this term and as always I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing my groundhopping adventures with you. When the season’s over I usually welcome a rest from football, but within a fortnight I’m trawling the papers and internet looking for news of pre-season friendlies and needing a footy fix. For the time being though, I’m happy to go into football hibernation for the summer, which sounds like a long break doesn’t it? But it’s only six weeks until I take in my first game of the brand new football season.
Matchday stats
MFC 1 (McClean 80) KFC 2 (Invincible 27, Taouil 90)
Att. 4186
Admission £18-£22
Programme £2.50
MFC 1 (McClean 80) KFC 2 (Invincible 27, Taouil 90)
Att. 4186
Admission £18-£22
Programme £2.50
Ground no.215 Fir Park – Matchday Webalbum(20 pictures)
Auf Wiedersehen Seat!
My seat and viewpoint for the last 14 years, I sadly parked my derriere on this piece of plastic for the very last time yesterday. We've had some good times and many bad times together and I'll forever cherish those memorable moments we spent together.Will we miss each other, will I regret our split? Only time will tell, but I very much doubt it.
(I've had season tickets in all four sides of the ground, but this was the longest I've spent in one spot)
The Football Bog Blog
Great Stadia Toilets - no.18 in a series of...
The latest in the series was send in by Simple Pieman on his recent visit to Brantingham Road, the home of Manchester based club Maine Road.
You can read more of this respected journalist's visit to the ground at;
http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2009/04/maine-road-fc_25.html
The Unisex facilities at Maine Road
The latest in the series was send in by Simple Pieman on his recent visit to Brantingham Road, the home of Manchester based club Maine Road.You can read more of this respected journalist's visit to the ground at;
http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2009/04/maine-road-fc_25.html
My Matchday - 214 City Park
Spartans 3v0 Easthouses Lily MWFC
East Of Scotland League-Premier Division
9th May 2009
East Of Scotland League-Premier Division
9th May 2009
Spartans FC play in the East of Scotland Premier Division, based five hundred yards off the Crewe Toll in the north end of Edinburgh. The club have played at City Park since 1976, which coinciding in becoming full members of the Scottish FA.
The ground belongs to Edinburgh City Council, this season definitely being its last as far as fitba goes. The site is earmarked for a housing development with the club set to move a short distance to Ainslie Park, which has a 504 seated stand, floodlights and a floodlit 3G pitch.
The ground was previously the home of Ferranti Thistle and Edinburgh City but is famously known for its sloping pitch, maybe one of the steepest I’ve seen on my travels. Unfortunately the main stand was deemed to be unsafe after the Taylor Report and demolished in 2004. The ground is fully enclosed made up of slant grass banking on all four sides. the changing rooms, canteen and offices are situated in portakabins at the bottom of the car park.
The Spartans FC was formed in 1951, the brainchild of two former Edinburgh University players, gaining instant entry to the East of Scotland League. Originally the club catered for players affiliated to the University, but now the club is open all comers and is a big part of the local community.
The club run a second and third XI, with junior teams from under-19’s down to under-8s level, giving them more registered players than any other club in Scotland. There’s also a new ladies team which was formed this season after merging with Edinburgh Ladies FC, playing in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
Spartans won the first of six East Of Scotland league titles in 1971-72, the latest came in 2004-05 which saw the club retain the Premier trophy. Most of their success has came in cup competitions, collecting honours twice in both the League Cup and City Cup, also adding seven South Qualifying Cup’s, with most of their triumphs coming in the Kings Cup which they’ve won on nine occasions.
They first played in the Scottish Cup in 1978, knocking out a few league clubs over the years - East Stirlingshire, Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Berwick Rangers and Queens Park have all been put to the sword by The Spartans. However the club have hosted some big cup ties against SPL side Livingston in 2004 and St. Mirren in 2006, both produced crowds of over 3,000, with the latter almost producing a major cup shock, as the Saints were lucky to get back to Paisley with a goalless draw in front of a club record gate of 3,346.
Since the turn of this decade the club has picked up honours every season, and this campaign could see another league title as they currently sit in pole position with three games left to play, their chances greatly improved with an impressive win over opponents Easthouses Lily.
Spartans started the game positively, kicking down hill in the first half missing several good opportunities, then finally on the half hour they took the lead through Keith McCleod, nodding home at the near post directly from a corner kick.
The second half saw the heavy rain persist as well as the pressure on the Easthouses goal, with McCleod adding his and Spartans second, taking advantage of a poor clearance from the Lily keeper, before run through on goal and finishing well. His strike partner David Etale made it 3-0 on 77 minutes with a great individual effort, receiving the ball near the by-line, he wriggled his way around the defence before shooting home at the near post.
The visitors received a red card a minute later, when their number 10 was sent off for abusive language towards the referee after he failed to award him a free kick, there was no hesitation from the ref, everyone in the ground could clearly hear him being called “a bleating runt” - excuse the spelling!
Spartans had numerous chances to increase the score, with man of the match McCleod missing out on completing his hat-trick. The win keeps them on course for the league title, while this defeat for Easthouses Lily has confirmed their relegation to Division One.
Big matches locally this weekend on Friday and Monday nights meant a vacant Saturday, allowed me to nip over the border, leaving Newcastle at 1145 and arriving at City Park in just under two hours. The ground is easy enough to locate, a short walk from Waverley train station over to South Street David off Princes Street, where I met the 27 bus service which drops you off on Ferry Road, leaving a short walk to the ground.
While I was in the vicinity I took the opportunity to visit Spartans new ground and Football Academy at Ainslie Park, which is just around the corner from City Park. I then stopped off for some bait in the nearby Morrissons, enjoying one of their “Big Scottish Breakfasts” which is the same as a full English Breakfast, the only difference is your eating it further north.
I then faced the heavy downpour which started as soon as I got off the bus and didn’t stop until just before the match finished. Which resulted in your author being drenched to the skin, the thin Harrington jacket not offering much protection and my training shoes no defence against soggy feet!
When arriving at the ground your greeted by an old fellow taking admission and selling programmes, using the front seat of his Hyundai Accent and the open passenger seat door as a gateway into the ground. Everyone at the club was seems very friendly, special mention to Jeanette who made sure I secured a pin badge and they also took pity on me at half time, looking similar to a drowned rat they offered me shelter and made sure I got a nice warm cup of tea.
After the game I heading back into town, calling into the ‘Café Royal’ and my favourite pub in Edinburgh - ‘The Guildford’ where I found there was a beer festival on with a great selection of ten different ales, which only made me wish I was booked on a later train.
Apart from the soaking I enjoyed the second last game at City Park, the curtain comes down next Saturday (May 16th) against Edinburgh City, then from next season the club will be using the new facilities full time. Prior to this season the club missed out on their first election to the Scottish Football League to fellow East of Scotland side Annan Athletic, but if another vacancy was to arise then the club now have everything in place, that should see a more successful application to the Scottish League.
Tims 92 visits the following week
Matchday stats
SFC 3(McLeod 31,56 Etale 77)ELMWFC 0
Admission £4
Programme £1
Att. 90 (HC)
Ground no.214 City Park - Matchday Web album (16 pictures including 3 from Ainslie Park)
.
My Matchday - 213 Griffin Park
Brentford 2v0 Luton Town
League Two
2nd May 2009
Brentford is a suburb in West London within the Borough of Hounslow, found at the confluence of the River Brent and River Thames. The area has an historic reputation as a place where it’s more likely to kick off! - and I don’t mean in the football sense. It’s believed to be the site where Julius Caesar crossed the Thames during the Roman invasion of Britain, going into battle with local king Cassivellaunus.
Other significant battles have occurred; the first Battle of Brentford involved the invading Danes led by Canute up against Edmund Ironside, resulting in a handsome victory for the home side.Then in 1642 the Royalists under the command of Prince Rupert overcame the tight defence of the regimental cavalries of Parliamentarian forces, to record a well earned win during “The English Civil War” 1642-46 season
Prior to kick off there was a jubilant atmosphere around Griffin Park, Brentford fans were obviously buoyant after winning the title, while the Luton supporters had a humorous attitude towards there temporary exclusion from the Football League.
The match had an end of season vibe to it with both clubs destinies already assured, it was a bit like an end of season testimonial, the game itself secondary to the trophy presentation and celebrations that were due to take place after the full time whistle.
The opening half was limited on chances, Brentford producing the only goal attempts, a shot from Williams was comfortably saved and then a close range effort from Clarke produced a brill save from keeper Brill. The only time Luton managed to explore the opposite penalty area was Martin’s sly trip on goalkeeper Hamer which produced the games only yellow card just before half time.
Both teams vastly improved in the second half, Luton even managed to have a shot, but it was two late goals from ‘The Bees’ which wrapped up the season. The first on 73 minutes was a product of the substitutes; Poole took a free kick wide right of the penalty area, his cross met superbly with a powerful header by Karleigh Osborne.
Then in the last minute Hunt received a defence splitting pass, staying onside before eventually squaring the ball to Adam Newton, who curled his shot into the left hand corner, a smashing goal which put the gloss on the champions’ campaign.
About ten minutes before the full time whistle there was an announcement on the PA in what sounded like a desperate plea, warning the stewards to take there positions pitch side for the pending invasion, it didn’t make much difference as the field was amass with Brentford fans as soon as the referee put the whistle to his lips, the Bees fans celebrated winning the league and are another division closer to reacquainting themselves with that club with three initials to their name.
I boarded the 0730 from Central Station, the journey from Newcastle to Kings Cross taking 3 hours 15 minutes, after purchasing my travel ticket and boarding the Piccadilly Line I arrived at Griffin Park just before noon.
As you’d probably expect, with the ground being profoundly famous for having a pub in each corner, I naturally had to stop for a pint at each bar. Firstly (or should that be thirstily) I visited the ‘Royal Oak’ then around to ‘The Griffin’ before I had a half time pub break. Taking time out to obtain my press pass and visit the club shop, where fans were queuing along the street, purchasing commemorative t-shirts and scarves. I then stopped for a bite to eat before completing the set, going into ‘The Princess Royal’ and ‘The New Inn’ before heading into the ground at 2.15pm.
The game wasn’t the best I’ve seen this season, but I did enjoy the occasion. I especially liked my position in the stand, next to the local radio broadcasters - BBC London and Westside FM and three seats away from Lofty from Eastenders(circa 1985) Plus I must mention the frequently passed around box of chocolate brownies, as well as the fine selection of biscuits that accompanied my half time cuppa in the press room.
After the match I headed straight back to Kings Cross to meet up with my old mucker and Geordie-exile Decka T’ for a couple of pints. He told me he was unfamiliar with the area but had spotted a pub a short walk from the station, which was handy for my 1900 train.
We entered the street where the pub was situated and when I clocked it I turned and said “Bliddy Hell is that it! Are you sure?” The pub had no windows, just outdoor blackboards with the opening times written out in white chalk and worst of all it was the pub with no name; no sign to say what it was called.
I apprehensively entered the building and… it was fine, a bit dark obviously due to a lack of naturally light, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was good to meet up with Derek, giving us a chance to have a chat and catch up, plus we had some good crack with a couple of Spurs fans who had attended their game that afternoon. Suddenly our conversation was interrupted by the appearance of a pretty young lass, with a plastic beaker in her hand, wanting donations. Derek blindly stuck a quid in and as I fumbled for change I ask what the money was for “It’s for me, have you seen my show” she replied, not knowing what she was on about I just shuck my head, so she said “ok” and moved on.
The pub was split into two rooms and we were standing next to the dividing door, there was music blaring from next door, so I popped my head around the door, just to be nosey to see what was happening and was greeted by the site of the aforementioned lass on stage completely naked, on a chair, legs akimbo looking straight at me with a look in my eye which said ‘you owe me a quid!’
I knew the place looked a bit dodgy, but Derek just seemed to accept it as if was customary. I’m not used to this London scene, so it’s a good job I have more plans to visit the smoke next season, to get acclimatized, plus I’ve found a handy watering hole for future trips to the capital, but that’s only because it’s near the station mind!
I caught my train home without any hiccups, arriving back on Tyneside by 1015pm after another quality trip, having enjoyed a trouble free journey, visiting some great pubs, the warmth and friendliness of the Brentford officials and supporters with the day rounded off with a bit of “T & A” overall an excellent day out.
Bevvy Almanac featuring the four pubs and the other one
Matchday stats
BCFC 2(Osbourne 73, Newton 90) LTFC 0
Att.10,223
Admission £18-£20
Programme £3
League Two
2nd May 2009
Brentford is a suburb in West London within the Borough of Hounslow, found at the confluence of the River Brent and River Thames. The area has an historic reputation as a place where it’s more likely to kick off! - and I don’t mean in the football sense. It’s believed to be the site where Julius Caesar crossed the Thames during the Roman invasion of Britain, going into battle with local king Cassivellaunus.Other significant battles have occurred; the first Battle of Brentford involved the invading Danes led by Canute up against Edmund Ironside, resulting in a handsome victory for the home side.Then in 1642 the Royalists under the command of Prince Rupert overcame the tight defence of the regimental cavalries of Parliamentarian forces, to record a well earned win during “The English Civil War” 1642-46 season
Brentford FC formed in 1889 by members of a rowing club, looking for a sport to fulfil the winter months. The club originally playing in a field behind the Wesleyan Chapel in Clifden Road, using 'The Griffin' pub as changing rooms, this being the first of several grounds in the vicinity as they became the nomads of London. The club’s next move was to Benn’s Field on Little Ealing Lane, then Shotter’s Field on Windmill Road and the last two years of the century spent at the Cross Roads, situated next to Benn’s Field.
In 1900 they moved to Boston Park cricket ground, where they played for four years until leasing an orchard on Breamar Road from the local brewery, taking with them two of the stands from the cricket field, one becoming the main stand the other placed on banking opposite on the New Road side.
The ground was named Griffin Park, after the logo of their pub landlords the Fuller Brewery, however the ground didn’t get off to the best of starts, before the opening match the stand was surveyed to be unsafe, meaning the players having to change at the nearby public baths, then within months the stand roof collapsed.
League Football arrived at the park in 1920 as members of the Division Three, this brought about a new main stand in 1927, with new offices added two years later. During the 1930’s the grounds main spade work commenced with cover added to Brook Road End terrace, New Road terrace and additional seating to the Main Stand. In 1954 floodlights were attached to the side stands, getting their first airing in October that year for a friendly against Chelsea, with the existing corner pylons installed in 1963.
After the Bradford Fire in 1985, the ground lost three-quarters of its capacity, down to only 9,500, two years earlier Griffin Park was also involved in a blaze, with half of the main stand destroyed overnight, resulting in a £800,000 bill to repair the damage.
Finances and capacity raised when the club sold land behind the Brook Road terrace, which financed a new two tier stand, split between seats and standing, known as the “Wendy House” by Brentford fans. Viewing the stand now I can see the resemblance, but it does look quite smart and nowadays it wendyhouses the away supporters.
After the Taylor Report the Ealing Road terrace capacity was dramatically reduced, work saw improvements made to the terrace in 1991-92. With this being the only uncovered section it was set aside for away supporters. Plans to add cover was rejected by the local council after concerns from local residents, and then in 2007 a roof was finally added, making it a proper home end and popular section of the ground.
The Main Stand is on Breamar Road and was also part of the early nineties £230,000 refurbishment, it has a single tier of seats which have been extended at each side, however the section towards the Brook Road End has a blacked out unemployed area, which gives the impression that they’ve ran out of seats. There’s also a square electric scoreboard between the stand and Ealing Road terrace with another in the opposite corner.
The New Road side is now named the Bill Axbey Stand in memory of one of the clubs most loyal supporters, it’s decked out with red seats with The Bees picked out in white, with the ground being close to the Heathrow flight path, different airline companies have used the roof for advertising space.
The current capacity stands at 12,763, with the record gate of 39,626 in March 1938 for an FA Cup tie against Preston North End.
In 1900 they moved to Boston Park cricket ground, where they played for four years until leasing an orchard on Breamar Road from the local brewery, taking with them two of the stands from the cricket field, one becoming the main stand the other placed on banking opposite on the New Road side.
The ground was named Griffin Park, after the logo of their pub landlords the Fuller Brewery, however the ground didn’t get off to the best of starts, before the opening match the stand was surveyed to be unsafe, meaning the players having to change at the nearby public baths, then within months the stand roof collapsed.
League Football arrived at the park in 1920 as members of the Division Three, this brought about a new main stand in 1927, with new offices added two years later. During the 1930’s the grounds main spade work commenced with cover added to Brook Road End terrace, New Road terrace and additional seating to the Main Stand. In 1954 floodlights were attached to the side stands, getting their first airing in October that year for a friendly against Chelsea, with the existing corner pylons installed in 1963.
After the Bradford Fire in 1985, the ground lost three-quarters of its capacity, down to only 9,500, two years earlier Griffin Park was also involved in a blaze, with half of the main stand destroyed overnight, resulting in a £800,000 bill to repair the damage.
Finances and capacity raised when the club sold land behind the Brook Road terrace, which financed a new two tier stand, split between seats and standing, known as the “Wendy House” by Brentford fans. Viewing the stand now I can see the resemblance, but it does look quite smart and nowadays it wendyhouses the away supporters.
After the Taylor Report the Ealing Road terrace capacity was dramatically reduced, work saw improvements made to the terrace in 1991-92. With this being the only uncovered section it was set aside for away supporters. Plans to add cover was rejected by the local council after concerns from local residents, and then in 2007 a roof was finally added, making it a proper home end and popular section of the ground.
The Main Stand is on Breamar Road and was also part of the early nineties £230,000 refurbishment, it has a single tier of seats which have been extended at each side, however the section towards the Brook Road End has a blacked out unemployed area, which gives the impression that they’ve ran out of seats. There’s also a square electric scoreboard between the stand and Ealing Road terrace with another in the opposite corner.
The New Road side is now named the Bill Axbey Stand in memory of one of the clubs most loyal supporters, it’s decked out with red seats with The Bees picked out in white, with the ground being close to the Heathrow flight path, different airline companies have used the roof for advertising space.
The current capacity stands at 12,763, with the record gate of 39,626 in March 1938 for an FA Cup tie against Preston North End.
Prior to kick off there was a jubilant atmosphere around Griffin Park, Brentford fans were obviously buoyant after winning the title, while the Luton supporters had a humorous attitude towards there temporary exclusion from the Football League.The match had an end of season vibe to it with both clubs destinies already assured, it was a bit like an end of season testimonial, the game itself secondary to the trophy presentation and celebrations that were due to take place after the full time whistle.
The opening half was limited on chances, Brentford producing the only goal attempts, a shot from Williams was comfortably saved and then a close range effort from Clarke produced a brill save from keeper Brill. The only time Luton managed to explore the opposite penalty area was Martin’s sly trip on goalkeeper Hamer which produced the games only yellow card just before half time.
Both teams vastly improved in the second half, Luton even managed to have a shot, but it was two late goals from ‘The Bees’ which wrapped up the season. The first on 73 minutes was a product of the substitutes; Poole took a free kick wide right of the penalty area, his cross met superbly with a powerful header by Karleigh Osborne.
Then in the last minute Hunt received a defence splitting pass, staying onside before eventually squaring the ball to Adam Newton, who curled his shot into the left hand corner, a smashing goal which put the gloss on the champions’ campaign.
About ten minutes before the full time whistle there was an announcement on the PA in what sounded like a desperate plea, warning the stewards to take there positions pitch side for the pending invasion, it didn’t make much difference as the field was amass with Brentford fans as soon as the referee put the whistle to his lips, the Bees fans celebrated winning the league and are another division closer to reacquainting themselves with that club with three initials to their name.
I boarded the 0730 from Central Station, the journey from Newcastle to Kings Cross taking 3 hours 15 minutes, after purchasing my travel ticket and boarding the Piccadilly Line I arrived at Griffin Park just before noon.As you’d probably expect, with the ground being profoundly famous for having a pub in each corner, I naturally had to stop for a pint at each bar. Firstly (or should that be thirstily) I visited the ‘Royal Oak’ then around to ‘The Griffin’ before I had a half time pub break. Taking time out to obtain my press pass and visit the club shop, where fans were queuing along the street, purchasing commemorative t-shirts and scarves. I then stopped for a bite to eat before completing the set, going into ‘The Princess Royal’ and ‘The New Inn’ before heading into the ground at 2.15pm.
The game wasn’t the best I’ve seen this season, but I did enjoy the occasion. I especially liked my position in the stand, next to the local radio broadcasters - BBC London and Westside FM and three seats away from Lofty from Eastenders(circa 1985) Plus I must mention the frequently passed around box of chocolate brownies, as well as the fine selection of biscuits that accompanied my half time cuppa in the press room.
After the match I headed straight back to Kings Cross to meet up with my old mucker and Geordie-exile Decka T’ for a couple of pints. He told me he was unfamiliar with the area but had spotted a pub a short walk from the station, which was handy for my 1900 train.
We entered the street where the pub was situated and when I clocked it I turned and said “Bliddy Hell is that it! Are you sure?” The pub had no windows, just outdoor blackboards with the opening times written out in white chalk and worst of all it was the pub with no name; no sign to say what it was called.
I apprehensively entered the building and… it was fine, a bit dark obviously due to a lack of naturally light, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was good to meet up with Derek, giving us a chance to have a chat and catch up, plus we had some good crack with a couple of Spurs fans who had attended their game that afternoon. Suddenly our conversation was interrupted by the appearance of a pretty young lass, with a plastic beaker in her hand, wanting donations. Derek blindly stuck a quid in and as I fumbled for change I ask what the money was for “It’s for me, have you seen my show” she replied, not knowing what she was on about I just shuck my head, so she said “ok” and moved on.
The pub was split into two rooms and we were standing next to the dividing door, there was music blaring from next door, so I popped my head around the door, just to be nosey to see what was happening and was greeted by the site of the aforementioned lass on stage completely naked, on a chair, legs akimbo looking straight at me with a look in my eye which said ‘you owe me a quid!’
I knew the place looked a bit dodgy, but Derek just seemed to accept it as if was customary. I’m not used to this London scene, so it’s a good job I have more plans to visit the smoke next season, to get acclimatized, plus I’ve found a handy watering hole for future trips to the capital, but that’s only because it’s near the station mind!
I caught my train home without any hiccups, arriving back on Tyneside by 1015pm after another quality trip, having enjoyed a trouble free journey, visiting some great pubs, the warmth and friendliness of the Brentford officials and supporters with the day rounded off with a bit of “T & A” overall an excellent day out.
Bevvy Almanac featuring the four pubs and the other one
Matchday stats
BCFC 2(Osbourne 73, Newton 90) LTFC 0
Att.10,223
Admission £18-£20
Programme £3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
