Issue No.63 August 2024

 IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

Raith Rovers

Destination Scarborough 

Chester-le-Street Town

Arkles Liverpool

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STADE NEWS

EXPANSION PLANS AT THE DEN

South London club Millwall's plans for an expanded 34,000 capacity stadium have moved closer, following the granting of a 999-year lease for the ground from Lewisham Council. The landmark agreement paves the way for the New Bermondsey regeneration development to proceed, which includes the expansion of The Den. The stadium will see a phased extension to increase the seating areas behind the current structure, and eventually increase capacity from the current 20,146 to around 34,000. The stadium design proposals include external brickwork arches, which reflect the railway viaducts and industrial heritage of the site. The wider scheme plans include a new public plaza in Bermondsey, residential developments, and retail and community use space.

PREPARATIONS FOR NEW STAND AT BLACKPOOL

Demolition work on empty properties bordering Bloomfield Road has commenced, in preparation for a new East Stand at Blackpool. The new stand, yet to receive planning permission, is part of a scheme incorporating community facilities at the new, adjacent Revoe Sports Village.

RANGERS TO PLAY AT HAMPDEN

Building work delays have resulted in Rangers having to play their initial home matches of the season at Hampden Park. Work on the Copland Road stand is not expected to be completed until September, meaning early SPFL and Cup fixtures will all take place at the National Stadium.

MAGPIES FAVOUR ST JAMES' OPTION

Reports from Newcastle suggest the owners are looking at the redevelopment of St James' Park, rather than building a new stadium elsewhere in the city. A feasibility study has been completed to explore the options, to extend the current capacity from 52,350 to over 60,000.

SYNNERS ON THE MOVE AGAIN

Nomadic Billingham Synthonia have announced a new groundshare for the new season. Following the closure of the iconic Central Avenue stadium in 2017, and groundshares at Norton then Stokesley, Synners have now relocated to nearby Stockton Town.

NEWS IN BRIEF

HEREFORD UNITED

Demolition work has started on the iconic Blackfriars End terrace at Edgar Street. The stand, which has not been in use for over ten years, will eventually be replaced with a new structure which will incorporate student accomodation.

SOUTHAMPTON

Ahead of their return to the Premier League, Southampton are opening a new fanzone behind the Northam Stand at St Mary's. The plans include a marquee with a stage and large TV screens, with additional food, drink, and retail stalls.

EUROPEAN CLUB FINALS

The venues for the 2025 European Club Finals have been announced. The Allianz Arena in Munich will host the Champions League final, whilst the Europa League final will be held at the San Mames in Bilbao. The Stadion Wroclaw in Poland will be staging the Conference League final.

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CLUBCALL Raith Rovers

Stark's Park, Pratt Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 1SA.

Founded - 1883

League - SPL Championship

Capacity - 8,867

Record Attendance - 31,306

Nearest Railway Station - Kirkcaldy

Club Website - www.raithrovers.net

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DESTINATION Scarborough

Old town and Castle

Regarded as the UK's first seaside resort, rich in history and with a vibrant atmosphere, Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast is the ideal destination.

Believed to have been founded by the Vikings around 966 AD, and with further evidence uncovered of an Iron Age settlement, Roman occupation, and battles during the English Civil War, the town has a rich and varied history. The stunning 12th century castle overlooking the town and the North Bay still stands, and is well worth a visit. 

Other notable structures in the town include the Rotunda Museum, Pier lighthouse, and the Cliff bridge. The South Cliff lift, a funicular railway opened in 1875, links the seafront with the Spa building, home to the Scarborough Spa Orchestra. 

The town is now most famous as a family seaside resort, with two large sandy beaches and a host of seafront attractions, amusement arcades, cafes, and fish and chip shops.

Away from the beach attractions include Peasholm Park, the Sea Life centre, the Maritime Heritage centre, and the Italian and St.Nicholas Gardens.

Pier and Lighthouse

The arts and entertainment scene is well catered for in the town with summer outdoor concerts at the Open Air Theatre, plays at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, and family productions at the YMCA theatre.

Further afield, Scarborough is the perfect base for visiting the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, also the NYM heritage railway, walking the Cleveland Way, and visiting the nearby towns of Bridlington and Filey.

Beach and Esplanade

Scarborough Info

Travel - by road via A1/A64, by rail via York.

Hotels - huge range of hotels, B&B's, and guesthouses in the town.

Pubs - Scholars Bar, Dickens Inn, Lord Roseberry(Spoons)all recommended.

Tourism Website - www.visitscarborough.com

Scarborough Athletic

Sports Village, Ashburn Road, Scarborough YO11 2JW.

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CLUBCALL Chester-le-Street Town

Moor Park, Chester-le-Street, DH2 3BX.

Founded - 1972

League - Northern League Division Two

Capacity - 2,240

Record Attendance - 893

Nearest Railway Station - Chester-le-Street.

Club Website - www.chesterlestreettownfc.com

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Arkles Liverpool

Large, friendly Greene King pub on Anfield Road, virtually outside Liverpool FC. The designated pub for away fans but still plenty of Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia on show. Usually 2 or 3 cask ales on offer, all live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Highbury mural at the Emirates, Arsenal

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2024.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.64)published Sunday 1st December 2024.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.62 April 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Edinburgh City

Destination Harrogate

ClubCall Newton Aycliffe

Corner Pin Wimbledon

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STADE NEWS

HEARTS HOTEL OPENS

The newest hotel in Edinburgh has opened in the main stand at Heart of Midlothian's stadium. The 4 star Tynecastle Park hotel offers 25 stylish bedrooms, with breakfast and evening meals being taken in the club's Skyline restaurant. Hearts are now offering match and hotel stay packages, with further private hire, corporate, and conference facilities available in the hotel and club function suites. Tynecastle Park is in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, a ten minute walk from Haymarket railway station and tram stop, and bookings can be made via the club or hotel websites.

POSSIBLE SALE FOR THE SHAY

The council owned Shay, home to Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers rugby league club, could be sold in a cost-cutting measure. Options include transferring a long term lease to one of the clubs, or for the council to dispose of the ground with the two clubs as tenants. The Shay has been home to Town since 1921.

DEBATE ON FUTURE OF OLD TRAFFORD

Manchester United are reported to be making a decision on the future of Old Trafford by the end of 2024. Options for the club are to refurbish and extend the existing stadium, or build an entirely new structure on the neighbouring land which the club owns, next to the current stadium site.

STADIUM OF LIGHT REDEVELOPMENT

Sunderland have announced redevelopment and upgrade plans for the Stadium of Light, including the installation of 3,000 rail seats. A new pitch and under-soil heating system will be installed in the summer, with further improvements to the stadium PA system and floodlights.

DUNDEE UNVEIL CAMPERDOWN PLANS

The SPFL have supported Dundee's application for a new 12,500 capacity stadium. Plans include safe standing and tiered hospitality, including a 250-capacity brew hall. A chevron design will be incorporated in the stadium entrance to reflect the main stand at Dens Park.

NEWS IN BRIEF

CASEMENT PARK

Doubts continue over the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast. Work has yet to begin on the Euro 2028 stadium, now reduced to a 30,000 capacity, with UEFA requiring the ground to be ready by mid-2027 to enable test events at the venue before the tournament.

SHEFFIELD FC

The world's oldest football club have announced plans for a new stadium at Meadowhead in Sheffield. The 5,000 seater stadium, to be shared with Sheffield Eagles rugby league club, will also include a football museum and an indoor community sports hall.

ERNST HAPPEL STADION

The city authorities in Vienna have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the iconic 50,865 capacity Ernst Happel stadion, with the aim of making the venue Europe's first energy self-sufficient stadium.

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CLUBCALL Edinburgh City

Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE.

Founded - 1928

League - Scottish League One

Capacity - 1,320

Record Attendance - 2,522

Nearest Railway Station - Edinburgh Waverley

Club Website - www.edinburghcityfc.com

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DESTINATION Harrogate

Harrogate War Memorial

One of the most popular destinations in the North of England, the fine town of Harrogate and its surrounding area has many attractions for visitors.

Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, the town grew rapidly from the 16th century following the discovery of sulphur-rich spring water in High Harrogate, and visitors soon flocked to the town to sample the waters. 

The Turkish Baths, operating since 1897 in the original Royal Baths building are still open to this day, and the Royal Pump Room is now a museum showcasing the town's spa history.

Other notable buildings in Harrogate include the Royal Hall, the only surviving Kursaal in the UK, the Grade I listed St Wilfrid's church, and the Harrogate Convention Centre.

The Harrogate Theatre, formerly the Grand Opera House, and the Royal Hall are the main concert and performance venues in the town, which is host to the annual International Arts Festival.

Royal Pump Room

Shopping is centred around the Montpellier Quarter and John Street, with a wide range of independent and national retailers on offer.

The famous Betty's tea room is situated on Parliament Street opposite the war memorial.

Harrogate hosts the annual Great Yorkshire Show at the Showground on the eastern outskirts of the town, an agricultural show that attracts around one million visitors a year.

The main park in the town is the Valley Gardens featuring the art deco Sun Pavilion, and the Stray is perfect for a pleasant town centre walk.

Valley Gardens

Just outside the town the RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr are a must visit, and the nearby towns of Knaresborough and Ripon are also attractive destinations.

Fountains Abbey and Ripley Castle are nearby, and Harrogate is also an ideal base for visiting the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Harrogate Royal Hall

Harrogate Info

Travel - by road via A1/A59/A61, by rail via York or Leeds.

Hotels - full range of hotels and B&B's in the town, Hotel du Vin on West Park and Harrogate Inn on Ripon Road both very good.

Pubs - Old Bell on Royal Parade, Fat Badger(in White Hart Hotel), and Winter Gardens(Wetherspoons) all particularly recommended.

Tourism Website - www.visitharrogate.co.uk

Harrogate Town

Wetherby Road, Harrogate HG2 7SA.

Harrogate Railway Athletic

Station View, Starbeck, Harrogate HG2 7JA.

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CLUBCALL Newton Aycliffe

Moore Lane Sports Club, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham DL5 5AG.

Founded - 1965

League - Northern Premier League Division One East

Capacity - 1,000

Record Attendance - 587

Nearest Railway Station - Newton Aycliffe

Club Website - www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Corner Pin Wimbledon

Large, very friendly pub at the end of Plough Lane on Summerstown, virtually outside the new home of AFC Wimbledon. A home fans only venue on matchdays, Youngs Special bitter usually on cask but no food served. Surprisingly no Dons memorabilia displayed, but lots of old sporting souvenirs to view.

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STADE IMAGES

Floodlight at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2024.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.63)published Sunday 4th August 2024.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.61 December 2023

IN THIS ISSUE 

Stade News

ClubCall Sorrento

Retro Images

ClubCall West Auckland

Artisan bar Edinburgh 

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STADE NEWS

EXPANSION PLANS FOR IBROX

Officials at Glasgow Rangers are considering plans for a major expansion of Ibrox Stadium. Initial plans include adding around 700 seats to the corners of the stadium next to the Sandy Jardine stand, with further expansion of the corners if the giant TV screens are removed. Future plans could see between 8,000 and 10,000 seats added to the Copland and Broomloan stands. The club are also exploring the possiblity of lowering the pitch at the stadium, which could potentially increase the current 50,817 capacity to over 60,000. Rangers are also installing two platforms behind both goals at the stadium, to enhance the disabled viewing facilities at Ibrox. In further news, the Gers have announced a statue of former legendary manager Walter Smith, who passed away in October 2021, will be unveiled at Ibrox stadium early in the New Year.

SELHURST REDEVELOPMENT MOVES CLOSER

Crystal Palace hope to start work in the summer of 2024, on their much delayed new main stand at Selhurst Park. The £100m redevelopment received planning permission in 2018, but work is yet to commence. When completed, the capacity at the stadium will rise from 25,486 to around 34,000.

LAND AGREEMENT AT CAMBRIDGE UNITED

Upgrading at the Abbey Stadium can now proceed, following an agreement between Cambridge United and the Supporters Club. The U's will develop a new building for the Supporters Club, allowing the current structure to be demolised and the land freed up for the redevelopment at the stadium.

NEW STAND FOR SOMERSET PARK

The new North stand at Ayr United continues to take shape. The stand will retain part of the current North terracing, with the addition of 700 seats. The structure will also incoporate a hospitality suite and offices, and is expected to be open for the start of next season.

NEWS IN BRIEF

REAL MADRID

As preparations for the December inauguration of the redeveloped Estadio Santiago Bernabau continue, the authorities in Madrid have agreed a 70m€ refurbishment of the adjacent Metro station. The works will hugely increase the capacity of the station, and will feature design and artwork to reflect the proximity of the transport hub to Real Madrid. 

BRISTOL ROVERS

Despite work being well underway on the project, Bristol Rovers have only just received planning permission from the local Council for the new South stand at the Memorial Ground. The steel framework for the 3,000 capacity stand is now complete, replacing the previous temporary structure.

CAMBRIDGE CITY

Work continues on the new stadium for Northern Premier League Division One Midlands club Cambridge City. The 3,000 capacity stadium at Sawston, 6 miles south of the City, is due to open for the start of the 2024/25 season. The Lilywhites are currently groundsharing at St.Ives.

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CLUBCALL A.S.D Sorrento

Stadio Italia, Via Aniello Califano, Sorrento 80067, Italy.

Founded - 1945

League - Serie C Group C

Capacity - 3,600

Record Attendance - 3,600

Nearest Railway Station - Sorrento

Club Website - www.fcsorrento.com

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RETRO IMAGES

East End stand at Love Street, St.Mirren

Compton Street stand at Saltergate, Chesterfield

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CLUBCALL West Auckland Town

Darlington Road, West Auckland DL14 9AQ.

Founded - 1893

League - Northern League Division One

Capacity - 2,000

Record Attendance - 6,000

Nearest Railway Station - Bishop Auckland

Club Website - www.westaucklandtownafc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Artisan Bar Edinburgh

Wonderful hostelry on London Road, popular with fans going to Hibernian and Edinburgh City. Usually three cask ales on offer from the island bar, with fascinating old photos of Edinburgh and lots of sporting memorabilia to view. No food served, all live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Aviva Stadium Dublin looms over the neighbourhood

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2023.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.62)published Sunday 7th April 2024.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.60 August 2023

 IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Ajax 

Lost Grounds York City

ClubCall Crook Town 

Tollington Arms Arsenal 

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STADE NEWS

FOOTBALL RETURNS TO GIGG LANE

Following the merger of Bury FC and pheonix club Bury AFC and the formation of a new club, football has returned to Gigg Lane for the first time since The Shakers were expelled from the EFL in 2019, following serious financial problems. The new club, Bury FC, now play in the North West Counties League Premier Division, and returned to Gigg Lane on the 29th July with a 5-1 win over Glossop North End. Due to safety requirements and the costs involved the club will not currently be re-opening the whole stadium, but will prioritise the opening of the main North stand and the South Stand on matchdays. Gigg Lane has been home to Bury since 1885, with the record attendance of 35,000 set in 1960 for an FA Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. The current capacity of the now all-seater stadium is 11,841.

DOUBTS OVER HAMPDEN REDEVELOPMENT

Due to the current economic climate, the Scottish FA chief executive has said the redevelopment of Hampden Park in Glasgow is 'not going to happen'. Previous plans had been revealed for a rebuild which would have increased the capacity from 52,000 to 65,000. Hampden is one of the venues included in the UK and Ireland bid to host the 2028 Euro tournament.

REFURB FOR SPORTING STADIUM

The Estadio Jose Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon, is currently undergoing a modernisation upgrade on the 20th anniversary of its opening. Built for the 2004 Euros, the previous mosaic colour seats in the stadium have been changed to green, and the external tiling and towers have also been changed to the club's green colour.

ANFIELD RAIL SEATING INCREASE

A further 3,000 rail seats have been installed in the Kop at Liverpool's Anfield, taking the total number of safe seating in the stadium to 13,000. The club plan to install more in the Kop next year, to add to the 7,425 currently in the famous stand. Meanwhile the main contractors on the delayed Anfield Road stand redevelopment have filed for administration. It is unsure if the October date for the completion of the project can now be met.

NEW STADIUM NAME FOR BOLTON

After agreeing a deal with a local building company, the home of Bolton Wanderers will now be known as the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The 28,723 capacity stadium which opened in 1997, was previously known as the Reebok, the Macron, and the University of Bolton stadium.

NEWS IN BRIEF

LUTON TOWN

As the works to upgrade Kenilworth Road continue at a frantic pace, Luton Town have announced the postponment of their first home Premier League game on August 19th against Burnley. The £10m upgrade includes the construction of a new stand to meet broadcast and media requirements. The Hatters plans to move to a new stadium by 2026 are still on schedule.

UNION BERLIN

After a 4th place finish in the Bundesliga and achieving Champions League qualification for the first time, Union Berlin have decided to play their European matches at the 74,000 capacity Olympiastadion. Union's Stadion An der Alten has a capacity of just over 22,000.

BRISTOL ROVERS

English League One club Bristol Rovers have partnered with companies Ticketmaster and Axess to provide ticketing and access control services for the Memorial Stadium. New ticket scanners will be installed at all turnstiles, and stewards will be provided with handheld scanners to ensure smoother entry into the stadium for supporters.

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CLUBCALL Ajax

Johan Cruijff Arena, Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1,

1101 AX Amsterdam.

Founded - 1900

League - Netherlands Eredivisie

Capacity - 55,865

Record Attendance - 54,990

Nearest Railway Station - Bijlmer/Arena (Metro)

Club Website - www.ajax.nl

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LOST GROUNDS York City

One of English football's more quirky venues, an irregular shape and hemmed in by housing, Bootham Crescent was the home of York City from 1932 until 2021. Built as a replacement for the club's previous ground at Fulfordgate on the outskirts of the city, Bootham was constructed in only four months, and opened on 31 August 1932 with a Third Division North match versus Stockport County. The ground was developed over the years and the record attandance of 28,123 was set in 1938 for an FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town. When the ground closed in 2021 the capacity had been reduced to 8,256.

The ground was comprised of two all-seater stands - the Main stand and the Popular stand, and two terraced stands the covered David Longhurst stand and the open Grosvenor Road end.

Bootham Crescent hosted many representative and England Youth matches over the years, and also hosted three matches in the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Championship. The ground was also home to the York City Knights rugby league team from 2016.

The final game at Bootham Crescent saw York City defeat Guiseley AFC 1-0 in a National League game on 28 December 2020. The site has now been handed to builders Persimmon for a housing development.

After a protracted planning and legal process, the Minstermen finally moved into their new home the LNER Community Stadium, with a 3-1 defeat by AFC Fylde on 16 February 2021. Situated in Huntington on the outskirts of the city, the 8,500 capacity all-seater stadium is once again shared with the York City Knights rugby league club.

The stadium and adjoining leisure complex and community hub, is owned by the City of York Council, with a park and ride facility adjacent to the stadium. The current record attendance at the ground is 7,488, 

set for a match against Boston United on 21 May 2022. 

The Minstermen are currently members of the National League.

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CLUBCALL Crook Town 

Address - Millfield, West Road, Crook DL15 9PW.

Founded - 1889

League - Northern League Division One

Capacity - 1,500

Record Attendance - 17,500

Nearest Railway Station - Bishop Auckland 

Club Website - www.crooktownfc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Tollington Arms, Arsenal

Large, corner, open plan pub on Hornsey Road, five minutes walk from the Emirates Stadium.

Plenty of Arsenal memorabilia on show, also classic black and white photos of the local area.

Usually two cask ales on offer, English and Thai food served daily.

All live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Main entrance at AFC Wimbledon

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2023.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Twitter @FootballStade

Next issue(No.61)published Sunday 3rd December 2023.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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