Issue No.32 December 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall 
Middlesbrough

Lost Grounds
Hinckley United

Hull pubs special




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STADE NEWS
NEW STADIUM PLAN FOR BURY

League One club Bury have confirmed they are working with the local Council to identify a site for their new stadium.
The Shakers, who have played at their current 11,800 capacity Gigg Lane ground since 1885, believe a new stadium is necessary to increase non-matchday revenue.
The Lancashire side have been served with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs, with a Court hearing due this month.

QUAKERS CONFIRM RETURN TO TOWN

Darlington 1883 have confirmed they are on course to return to play in the town this month. 
After four years playing in nearby Bishop Auckland, the Quakers are finalising works on the Blackwell Meadows ground they will share with Darlington Rugby Club.
Part of the famous Tin Shed terrace from the club's former home Feethams, has been erected at the new ground.

HOTEL FOR CELTIC PARK ?

Glasgow Celtic have started a feasibility study on plans for a new four-star hotel at Parkhead.
The hotel would be constructed on the corner of Clyde Gateway, currently the site of the club's ticket office.
The scheme will be funded from the Bhoys £30m Champions League payment.


BOLEYN GROUND DEMOLITION BEGINS

Demolition work is now underway in East London at West Ham's Boleyn Ground.
Fifteen apartment buildings will be constructed, with the site of the former pitch centre circle being preserved in a landscaped courtyard.
Sales of the housing is due to commence in January 2017.


ANDERLECHT EUROSTADION MOVE IN DOUBT

Doubts remain over Anderlecht's move to the new National stadium of Belgium in Brussels.
Planning permission has been lodged for the 62,000 capacity ground, due to open in 2019, near the current King Bedouin stadium.
RSCA are reportedly looking at alternative sites in the city for their own new stadium.

IN BRIEF
AWAY FANS - The English Premier League will introduce a ruling for the 2017/18 season, that visiting supporters must have part of their seating allocation adjacent to the pitch. Some clubs currently site away fans high up in stands well away from the playing surface.
OXFORD UNITED - Supporters group OxVox are in talks with the club's owners to buy the Kassam Stadium. If successful, the stadium would be safeguarded as a community asset for the club and the local area.
ABERDEEN - The Dons held an exhibition at their current home Pittodrie on November 24th, to publicise the plans for their new stadium and training/community facility at Kingsford.
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CLUBCALL Middlesbrough

Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough TS3 6RS.
Founded - 1876
League - English Premier League
Capacity - 33,746
Record Attendance - 34,836
Nearest Railway Station - Middlesbrough
Club Website - www.mfc.co.uk

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LOST GROUNDS 
De Montfort Park Hinckley United

Formed in 1997, the result of a merger between Hinckley Athletic and Hinckley Town, the 4,329 capacity De Montfort Park was home to Hinckley United from 2005 until the club's demise in 2013.
A modern purpose-built football stadium, the ground is the centrepiece of the complex which also includes outdoor and 3G pitches, gymnasium, sports injury clinic, and a social club.

The ground consists of the all-seater Main Stand, which houses the changing rooms, boardroom, hospitality lounges and club offices.
Opposite is a 1,095 capacity covered terrace.
The East Stand behind the goal is also all-seater, whilst the West End consists of hard standing only.
The ground was known as the Marston's Stadium from its opening in 2005 until 2009, when the naming rights were taken over by Greene King from 2009 until 2013.
The venue, also known as the Leicester Road Stadium, has been used by Aston Villa and Leicester City reserve teams, and has hosted England Youth and Women's International matches.
The stadium is currently used by the Leicester Falcons American Football team. 
After United were wound-up in 2013, supporters formed Hinckley AFC as a 
Community Trust Football Club.
The club, members of the Midland League Division One, currently ground share at the 1,500 capacity St John's Park in Heather, Leicestershire.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Silver Cod & The Boot Room Hull
Anlaby Road in the East Yorkshire city of Kingston upon Hull, connects The Tigers former home of Boothferry Park and the current KCom Stadium.
The road appears to have a pub on just about every corner although some are now closed down, and here are two of the most famous pubs for City fans.
The Silver Cod

Possibly the most famous, and at one time the most notorious of Hull pubs, The Silver Cod is situated a 5 minute walk from the former Boothferry Park.
Named after the trophy awarded annually to the city's vessel catching the most fish during the year, the pub was also home to the Hull hoolie Silver Cod Squad.
Now much more family orientated, this comfortable multi-room pub has lots of Tigers photos and memorabilia.No food or cask ale served, all live TV football shown.

The Boot Room

Located directly opposite the West Park entrance to the KCom, the Boot Room is a large open plan pub themed for both Hull City football and Hull rugby league fans. 
Originally the Newington Hotel but more recently known as Parkers, the pub has painted club crests on the walls and etched on the windows, and there is plenty of sports memorabilia and photographs to view.
All live TV sport shown, no food or cask ale available.

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STADE IMAGES

Peter Osgood - Stamford Bridge, Chelsea
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.33) published Sunday 5th February 2017
***Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all***

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.31 November 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Altrincham

EuroStade Report 
FC Dordrecht

Witton Arms Villa





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STADE NEWS
ALL WOOD NEW STADIUM FOR FOREST GREEN

National League leaders Forest Green Rovers have unveiled plans for a new 5,000 capacity stadium, constructed entirely of wood.
The stadium will be the centrepiece of a £100m sports and business Eco Park situated next to the M5 motorway, with the scheme also including sustainable offices and light industrial units.
Rovers, based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, have been playing at their current New Lawn stadium since 2006.

HEARTS NEW MAIN STAND APPROVED

Edinburgh City Council have approved plans for a new £12m main stand at Tynecastle.
The stand will have a capacity of 7,290, and will accommodate club offices, new hospitality lounges, and ticket office.
Hearts have confirmed they will not need to play away from Tynecastle during the redevelopment of the stand, due to open early in the 2017/18 season.



COVENTRY ROAD NAMED AFTER JIMMY HILL

The A444 Phoenix Way, which runs past former ground Highfield Road and the current Ricoh Arena, will be renamed Jimmy Hill Way in honour of the Coventry City former manager and legend.
Bridges over the road will also be painted sky blue as a further tribute.
There is also a statue of Hill, who died in December 2015, outside the Ricoh.



SAFE STANDING INSTALLED IN AMSTERDAM

Ajax have finally installed the first phase of safe standing at The Amsterdam Arena, which opened for the league match v Excelsior on October 29.
The Eredivisie club plan to eventually convert 5,000 seats with railings, which will meet both domestic and international safety requirements.
The Arena is one of the host stadiums for Euro 2020.

PLOUGH LANE RETURN FOR DONS

AFC Wimbledon are celebrating after the plans for their return to Plough Lane were once again approved by Merton Council.
The Mayor of London 'handed back' the planning decision to the local Council,who unanimously consented to the construction of a new 20,000 seat stadium.
The initial build will see a ground capacity of 11,000, with a range of residential flats and amenities on the site.

IN BRIEF
COVE RANGERS - Highland League side Cove Rangers are in talks with Aberdeen City Council, over a new stadium at Calder Park in Nigg.
A property developer has submitted plans for housing on the site of the club's current home, Allan Park in Cove.
REAL MADRID - Spanish giants Real Madrid are planning a revamp of the Bernabeu Stadium, but the capacity will not be increased.
An outer wrap, retractable roof, and an additional 3,000 corporate seats are included in the plans.
DUMBARTON - Only 16 years after its opening on the site of a former shipyard, Dumbarton plan to leave their ground, known by fans as The Rock as it is in the shadow of the Castle, for a new 4,000 capacity stadium in the town at Young's Farm.
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CLUBCALL Altrincham

Moss Lane, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8AP.
Founded - 1891
League - National League North
Capacity - 6,085
Record Attendance - 10,275
Nearest Railway Station - Altrincham(Metrolink)
Club Website - www.altrinchamfc.co.uk

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EURO STADE REPORT
Riwal Hoogwerkers Stadion Dordrecht

One of the smallest grounds in Dutch football with a capacity of under 5,000, the Riwal Hoogwerkers stadium situated in a leafy suburb of Dordrecht, nevertheless has a host of charm and quaintness not found in modern football stadia.
Opened in 1948, and more commonly known as The Krommedijk after the street in which it is situated, the ground is a neat all-seater with four covered small stands, and has a current capacity of 4,100.
There is a small club shop, and also a plesant club house open on match days.
The stadium is around 1.8km, and a 30 minute walk from the railway station, and there is a large car park behind the north end of the ground off Provincialeweg.

Grote Kerk

Only 15 minutes by train from the bustling port city of Rotterdam, Dordrecht is a beautiful town with quiet canal side and waterfront walks, and is steeped in history and culture.
Located on the Oude Maas river, the medieval city centre has many places of interest with the bell tower of the Grote Kerk dominating the skyline.
The Stadhuis (City Hall) built in 1383 is a must-see building, and the city is home to a variety of museums and attractions including the Dordrechts arts museum and the 1940-1945 Resistance museum.
The city hosts the annual Dordt in Stoom festival where you can see historical steam trains and boats, and the Wantijfestival of music is also held annually in Wantij park.
Dordrecht has a lively social scene with a host of bars, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes, with the Centre Ville bar and restaurant on Voorstraat being particularly recommended.

RH Stadion Info
Address - Krommerdijk 210,
Dordrecht 3312 LH, 
The Netherlands.
Nearest Railway Station - Dordrecht 
Bus Line - 7
Club Website - 
www.fcdordrecht.nl



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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Witton Arms Aston Villa

Cavernous, multi-room pub on Witton Road opposite Witton railway station, two minutes walk from Villa Park.
The main front bar is Irish themed (the pub is home to the Birmingham branch of the Celtic supporters club), with a smaller pool room and lounges to the rear.
Surprisingly no Villa memorabilia on show.
No food or cask ales served, all live TV football shown.


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STADE IMAGES

Leitch-style gable at Raith Rovers Stark's Park,Kirkcaldy
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.32) published Sunday 4th December 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.30 October 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

RRS Discovery, Dundee

Stade News

ClubCall Burton Albion

Destination Dundee

Millmoor pub Rotherham





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STADE NEWS
MARINERS STADIUM PARTNER UNVEILED

Grimsby Town have announced a partnership with property developer Extreme Leisure, for their proposed new stadium complex in the town at Peaks Parkway.
The plans include a 14,000 capacity stadium, ice rink and other sports facilities, together with retail and food outlets.
The partnership hope to apply for pre-planning consent soon.


NEW SECURITY MEASURES AT DE KUIP

Dutch Eredivisie club Feyenoord have announced new security measures for Europa League matches, following repeated UEFA regulation breaches at the De Kuip stadium.
The lower tier of seating will be closed, and netting will surround the remaining seating areas.
The capacity of the stadium for European games will be reduced to around 26,000.


TORQUAY TO LEAVE PLAINMOOR

Torquay United hope to be in a new stadium by 2019.
Although currently up for sale, the National League club is confident of a move to a new ground with a 3G pitch facility.
The Gulls have played at their current Council owned home of Plainmoor for 105 years.

CAPACITY BOOST FOR ANFIELD

Liverpool's new 20,000 plus seater main stand is now officially open, increasing the capacity of Anfield to over 54,000.
The stand's expansion is part of a wider multi-million pound regeneration of the Anfield area.
The attendance of 53,075 for the recent visit of current Champions Leicester City, was the biggest at the stadium since 1977.


FURTHER DELAYS FOR BRUSSELS STADIUM

The new national stadium plans for Belgium have hit a further delay, with local residents objecting to the closure of a road which runs through the site of the proposed 61,000 capacity project.
The stadium site is close to the existing King Bedouin (Heysel) ground, and is planned to host matches in the Euro 2020 tournament.


IN BRIEF
OXFORD UNITED - Planning permission has been granted for a temporary fourth stand at the Kassam Stadium.
The 735 seater stand will increase the stadium's capacity to 13,235.
BRISTOL CITY - The revamped Ashton Gate hosted its biggest crowd for 26 years, 22,512, for the recent visit of Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, The Robins have reported season ticket sales of almost 14,000.
HAYES & YEADING - The club has advised forthcoming matches will be played away from the new Skyex Stadium, as essential works on the ground continue to secure the relevant Safety Certificates. 
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CLUBCALL Burton Albion

Pirelli Stadium, Princess Way,
Burton upon Trent DE13 0BH.
Founded - 1950
League - Football League Championship
Capacity - 6,912
Record Attendance - 6,192
Nearest Railway Station - Burton
Club Website - www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk

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DESTINATION Dundee

With a stunning location on the River Tay estuary and with a host of attractions and amenities, the city of Dundee in the north-east of Scotland is a fine place to visit.
The focal point of the city is the Waterfront, with the sailing ship RSS Discovery a must visit, and the Dundee Victoria & Albert Museum due to open in 2018.
A bracing walk along the Tay riverside, with views of the stunning road and rail bridges is highly recommended.
Other attractions in the city include the 15th century St Mary's Tower, the Mills Observatory, and the historical Claypotts Castle in West Ferry.
The Caird Hall is Dundee's main concert venue, and the DCA in Nethergate is a renowned international arts and cinema centre.
Dundee is home to the newspaper and magazine producer DC Thomson & Son, and a quirky attraction on the High Street are the statue's of The Dandy comic character Desperate Dan, and The Beano comic character Minnie the Minx.
The surrounding area of Tayside includes the lovely town of Broughty Ferry, and golf fans will be drawn to the historical towns of St Andrews and Carnoustie, both close to the city.
A visit to Dundee would of course not be complete without visiting the city's football grounds, located to the north of the city centre in the same street literally a few hundred metres apart.

Dundee Info
Travel - by road via the M90/A90, 
by rail via the East Coast mainline.
Accommodation - all major hotel chains in the city and local area.
Pubs - the Phoenix, Speedwell, and Trades House in the city centre, some great pubs in nearby Broughty Ferry
Tourism Website - 
www.dundeecity.gov.uk

Dundee FC
Dens Park,Sandeman Street,
Dundee DD3 7JY.
Founded - 1893
League - Scottish Premiership
Capacity - 11,506
Record Attendance - 43,024
Nearest Railway Station - Dundee
Club Website - 
www.dundeefc.co.uk

Dundee United FC
Tannadice Park,Tannadice Street,
Dundee DD3 7JW.
Founded - 1909
League - Scottish Championship
Capacity - 14,223
Record Attendance - 28,000
Nearest Railway Station - Dundee
Club Website - www.dufc.co/

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FAMOUS LOST FOOTBALL PUBS
The Millmoor Rotherham

The Millmoor pub was situated on Masborough Street in Rotherham, next to the alleyway which led to the turnstiles for visiting supporters.
The player on the pub sign is Ronnie Moore, a prolific striker for the Millers now manager at National League Eastleigh.
The pub closed in 2008 when the club left Millmoor, and although the upper part of the building has now been demolished some parts of the lower walls still remain.
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STADE IMAGES

Dixie Deans - Goodison Park, Everton
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.31) published Sunday 6th November 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.29 September 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Northampton Town

Emirates Stadium Tour

The Mount Barnsley




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STADE NEWS
DONS PLOUGH LANE RETURN MOVES CLOSER

AFC Wimbledon's return to their spiritual home on Plough Lane in Merton has moved a step closer, following the decision of London Mayor Sadiq Khan to overturn the decision to 'call-in' the plans.
The Dons plan to redevelop and expand the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium into a 20,000 capacity arena, with a substantial new housing development on the site as part of the plans.
The final planning approval decision will now be returned to Merton Council.

MULTIPLE DEFECTS AT TIVOLI

Built in 2009 with a capacity of nearly 33,000, the Tivoli Stadium in Aachen, Germany has been found to have multiple defects.
Now run by the local Council following the club's bankruptcy in 2012, it will cost around 200,000 euros to repair the ground now hosting games in the fourth tier of German football, the Regionalliga West.
Aachen spent one season, 2006/07 in the top-flight Bundesliga before the club's insolvency.

CITY GROUND CAPACITY REDUCED

Nottingham Forest's City Ground will have a reduced capacity for the new 2016/17 season.
The new capacity will be 24,357, reduced from the usual 30,445.
In July the capacity was temporarily reduced to zero by Nottinghamshire County Council, due to the club not having the required safety certificate holder.



HOTEL OPENS AT STADIUM OF LIGHT

A new Hilton Garden Inn hotel has opened next to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
The 141 room hotel, located adjacent to the North-East corner of the ground and the Sunderland Aquatic centre, offers reduced room rates and hospitality packages for fans on match-days.





FANS APPROVE KING POWER EXTENSION

Leicester City fans are hoping the club will move to increase the capacity at the King Power stadium.
Opened in 2002 with a capacity of just over 32,000, The Foxes are seeing an unprecedented demand for tickets following last season's Premier League title, and the forthcoming Champions League campaign.
A recent poll in the Leicester Mercury showed 78% of fans supported expansion, whilst a further 17% voted for a brand new stadium.

IN BRIEF
STOKE CITY - The Potters have agreed a six-year stadium naming rights deal with their parent company for the bet365 stadium, a deal which also sees the company's shirt sponsorship continue for another three years.
GENOA - Genoa and Sampdoria have signed an agreement to take over the running of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris from the local Municipality, and now plan an upgrade of the stadium's facilities.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - the North-East corner of White Hart Lane has now been demolished reducing the capacity to around 32,000, as work on the club's adjacent new stadium continues.
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CLUBCALL Northampton Town

Sixfields Stadium, Upton Way, 
Northampton NN5 5QA.
Founded - 1897
League - English League One
Capacity - 7,724
Record Attendance - 7,664
Nearest Railway Station - Northampton
Club Website - www.ntfc.co.uk

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STADIUM TOUR
The Emirates Arsenal

It really is hard to believe that The Emirates Stadium, home of North London club Arsenal, is now ten years old !
Replacing the historical but ageing Highbury was never going to be easy, but in The Emirates the club have succeeded in building a fitting replacement to their iconic former home.
The tour starting point is located within the huge club store The Armoury.
Unlike most stadium tours The Emirates offers a self-guided audio tour available in 9 languages, where you make your own way around the stadium with a commentary from a host of Arsenal legends.
Moving through the underground road the players entrance awaits, where you can view the home and away changing rooms and fitness area, including Arsene Wenger's office, before walking down the tunnel to the sound of 60,000 fans to the pitch side, where you can sit in the dugouts.

Hospitality Lounge

The stands at the stadium tower over the pitch, and a nice touch is the Clock from Highbury positioned high on the roof of the South (Clock) End.
The tour continues in the hospitality and corporate areas, and here again the style and architecture of Highbury has been faithfully replicated.
Restaurant names like The Foundry and The Woolwich, also recognise the club's industrial heritage and South London roots.


The stadium part of the tour also        

Arsene Wenger's office

includes the FA Cup Experience,

paying homage to The Gunners record 12 FA cup wins, and finishes in the impressive media suite before you make your way back to The Armoury via the underground road.
The price of the Tour also includes admission to the Arsenal Museum.
Located on the Ken Friar Bridge, heading away from the stadium towards Arsenal tube station, the museum is a fascinating timeline of the club's history with a wealth of exhibits and artefacts to view.
Of particular interest is the Highbury feature, with lots of memorabilia and photographs from the old stadium.

EMIRATES TOUR INFO
Times -    09.30 to 17.00 Mon to Sat, 10.00 to 15.00 Sunday.
Contact - www.arsenal.com/tours or call 020 7619 5000.
Prices -    Adults £20, Child under 16 £10, Concession(Student/OAP)£15.00.
              Family(2 Adults & 2 Child) £50.00.
Travel -    by Tube via the Piccadilly Line to Arsenal or Holloway Road.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Mount Barnsley

Large and friendly corner pub on Pontefract Road, just up the bank from Barnsley's Oakwell Stadium.
The pub has a spacious bar area to the front, with a pool room at the rear.
John Smith's beers are served with the usual keg lagers, no cask ale on offer.
Food served on Sunday's only, no live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Stade Edmond Machtens, RWDM Brussels

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.30) published Sunday 2nd October 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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