Issue No.18 August 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Rochdale

Destination Burton Brewery Centre


Eight Bells Fulham


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STADE NEWS
FOXES TO EXPAND STADIUM

Leicester City have confirmed plans are in place to expand the capacity of the King Power stadium by over 10,000.
With all available 23,000 season tickets sold for the forthcoming season, the Foxes are pressing ahead with the expansion of the East and Family stands.
The current capacity of the stadium is 32,262.


GRIMSBY IN NEW STADIUM STUDY

Three potential sites are being considered in a detailed study into a new stadium for Grimsby Town.
The club's preferred site is at Peaks Parkway on the edge of the town, but the local council have disclosed further sites across North East Lincolnshire are also under consideration.
The Mariners have played at Blundell Park since 1899.



HEARTS TO STAY AT TYNECASTLE

After previously exploring the possibility of relocating, Heart of Midlothian now appear to see the future at their present Tynecastle home.
The Edinburgh club are looking at re-building the main stand, the only part of the stadium, home for 129 years not to be modernised. 
Hearts have previously played European matches at the nearby Murrayfield rugby union stadium.




HORNETS INCREASE CAPACITY

Ahead of their return to the top-flight of English football, Watford have announced a further increase in the capacity of Vicarage Road.
An additional 400 seats will be installed at the ground, in works which will see a new, larger Club Shop and extra hospitality areas.
The new seating will increase the capacity of the stadium to over 21,000.




CELTIC TO INSTALL RAIL SEATING

Glasgow Celtic have been granted permission to install safe standing at Celtic Park.
The City Council have approved plans for an initial 2,600 capacity rail seating area in the stadium, which could be open in time for the 2016/27 season.



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CLUBCALL Rochdale

Spotland, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS.
Founded - 1907
League - Football League One
Capacity - 10,249
Record Attendance - 24,231
Nearest Railway Station - Rochdale
Club Website - www.rochdaleafc.co.uk

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DESTINATION
National Brewery Centre Burton

Located in the Staffordshire town of Burton upon Trent, home of the historic Bass brewery, the National Brewery Centre is a fascinating journey through the history of the brewing industry in the UK.
The museum incorporates much of the original Bass museum, and visitors can make their own way around or join one of the tours escorted by the knowledgeable guides.
The social history and the process of brewing is explained, and the role of steam in the industry is confirmed with a working Robey engine.
A steam train is also on display in a re-creation of a station platform - the Bass brewery had its own railway network.
The museum holds a further extensive transport collection from horse-drawn drays to modern vehicles, and there are two shire horses on-site where you can take a short carriage ride.
All of the buildings throughout the museum hold fascinating displays of historical breweriana, with a fine collection of pub signs, paintings and beer mats.
The centre hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including family and vintage years weekends.
There is a small cafe and gift shop, and the Beer Boutique stocks a wide selection of beers from around the world.
At the end of your visit you can sample some local and national brews, and enjoy the excellent food in the adjacent Brewery Tap Bar and restaurant.

Museum and Tour Info
Open - 10.00 daily except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Prices - Adult £8.95, OAP/Concessions £7.95, Children(3-16) £4.95
           Family Group(2 adults and 2 children) £21.95.
           Prices include 3 beer sample tasting vouchers per adult to use in the
           Brewery Tap.
Mobility Access - blue badge parking and wheelchair friendly access.
Car Parking - free on-site.
Contact - www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk
              Tel: 01283 532880.
              info@nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk

Burton Info
Travel - by road via M1/A511 or M42/A444 - by rail via Derby.
Accommodation - usual hotel chains in the town, also a few B&B's.
Pubs - Coopers Tavern, once the Bass Brewery Tap is a must visit.
Burton Bridge Inn and The Alfred are also recommended.

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

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Eight Bells Fulham

Not the nearest to Craven Cottage, but as the usually designated 'away fans' pub the Eight Bells in Fulham is certainly one of the most famous.
Situated outside Putney Bridge tube station, this delightful 17th century hostelry is a compact one-room pub with a central bar.
Given its proximity to the River Thames lots of rowing/sailing memorabilia is on show, but no football souvenirs or merchandise to view.
Food served daily up to around 9pm, and usually at least 3 cask ales available. Live TV football not shown.
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STADE IMAGES

1st World Cup Winners statue, West Auckland Co.Durham

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Next issue (No.19) published Sunday 6th September 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.17 June 2015

Fleetwood Lower Lighthouse

Stade News

ClubCall 
Annan Athletic

Destination Fleetwood

The Navigation Pub
Middlesbrough
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STADE NEWS
CERCLE PLANS FOR JAN BREYDEL

The Brugge stadium groundshare appears to be coming to an end, as Cercle announce plans to stay at the Jan Breydel, whilst Club seem intent on moving to a new 44,000 capacity stadium.
Cercle would reduce the capacity from the current 29,000 to around 12,000, demolishing the corner seating and replacing the space with apartments.



DUNDEE AIMING FOR DENS PARK BUY BACK

Dundee have begun negotiations to reclaim the ownership of Dens Park.
Talks with the current owners Sandeman Holdings, a company owned by John Bennett who is a Board member of The Dee's city rivals Dundee United, are currently ongoing.



COVENTRY TO CLOSE STAND AT THE RICOH

Areas of the Coventry Ricoh Arena will be closed next season, in a bid to improve the atmosphere at home games.
City's average attendance since returning to the stadium is less than 10,000, despite a gate of 27,306 for the first game on their return.
The club are still hopeful of eventually moving to a new stadium of their own within the City boundaries.


QUAKERS GROUNDSHARE PLANS APPROVED

The Borough Council have approved plans for the groundshare between Darlington Rugby Club and Darlington FC, at the rugby club's Blackwell Meadows ground which is situated just off the A66.
Work will now commence to upgrade the ground with additional seating and terracing, including part of the old Tin Shed stand from Feethams.
The Quakers hope to return to the town for the start of next season.

NEW LED LIGHTING AT THE KC

Hull City are installing a brand new LED lighting system for the start of the 2015/16 season.
The new Philips floodlighting, due to be installed by the end of July, will ensure the KC meets the highest requirements for all televised sporting broadcasts, and boost the stadiums reputation as a multipurpose entertainment venue.

________________________________ CLUBCALL Annan Athletic

Galabank, North Street, Annan DG12 5DQ.
Founded - 1942
League - SPFL League Two
Capacity - 2,517
Record Attendance - 2,517
Nearest Railway Station - Annan
Club Website - www.annanathleticfc.com

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DESTINATION Fleetwood

Marine Hall and Gardens

Forever in the shadow of its near neighbour Blackpool, Fleetwood is an attractive and interesting destination in its own right.
Formerly a prominent deep-sea fishing port, the town has had to regenerate itself in response to the collapse of the fishing industry.
With stunning views to the Lake District across Morecambe Bay, the Mount is the highest point in the town, and is a good starting point to explore the Marine Gardens and Esplanade.

Fleetwood Museum on Queen's Terrace, formerly the Custom House and the oldest surviving building in the town, portrays the rich history of the fishing industry.

The town is famous for its three lighthouses, two of which are still fully operational, and the North Euston Hotel is another building of historical interest.
Fleetwood Marina opened in the former Wyre Dock in 1995, a site which is also home to the Freeport shopping centre, although retail purists may prefer the 250 stall indoor market on Victoria Street, which originally opened in 1840.
The town is also the terminus of the famous Blackpool Tramway.
Fleetwood has the quiet charm of a seaside resort without the brashness to 
be found nearby, and is the perfect base to explore the wider Fylde Peninsula.

Fleetwood Museum

Fleetwood Info
Travel - by road via the M6/M55/A585,
by rail via Blackpool North.
Accommodation - plenty of B&B's and guesthouses in the town, with caravan parks in the wider area.
Pubs - The Steamer on Queens Terrace and Thomas Drummond on London Street are recommended.
Tourism Website -
www.visitwyre.co.uk

Fleetwood Town 
Park Avenue, Fleetwood FY7 6TX.
Founded - 1908
League - Football League One
Capacity - 5,327
Record Attendance - 5,194
Nearest Railway - Blackpool North
Club Website - 
www.fleetwoodtownfc.com



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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Navigation Middlesbrough

Situated on Marsh Road, just over the railway crossing from Boro's Riverside Stadium, the Navi is a legendary pub on Teesside.
Almost untouched since the days when it was surrounded by the huge foundries of the Teesside Bridge & Engineering Works, the pub, although appearing small from the outside, is actually quite roomy with a variety of bars and lounges.
Formerly a Camerons (of Hartlepool) outlet, the pub now serves John Smiths Magnet, Tetley Imperial and Worthington beers with a variety of lagers, although no real ale is available.
A quick-service can bar also operates on match days, when fresh sandwiches and snacks are usually available.
Photographs of the Boro, local industry, and the River Tees adorn the walls in this gem of a pub, which has had a whole new lease of life since The Riverside opened.
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STADE IMAGES

Brian Clough & Peter Taylor at Derby
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Next issue (No.18) published Sunday 2nd August 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.16 May 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Hull City

Lost Grounds 
Millmoor Rotherham

Clifton Pub London
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STADE NEWS
FYLDE NEW STADIUM APPROVED

Plans for AFC Fylde's new stadium complex have been approved by the local council.
The stadium, situated on the A585 at Wesham just off junction 3 of the M55, will have a 6,000 capacity including a 2,000 seat main stand, restaurant, executive boxes and a supporters bar.
The site plans, due to open for the start of the 2016/17 season, also include a supermarket, hotel and pub/restaurant.

Meanwhile, contractors have started work on a new stand at Fylde's current ground Kellamergh Park.
The 250 seat structure situated at the Warton End of the stadium, is scheduled to be open for the start of next season, when The Coasters will be playing in the newly re-named National League North, following their play-off defeat yesterday to Guiseley.



UPTON PARK PLANS UNVEILED

 

The developers appointed by West Ham for the redevelopment of Upton Park have revealed their plans for the site.
Over 800 homes, in blocks of up to 15 storeys high are proposed, although the plans have attracted criticism due to the lack of affordable social housing.
The plans also include 'commercial and community floorspace'.


IMPS IN DAMBUSTERS TRIBUTE

Lincoln City have started a fundraising campaign to install a mosaic tribute to the Dambusters, in the seats of the main stand at Sincil Bank.
The Dambusters Squadron were based at nearby RAF Scampton.


With a target of £150,000 to cover the initial installation work, the campaign will fund the mosaic which includes images of an Avro Lancaster and Lincoln Cathedral.
For more information on the project visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/dambusters.

MONKS CROSS APPROVAL FOR YORK

York City Council have approved plans for the Minstermen's new 8,000 capacity stadium.
The site at Monks Cross, to the north-east of the City, is next to an existing Park and Ride facility.
Construction work on the £37 million development, which also includes a leisure centre, cinema, shops and restaurants, is due to start in June.
City expect the stadium to be open for the start of the 2016/17 season.
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CLUBCALL Hull City

KC Stadium, Walton Street, Hull HU3 6HU.
Founded - 1904
League - Premier League
Capacity - 25,586
Record Attendance - 25,030
Nearest Railway Station - Hull Paragon
Club Website - www.hullcitytigers.com

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LOST GROUNDS
Millmoor Rotherham

Opened on the site of a former flour mill in 1907,
Millmoor was the home of South Yorkshire side Rotherham United until 2008.
Whilst the stadium and its environs could never win any architectural or scenic awards, the ground had an atmosphere and spirit which is slowly being eroded from English football.
Millmoor was surrounded on three sides by scrapyards and the railway serving the former Westgate station, indeed the only access to the former away end was via a narrow alley behind the Millmoor Lane stand.

The club's plans to develop the site, including the ill-fated main stand where the steelwork was completed, were finally shelved following a dispute over the land surrounding the stadium, a dispute which led to the Millers vacating Millmoor and moving temporarily to the Sheffield Don Valley stadium in 2008.
The capacity of the ground at its closing was reduced to 8,300 - the record attendance, for a local derby v Sheffield United in 1952 was 25,170.

In July 2012 Rotherham finally moved into the 12,000 capacity New York Stadium, a short walk from Millmoor.
Built on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry, famous for manufacturing fire hydrants for the City of New York (see Stade Images below), the club has retained its links with the town's proud industrial heritage.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Clifton Crystal Palace

Cosy one-room pub on Clifton Road, opposite the Holmesdale Road stand at Selhurst Park.
Former Taylor Walker premises, plenty of Eagles framed memorabilia and a fine collection of old match ticket stubs adorn the walls.
Usually a selection of cask ales on offer no food served.
All live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Boro fans with a Guest & Chrimes fire hydrant in New York

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Next issue (No.17) published Sunday 7th June 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.15 April 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Belfry of Kortrijk

Stade News

ClubCall 
Nuneaton Town

EuroStade Report
KV Kortrijk

The Bootham York
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STADE NEWS
NEW STAND OPENS AT HARROGATE TOWN

Harrogate Town have opened a new stand at the Hospital End of the CNG Stadium, with the aid of a grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.
With a standing capacity of 750-800, the stand also includes a new food bar and improved toilet facilities.
The club also have planning permission for a new stand on the Wetherby Road side of the ground.


SCARBOROUGH NEW STADIUM COMPLEX

Plans for the new Scarborough Athletic stadium have gone on show.
The proposals for the 2,000 capacity ground, to be built on the site of Weaponness car park, also include a leisure development comprising a 25m swimming pool, sports hall and squash courts.
The club, which plays its home games in Bridlington, left their former home on Seamer Road in 2007.

CAMPAIGN TO FUND QUAKERS RETURN HOME

The fund set up to help the return of Darlington to their home town for the start of the 2015/16 season, has reached its initial target of £225,000.
The Quakers plan to share the Blackwell Meadows ground of Darlington RFC, and are planning an upgrade which will see a 3,000 capacity ground with a new 225 seater stand.
The club are currently playing in Bishop Auckland.

IRON PLANNING APPLICATION DETAILS

Scunthorpe United have confirmed the details of their new stadium planning application.
A 12,000 all-seater stadium is due to be built at Lincolnshire Lakes, a short distance from Glanford Park, by May 2016.
The development will also house a new commercial park comprising offices, gymnasium and cafes.

PUBLIC ENQUIRY FOR BEES ?

Brentford may face a public enquiry to secure the final piece of land for their new stadium at Lionel Road.
The owners of an office block have objected to the issue of a Compulsory Purchase Order at the site.
The Bees plans to start work on the project in late 2015, for the 20,000 seat stadium, houses, hotel, and shops are temporarily on hold.


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CLUBCALL NUNEATON TOWN

Liberty Way Stadium, Attleborough Fields,
Nuneaton CV11 6RR
Founded - 1889
League - Conference Premier
Capacity - 4,500
Record Attendance - 3,480
Nearest Railway Station - Nuneaton
Club Website - www.nuneatontownfc.com

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EUROSTADE REPORT
KV Kortrijk

The Guldensporenstadion, home of Belgian top-flight club KV Kortrijk has a unique claim to fame - being named after a 1302 battle in the City between the local Flemish population and the French occupiers.
The date of the Battle of the Golden Spurs, July 11, is now a national holiday for the local Flemish community.
The stadium is quite basic and of traditional design, with single-tiered stands on all sides, and has seen a rise in capacity over the years.The club originated in 1901, and in its current guise is a result of mergers between clubs in the City over the years. 
KV are currently involved in the Belgian Pro-League Championship Round play-offs

Grote Markt

Kortrijk itself is an attractive City,the capital of Flemish West Flanders. 
Situated just 26 miles south-west of Ghent and 16 miles north-east of Lille, the City is part of the Eurometroplis urban area and remains an important region within the Belgian textile industry.
The first City in Belgium to pedestrianise a shopping street, much of the historical and compact centre is now a pedestrianised area, and walking is an ideal way to see the sights.
Attractions include the Theatre Square,the Medieval City Hall on Grote Markt, and the Broel Towers on the River Lys.
Kortrijk is also a bustling University City, with a host of lively bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes.

Guldensporen 
Stadion Info
Moorselstraat 111, Kortrijk 8501.
Capacity - 9,399
Nearest Railway Station - Kortrijk
Bus Line - 4
Club Website -  www.kvk.be
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Bootham Tavern York

Homely pub just outside of the city walls, last bar on the walk from the centre to Bootham Crescent.
Central, almost an island bar, with plenty of comfortable seating, disappointingly no football memorabilia on show.
Usually 2 or 3 real ales on offer, no food served.
All live TV football shown.
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STADE IMAGES

Colliery wheel at Sunderland's Stadium of Light

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2015

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Next issue (No.16) published Sunday 3rd May 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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