Issue No.25 April 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Kilmarnock

EuroStade Report 
USG Brussels

The Lime Kiln
Livingston
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STADE NEWS
SAFE STANDING AT THE PHILIPS STADION

PSV Eindhoven are to install safe standing at the Philips Stadion, for the start of the 2016/17 season.
The club will remove 2,800 seats from the lower section of the East Stand, where the most vocal fans congregate, and replace them with 'rail seats'.
This gives PSV the option to revert to an all-seater stadium for European matches.


QUAKERS IN TOWN RETURN

Darlington 1883 are set to return to the town for the start of next season, after four years playing 15 miles away in Bishop Auckland.
The club have agreed a deal to groundshare with Darlington Rugby Club at Blackwell Meadows.
Redevelopment work at the ground, which will take the capacity up to 3,000 will start this month, including a revamped clubhouse, new covered seating and terracing, and additional car parking.

KINGSTONIAN NEW STADIUM PLANS

Folowing the sale of its Kingsmeadow stadium by leaseholders AFC Wimbledon, Ryman Premier League side Kingstonian have unveiled plans for a potential new stadium.
The club are in talks with developers to take over the former Golf centre in Garrison Lane Chessington.
Premier League club Chelsea have bought Kingsmeadow, which will be used by the club's youth and womens teams.

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON STAND AT OLD TRAFFORD

Manchester United have renamed the South Stand at Old Trafford the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.
The stand, which contains the only original part of the stadium opened in 1910, will be renamed at today's Premier League match against Everton.
Charlton made 758 appearances for United scoring 249 goals.

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CLUBCALL Kilmarnock

Rugby Park, Rugby Road, Kilmarnock KA1 2DP.
Founded - 1869
League - Scottish Premiership
Capacity - 18,128
Record Attendance - 35,995
Nearest Railway Station - Kilmarnock
Club Website - www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk

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EUROSTADE REPORT
Stade Joseph Marien Brussels

Situated in the leafy southern Brussels suburb of Forest, a 10 minute tram ride from the Gare du Midi, the Stade Joseph Marien home of 2nd division side Royal Union Saint-Gilloise is one of the most historical stadiums in Belgium.
Opened in 1919 and located in the hillside Parc Duden, the stadium was one of the venues used for the football event of the 1920 Olympics.
With an original capacity of 25,000, the ground now holds less than 6,000, with a large seated main stand on one side and a huge open terrace on the other, the turnstiles for which were originally located in the forest at the top of the tribune.
The Union Taverne bar on the road behind the main stand is well worth a visit.

Grand Place

Brussels, at the very heart of all things European, is a fascinating city to visit with a host of attractions.
The Grand Place is one of the most attractive squares in Europe, particularly at night when the historical buildings are floodlit.
The nearby Mannekin Pis statue is a quirky attraction, and the city has a host of galleries and museums to cater for all tastes.
One of Brussels main attractions is the Atomium.
Located in Heysel next to the King Baudouin stadium, visitors can take the escalators to the top of the structure for a fantastic view of the city and its environs.
Food lovers will love the city for the number and variety of excellent restaurants, the Rue des Bouchers just off the Grand Place being particularly popular, and being in Belgium the city is a beer lovers paradise, with a host of bars and seemingly endless choice of beers.
Brussels has excellent travel links, with the Eurostar and Thalys rail services being particulary impressive and reliable.

Joseph Marien Info
Address - 
Chaussee de Bruxelles 223
1190 Forest, Brussels.
Capacity - around 6,000
Travel - nearest railway station Forest-Est.
Tram 18 or 52 from 
Gare du Midi railway station.
One day Metro/Tram/Bus ticket 
7.50 euros.
Club Website - www.rusg.be
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Lime Kiln Livingston

Large open-plan pub and restaurant, just five minutes up the bank through a pleasant woodland walk from the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Part of the 'Eating-Inn' chain, extensive food menu served all-day.
A few framed photographs and sports shirts around the walls to view.
Usual array of keg beers and lagers, no real ale served or TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Into the Lions Den - Millwall
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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.26) published Sunday 1st May 2016

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Issue No.24 March 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Perth Concert Hall

Stade News

ClubCall Guiseley

Destination Perth

Jolly Angler Manchester
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STADE NEWS
BRIDGE PLANS UNVEILED

Chelsea have submitted a planning application for the 60,000 capacity redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.
After looking at various sites in West London to relocate, the Blues have decided to remain at The Bridge, their home since 1905.
The current ground will be completely demolished by 2018, with the new stadium due to open in 2020.


PALACE PLAN SELHURST EXPANSION

Redeveloping the main stand is the priority in the planned £50m expansion of Selhurst Park.
With new investment into the Club from US sports club Owners who have joined the Board, the Eagles are busy drawing up plans for the stadium.
Its likely the Whitehorse Lane stand will be re-roofed, with the Arthur Wait stand being the final and most complex redevelopment.


AVIVA GOES GREEN

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be carbon neutral by the end of 2016.
The stadium management have signed a deal with SSE Airtricity, Ireland's largest supplier of wind power.
There will be no structural changes in and around the stadium however, as the wind power will be supplied through the energy grid.


BLACKBURN HONOUR SHEARER

Blackburn Rovers have honoured legendary striker Alan Shearer, by naming a road after him.
Alan Shearer Way is located on the approach to Ewood Park, en-route from the town centre.
Shearer, the Premier League all-time leading goalscorer, won the League Title with Rovers in 1995.
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CLUBCALL Guiseley AFC

Nethermoor Park,Otley Road,Guiseley, 
Leeds LS20 8BT.
Founded - 1909
League - English National League
Capacity - 3,000
Record Attendance - 2,486
Nearest Railway Station - Guiseley
Club Website - www.guiseleyafc.co.uk

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DESTINATION Perth

Situated on the banks of the River Tay and just 50 miles north of Edinburgh, Perth is a fine city with a rich history.
Formerly the capital of Scotland, the city has a host of attractions and is the perfect base for visiting the wider areas of Perthshire, Fife and The Trossachs.
The Museum and Art Gallery houses a varied collection, and the excellent Black Watch Castle and Museum details the famous Army regiment.
You can visit the crowning place of many Scottish Kings at Scone Palace, and the National Trust owned Branklyn Garden contains an outstanding collection of plants and flowers.
The historical towns of St.Andrews and Stirling are both nearby, as is the bustling city of Dundee, and the beautiful Hermitage Centre in Dunkeld is a must visit.
For visitors looking for outdoor activities, the outstanding Trossachs and Ochil Hills are both within easy reach.
Perth is recognised as one of Scotland's major culinary centres with a host of cafes and restaurants, together with a great selection of bars and pubs to suit all tastes.

Perth Info
Travel - by road via A9 and M90, rail via Edinburgh and Glasgow/Stirling.
Accommodation - plenty of hotels and B&B's, Premier Inn and Mercure in centre recommended.
Pubs - Greyfriars and the Green Room in centre, Cherrybank Inn on outskirts well worth seeking out.
Tourism Website - www.perthcity.co.uk

St Johnstone FC
McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, 
Perth PH1 2SJ.
Founded - 1884
League - Scottish Premiership
Capacity - 10,696
Record Attendance - 10,721
Nearest Railway Station - Perth
Club Website - 
www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Jolly Angler Manchester

Not the nearest pub to the Etihad, but probably the one most real ale enthusiasts seek out on the walk between Piccadilly station and the Manchester City stadium.
Built in 1854 and located in Ducie Street, the Jolly's is a basic one-room bar the like of which is fast disappearing in the UK.
Some fantastic newspaper cuttings and photographs of City and United adorn the walls.
Hydes Original Bitter on handpull, no food served.

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STADE IMAGES

Jimmy Armfield statue - Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
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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.25) published Sunday 3rd April 2016

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Issue No.23 February 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall 
Newcastle United

Lost Grounds 
St Mirren

Trent Navigation Nottingham
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STADE NEWS
SPURS GRANTED PLANNING PERMISSION

Tottenham's new stadium proposals have been passed by Haringey Council,although final approval is required from the London Mayor's office.
The plans, on a site adjacent to White Hart Lane, include the new 61,000 capacity stadium, housing, hotel, sports and health centre, and a Spurs museum and club superstore.


JAMBOS TO STAY AT TYNECASTLE

Heart of Midlothian have announced plans to stay at their current Tynecastle home, and to increase the capacity of the stadium.
The Edinburgh club plan a new main stand, and also
to develop the facilities below the Wheatfield and Roseburn stands, an expansion which will see the ground capacity increase to around 20,000.



CARLISLE BACK ON HOME GROUND

Carlisle United have returned to Brunton Park after seven weeks in exile, following the serious December flooding which affected the city and the wider Cumbrian area. 
After playing recent 'home' games in Preston, Blackburn, and Blackpool, the Blues returned to the stadium where a new pitch has been installed, for a 1-1 draw with York City in front of a crowd of 7,461.

PLOUGH LANE RETURN FOR WIMBLEDON

AFC Wimbledon have been granted planning permission to build a new ground, on the site of the current greyhound stadium at Plough Lane.
The development will include a new 20,000 capacity stadium, housing, squash, and retail facilities.
Some fans are disappointed though that the new ground will be all-seater, and not have any terracing.

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CLUBCALL Newcastle United

St James' Park, Barrack Road, 
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4ST.
Founded - 1892
League - English Premier League
Capacity - 52,405
Record Attendance - 68,386
Nearest Railway Station - Newcastle Central
Club Website - www.nufc.co.uk

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LOST GROUNDS
Love Street St Mirren

Once capable of holding nearly 50,000 spectators, Love Street in Paisley was the home of St Mirren FC from 1894 until the ground's closure in 2009.
Originally known as Fullerton Park, named after the owner of the site, the club eventually bought the ground and its surrounding area and gradually developed the stadium and its facilities.
Love Street had a distinctive black and white cladding on the stands particularly the North Stand roof, and the stadium was very much a mix between the old and new, with the impressive 3,000 seat Caledonia West Stand built in 1995 dominating the arena.

The record attendance at Love Street was 47,438 for a match against Celtic in 1949.
When the stadium closed the capacity was 10,800, with the highest attendance of 10,261 under that capacity.
The final game at the stadium was played in January 2009, a 0-0 draw against Motherwell.
The stadium site, owned by a major supermarket chain, still remains derelict and undeveloped.

The Buddies moved to the new all-seater St Mirren Park in 2009, the first match being a 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock.
Less than a mile from Love Street, the stadium has a capacity of just over 8,000, with the current record attendance of 7,542 set at the opening match.
The stadium is the regular venue for the Scotland under-21 National team.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Trent Navigation Nottingham

Absolute gem of a pub on Meadow Lane, just yards from the main entrance to the Notts County stadium.
The Tap for the Navigation Brewery, the Trent has up to 13 cask beers on offer, and also serves a full food menu daily until around 8pm.
Not much football memorabilia on show, but all live TV matches shown.
The Trent is also handy for visitors to Forest's City Ground and Trent Bridge cricket ground.

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STADE IMAGES

Main stand at The Shay, Halifax Town

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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.24) published Sunday 6th March 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.22 December 2015

Stade News

ClubCall Mansfield

Blundell Park Hotel

Etihad Stadium Tour



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STADE NEWS
CITY SOUTH STAND EXTENSION OPENS

The new South Stand extension at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium is now open, increasing the ground capacity to over 55,000. 
The stand now features three tiers of seating, with the new upper tier adding 7,000 seats to the stadium.
City have planning permission to expand the North Stand with a further 6,000 seats which would take the stadium capacity to 61,000, the second biggest ground in the UK after near neighbours Manchester 
                                                      United's Old Trafford.

At present there is no firm starting date for the work to commence.
The stadium originally opened for the 2002 Commonwealth Games with a capacity of 38,000.
The ground level was then lowered to create an additional tier of seating, which increased the capacity for City's use to 48,000.
see : Stadium Tours


BEES AWAIT PUBLIC ENQUIRY DECISION

West London club Brentford are awaiting a decision on their plans for a new stadium at Lionel Road, following the conclusion of the recent public enquiry into the scheme.
An agreement with developers has already been signed for the construction of a 20,000 capacity stadium, together with over 900 new homes, which are necessary to make the new stadium viable.


DONS TRUST AGREES GROUND SALE

AFC Wimbledon owners the Dons Trust have approved plans to sell the the club's Kingsmeadow ground to Chelsea.
The sale is conditional on the Dons receiving planning permission for a new 20,000 capacity ground, on the site of the Wimbledon Greyhound stadium on Plough Lane.
Chelsea plan to use Kingsmeadow for youth and womens team's matches.

CLUB MOVE CLOSER TO NEW STADIUM

Belgian side Club Brugge plans for a new stadium have moved a step closer, following an environmental impact assessment of the site.
Currently ground sharing with city neighbours Cercle, who intend to remain at the Jan Breydel, Club plan a new 40,000 capacity arena on Blankenberge Steenweg to the north of the city, and hope to be in their new home by 2019.

SOUTH SHIELDS RETURN HOME

Northern League club South Shields have returned to the newly renamed Mariners Park in the town, after two years in exile playing 21 miles to the south in Peterlee.
A major renovation of the ground's facilities has been completed, and the club recently attracted a crowd of over 1,400 for a League game, a Northern League Second Division record.
Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca has also recently joined the playing staff.
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CLUBCALL Mansfield Town

Field Mill, Quarry Lane, Mansfield NG18 5DA.
Founded - 1897
League - Football League Two
Capacity - 8,186
Record Attendance - 24,467
Nearest Railway Station - Mansfield
Club Website - www.mansfieldtown.net

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STADIUM TOURS
Etihad Manchester City

Built in 2002 as an athletics stadium for the Commonwealth Games, the Etihad has since been developed and extended over the years, and its progression as a football ground has mirrored the rapid rise of City during this incredible period in the club's history.
The tour begins in the fanzone behind the North Stand, a favourite pre-match meeting point for City fans.
Moving through the corporate areas of the main stand, you can see how the club has retained many links to its East Manchester history with the memorabilia on display.
The tour continues through the media centre and down below street level to the players warm-up, dressing rooms, and tunnel area.
For a stadium this size both dressing rooms are quite small, with the away change in particular being very austere !
Walking out of the players tunnel in any ground is an experience for all football supporters, but in a stadium as impressive as the Etihad it is even more special.

Main reception

The stand's tower over the pitch, particularly the new South Stand extension, and you can envisage the effect the planned North Stand development will have when the stadium redevelopment is completed.
Leaving the arena the tour continues to the trophy

Home changing room

room, which has obviously seen an increase in display's in recent seasons.
This exhibition area also has a fine written and pictorial display of the history of City's grounds, and a fascinating exhibition of the club's new hugely impressive training complex and 7,000 seater stadium, used for reserve and youth team games, situated just across the road from the Etihad.
City are planning to offer tours of the complex in 2016.
The tour, conducted by a knowledgeable and witty guide, is a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of England's biggest football clubs, but you get the impression of a club which does not take itself too seriously.
Manchester City is a club which certainly has not forgotten its roots.
Etihad Tour Info
Times - 10.30 to 15.30 seven days a week.
Prices - Adults from £16.00, Concessions from £10.00.
Contact - mcfc.co.uk/tours or call 0161 444 1894.
Travel - Metrolink Tram to Etihad Campus, 1 day ticket £5.00.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Blundell Park Hotel Grimsby

Rather basic lounge bar of this bed and breakfast hotel on Grimsby Road.
Now that the main Mariners fans pub The Imperial has closed, this is the nearest pub to Blundell Park and is situated opposite the main stand.
No memorabilia to view, and no food or cask ales on offer.
To be honest, much more attractive pre-match venues available in Grimsby or Cleethorpes town centres.

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STADE IMAGES

Boro's Riverside Stadium lives up to its name !
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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
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.23) published Sunday 7th February 2016
***Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all***

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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