Issue No.64 December 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Chester

Lost Grounds West Ham

ClubCall Thornaby

The Park Middlesbrough 

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STADE NEWS

ELLAND ROAD EXPANSION PLANS

Leeds United have announced plans to expand and improve Elland Road. Home to the Whites since 1916, and with ownership of the ground recently transferred back to the club, Leeds plan to increase capacity at the stadium from the current 37,645 to around 53,000. The expansion will focus on increasing capacity to the North and West stands, with construction completed in phases to maintain as much seating as possible. An increase in capacity and general admission seating is required, as the club currently have over 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets. The plans also include greatly improved hospitality facilities at the stadium, which when completed will bring Elland Road into UEFA Category 4 status, the elite in European stadia.

DONS RETURN TO GROUND AFTER FLOODING

AFC Wimbledon have returned to Plough Lane, after matches were postponed due to severe flooding and pitch subsidence. Built on the site of the old Wimbledon greyhound stadium, over 100,000 litres of water were pumped from the site before the Dons could return.

NEW STADIUM FOR MAN UTD

It appears the new owners at Manchester United favour a new stadium for the club, rather than rebuilding Old Trafford. A new 100,000 capacity stadium could be built next to the current ground, on the site of an existing rail freight terminal. The  stadium plan is part of a wider Community scheme for the area.

POSH IN COUNCIL DISPUTE 

Peterborough City Council claims it is still owed £220,000 from the club, as part of the 2021 deal agreed to purchase the London road stadium. Meetings have taken place between Posh and the Council, but the dispute over the oustanding payment, part of which was paid in March this year, is still to be resolved.

TERRIERS INCREASE SHARE IN STADIUM

Huddersfield Town have increased their share of the ownership of the John Smith's stadium to 80%, following an agreement with the local Kirklees Council. The remaining 20% share will be held by Huddersfield Giants rugby league club, who share the stadium with the Terriers.

NEWS IN BRIEF

SEVILLA

Planning authorities in Sevilla have approved the expansion of the site for the clubs' proposed new stadium. The Nuevo Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, with a capacity of 55,000, will replace the current stadium of the same name home to the Los Nervionenses since 1958.

LUTON TOWN

The Hatters have released images of the planned new 25,000 capacity stadium at Power Court, plans which include a music venue and hotel. The club are unable to extend their current Kenilworth Road home, which has a capacity of only 12,000.

SAN SIRO 

A sports pub has been opened inside the San Siro in Milan, home to Inter and AC. The pub will open during both clubs home matches, and also during away games to broadcast live TV games. Meanwhile the future of the iconic stadium is still unclear, with both clubs exploring alternative venues.

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CLUBCALL Chester

Deva Stadium, Bumper's Lane, Chester CH1 4LT.

Founded - 2010

League - National League North

Capacity - 6,500

Record Attendance - 5,987

Nearest Railway Station - Chester

Club Website - www.chesterfc.com

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LOST GROUNDS

Boleyn Ground, West Ham

Almost universally known as Upton Park, the Boleyn Ground situated in East London was the home of West Ham United from 1904 until 2016.

The first match at the ground was a Southern League derby v Millwall which attracted around 11,000 spectators, and the stadium soon became hugely popular with Hammers fans. Following the clubs election to the Football League in 1919 and subsequent further increase in crowds, the Hammers were able to gradually increase capacity and facilities at ground, including a double decker main West stand which remained in place until being rebuilt in 2000. After WWII bomb damage at the ground was repaired, floodlights were installed in 1953 making the Boleyn only the second floodlit ground in England after Arsenal's Highbury. 

The ground was further rebuilt and redeveloped over the years with a new East Stand, and new all-seater structures at each end named the Bobby Moore and Centenary stands. The record attendance at the ground was 42,322 for a derby v Tottenham Hotspur in October 1970. Plans to further increase the stadium with a new East Stand never materialised, and the capacity at the Boleyn before West Ham moved was 35,016.

The final match played at the ground was in the Premier League v Manchester United on 10th May 2016, a 3-2 victory for the Hammers.

Following the hugely succesful London Olympic Games in 2012, West Ham won the bidding race to secure tenancy of the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, on a 99-year lease. The stadium has gradually been renovated and modified over the years, and has a capacity for football of 62,500. The record West Ham attendance at the now re-named London Stadium is 62,478, set for a match v Leeds United on 21st May 2023. 

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CLUBCALL Thornaby

Teesdale Park, Acklam Road, Thornaby TS17 7JU.

Founded - 2000

League - Northern League Division Two

Capacity - 5,000

Record Attendance - 3,000

Nearest Railway Station - Thornaby

Club Website - Currently Facebook only

  

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FAMOUS LOST FOOTBALL PUBS

The Park, Middlesbrough

Large, former Bass pub on Linthorpe Road, five minutes walk from Boro's former Ayresome Park home. Originally called the Albert Park Hotel, after the nearby park, the pub was hugely popular before and after matches at Ayresome. Following Boro's move to the Riverside in 1995, the pub finally closed in 2015.

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STADE IMAGES

Main stand at Palmerston Park, Queen of the South

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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.65)published Sunday 6th April 2025.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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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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