Issue No.68 April 2026

 IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Fulham

Destination Newcastle

ClubCall Grangetown BC

Valley Bar Scarborough

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STADE NEWS

CHAMPION HILL REDEVELOPMENT APPROVED

Southwark Council have approved the redevelopment of Champion Hill, the South London home of Isthmian League Dulwich Hamlet. The project will see a new 4,000 capacity stadium with an all-weather pitch, with possible future expansion to a 5,000 capacity, together with improved player facilities and supporter viewing areas. The plans also include a residential development of 219 homes. The adjacent Greendale Playing Fields will not be impacted by the new stadium development, and will remain as a public open space. Dulwich, founded in 1893, have played at Champion Hill since 1931 apart from two brief groundshare spells at the nearby Imperial Fields, home of Tooting & Mitcham FC.

BLOOMFIELD ROAD HOUSES TO BE DEMOLISHED

As part of plans for the East Stand, which will now be upgraded rather than replaced, houses in Henry Street in Blackpool will be demolished to make room for a new concourse behind the stand. The upgrade also includes structural improvements, 4,797 new tangerine seats, and a new suspended TV gantry.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT SINCIL BANK

League One leaders Lincoln City have announced ground improvements at Sincil Bank. The plans include replacing executive boxes with outdoor seating, new hospitality and event space, and replacing seats in two stands. The work should be completed before the start of next season.

SPORTS HUB TO BE BUILT AT FALKIRK

A new sport and leisure hub is being planned for land next to Scottish Premiership club Falkirk. The hub, which would feature a swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness suite, will replace the existing Mariner Centre and Grangemouth Sports complex in the town.

CAMBRIDGE OPEN TO NEW STADIUM PLAN

Cambridge United are 'open-minded' about the possibility of relocating from the Abbey Stadium, home since 1932. A site, near the proposed new Cambridge East railway station could be a potential location for a new stadium. The U's previous plans to redevelop the Abbey were put on hold in 2025.

NEWS IN BRIEF

NORWICH CITY

A phased redevelopment of Carrow Road has been unveiled by Norwich. The works include a new fanzone behind the Barclay Stand, seat reconfigurations, and external facade alterations. The Canaries plan to increase capacity of the stadium to 35,000.

WORKSOP TOWN

New stands and turnstiles at Worksop Town have been approved by the local Council. The Sandy Lane stadium, home since 1994, will be upgraded to improve spectator facilities and to enable additional community use and events at the ground.

FIORENTINA

A financial agreement between ACF Fiorentina and Florence Council is close, which will enable further modernisation renovations to begin at the historic Stadio Artemio Franchi. The new phase of work will include skyboxes and hospitality zones, to enable increased revenue for the club.

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CLUBCALL Fulham

Craven Cottage, Stevenage Road, London SW6 6HH.

Founded - 1879

League - English Premier League 

Capacity - 29,130

Record Attendance - 49,335

Nearest Railway Station - Putney Bridge (Tube)

Club Website - www.fulhamfc.com

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DESTINATION Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle Castle

England's northernmost city, full of culture and renowned for its nightlife, Newcastle upon Tyne is the ideal destination.

Newcastle originally developed around a Roman settlement named Pons Aelius, a fort and bridge over the River Tyne. Fragments of Hadrian's Wall are still visible along West Road in the city. Newcastle then known as Munucceaster, became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, and was re-named Newcastle in this era when a wooden castle was built.

The city grew and prospered, particularly with the coal trade from the Quayside, and following the English Civil War when the city walls became obsolete, the area expanded rapidly amid industrial development. The status of City was granted to Newcastle in 1882.

There is some fine architecture in the city, with the Castle itself, Grey Street, St.Mary's Cathedral, and the Theatre Royal particularly good examples. A must for visitors is a walk along the Quayside, which gives fantastic views of the bridges over the Tyne. The Quayside also hosts a vibrant street market every Sunday morning. 

Grey Street

The main shopping in Newcastle is centered around Northumberland Street, where you will also find the Eldon Square shopping centre.

The indoor Grainger Market is also well worth a visit with a host of independent retailers.

Newcastle is rightly known as a party city, with a host of pubs, bars, and clubs to suit every taste. Bigg Market is the most famous area, but is rather rundown and can be quite lairy late at night. Newgate Street and Collingwood Street, and the Quayside are also very popular. Slightly out of the city Osborne Road in Jesmond, and Ouseburn are fine alternatives to the centre.

Theatre Royal

The arts are very well catered for, with the Theatre Royal, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, and Live Theatre all in the city centre. Music venues include the City Hall, NX, and the Utilita Arena, with the smaller Cluny and Trillions Rock Bar also in the area.

The Great North Hancock museum, Discovery museum, and the Life Science Centre are all worth a visit with a variety of displays and exhibits.

Every June Newcastle hosts The Hoppings on the Town Moor, Europe's largest travelling fair.

The city is also a fantastic base to discover the wider Tyneside area, including Tynemouth and Whitley Bay on the coast, North Shields, and south of the river Gateshead and South Shields. 

Tyne Bridges and Quayside

Newcastle Info

Travel - by road via A1M, rail via East Coast main line.

Accommodation - Huge range of hotels available, Vermont on Castle Garth and Malmaison on Quayside both excellent.

Pubs - Fantastic selection of pubs/bars, Crown Posada, Fitzgeralds, and Bacchus particularly recommended.

Tourism Website - www.newcastlegateshead.com

Newcastle United

St James' Park, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4ST

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CLUBCALL Grangetown Boys Club

B&W Lifting Stadium, Grange Farm Road, Middlesbrough TS6 7HP Founded - 1941

League - Northern League Division Two

Capacity - unknown

Record Attendance - 364

Nearest Railway Station - South Bank

Club Website - www.pitchero.com/Grangetown BC

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Valley Bar Scarborough

Friendly local bar situated on Valley Road, five minutes walk from Scarborough FC. Originally a cellar bar, the pub is now multi-roomed with quirky antique furniture. Usually up to five cask beers and ciders on offer, also a great range of bottled beers. Rooms for accommodation also available.

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STADE IMAGES

Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille OSC

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2026.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.69)published Sunday 2nd August 2026.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No. 67 December 2025

 IN THIS ISSUE 

Stade News

ClubCall Santa Ponsa

ClubCall Macclesfield

Angel Inn Berwick

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STADE NEWS

NEW STADIUM PLANS FOR ORIENT

Leyton Orient have appointed Populous, the company who designed the new Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur stadiums, to lead the O's new stadium project. Together with the stadium, the club plan a wider multi-sport campus for the club's men's and women's teams, along with an American football team. The project also includes a revitalised public hub including retail, hospitality, and leisure facilities. Orient are working with Waltham Forest Council to identify a suitable site for the project. The club has played at their current Brisbane Road ground since 1937.

EDGELEY PARK EXPANSION

Stockport County have announced a phased multi-million pound project to increase the capacity of Edgeley Park. The work will see an increase in capacity from the current 11,000, to around 18,000 - 20,000. The plans also include increased car parking facilities at the ground for players and staff.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR OAKWELL

A 650 capacity permanent fanpark is one of the improvements planned by Barnsley at Oakwell Stadium. The park will include units for the sale of food and drink, with outdoor seating areas. The club also plan new cladding panels on the East Stand, together with a new ticket office.

ANDERLECHT IN NEW STADIUM STUDY

Belgian giants Anderlecht, based in Brussels, have begun the process of a study into a new multi-use stadium. The current Constant Vanden Stock stadium, opened in 1917, has a current capacity of only 21,500, but demand for match tickets far outweighs the capacity,

HIGH RISE FOR TOTTENHAM

Spurs have submitted plans for four high rise residential towers and a hotel, next to the new Tottenham Stadium. The towers and the 30-storey hotel, will be constructed on the South side of the ground. The hotel is expected to be ready for Euro 28, when the stadium will be one of the host venues.

NEWS IN BRIEF

EXETER CITY

A major fire at St James Park caused the recent postponement of Exeter City's League One match v Burton Albion. The fire, in a temporary building believed to have been started by an electrical fault, may have caused around £100,000 worth of damage to club property.

VALENCIA

Construction work is continuing on the Nou Mestalla stadium, the new home of Valencia CF. After years of delays, the 70,000 capacity stadium with a retractable roof is expected to open in 2027.

WORKINGTON

A new Cumberland Sports Village is to be constructed, and will be the home of Workington AFC. The complex, on the site of the The Reds current Borough Park ground, will have a capacity of 3,700.

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CLUBCALL Santa Ponsa

Camp de Futbol, Santa Ponsa, Mallorca

Founded - 2022

League - Primera Regional de Mallorca

Capacity - 1,000

Record Attendance - 

Nearest Railway Station - Palma

Club Website - Facebook only

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CLUBCALL Macclesfield

Moss Rose, London Road, Macclesfield SK11 7SP.

Founded - 2020 (previously Macclesfield Town founded 1874)

Capacity - 5,300

Record Attendance - 10,041

Nearest Railway Station - Macclesfield

Club Website - www.macclesfieldfc.com

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Angel Inn Berwick upon Tweed

Small, friendly local situated on Brewery Bank, 5 minutes walk from Berwick Rangers Shielfield ground. 

Limited opening hours during the week but packed on matchday Saturday's when pub is open all day.

No food or real ale served.

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STADE IMAGES

Chris Turner statue - Peterborough United

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2025.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.68)published Sunday 5th April 2026.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.66 August 2025

 IN THIS ISSUE 

Stade News

ClubCall Man City

Lost Grounds Odsal

ClubCall Redcar Town

Trent House Newcastle

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STADE NEWS

BORO IN SEASON LONG GROUNDSHARE

Following a site survey which uncovered serious structural issues with the pitch, Scarborough Athletic will play home games this coming season 18 miles away at Bridlington Town. Boro's Sports Village requires extensive repairs, estimated at over £3million, due to a defective drainage system. Whilst North Yorkshire County Council who own the ground will pay for the repairs, Scarborough will take a major financial hit in lost matchday revenue streams including an expected drop in attendances, although the club are looking at improving bus and train services between the towns to ease matchday travel for supporters. Additional work is being undertaken at Bridlington to ensure the Mounting Systems Stadium is 'Step 2 compliant'. The reformed Scarborough Athletic previously played in Bridlington following its founding in 2007, until moving back to the town in 2017.

COUNCIL BLOW FOR BARNET

Plans for Barnet FC to return to the town in a new stadium have been refused by the local council. After leaving the old Underhill ground in 2013 and moving to the Hive which is in Harrow, the club have committed to returning to Barnet and applied to build a 7,000 capacity stadium on Barnet Playing Fields.

NEW STADIUM PLANS FOR USG

Brussels club Union Saint-Gilloise are planning a new stadium, and leaving the Art Deco listed Joseph Marien stadium which has been home since 1919. The current Belgian champions, now regularly playing in European competitions, have outgrown their iconic stadium which has a current capacity of only 9,400.

CITY GROUND EXPANSION PLANS

Nottingham Forest have received planning permission for the expansion of the City Ground, which will see the capacity increase to 35,000. The current main stand will be demolished, and replaced with a 10,000 seater stand. Forest will be required to contribute to local infrastructure improvements, including bus services and cycle lanes.

REPRIEVE FOR GOODISON PARK

Everton have announced they are retaing the iconic Goodison Park, as the permanent home of Everton Ladies. With the club about to move into the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, it was previously reported Goodison was to be demolished and replaced with housing. The capacity will be reduced with the upper tiers of stands being closed.

NEWS IN BRIEF

REAL MALLORCA

Estadi Son Moix is now home to a new fan bar and terrace at the South stand of the stadium. The Plaza Fondo Sur, open on non matchdays, offers deckchairs, tables and chairs, with a bar and food service.

HUDDERSFIELD

Previously known as Alfred McAlpine, John Smith's, and Galpharm, Huddersfield Town have renamed their ground the Accu Stadium for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

SV HAMBURG

Following promotion back to the Bundesliga, Hamburger SV are upgrading the Volksparkstadion with improved supporter amenities and catering services. HSV are also exploring the possibility of increasing the stadium capacity from 57,000 to 60,000.

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CLUBCALL Manchester City

Etihad Stadium, Manchester M11 3FF.

Founded - 1880

League - English Premier League

Capacity - 53,600

Record Attendance - 54,693

Nearest Railway Station - Etihad Campus (Metrolink)

Club Website - www.mancity.com

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LOST GROUNDS

Odsal Stadium Bradford

Originally opened in 1933 on the site of a former quarry, Odsal is a multipurpose stadium in the West Yorkshire city of Bradford. 

Although use for football has been quite minimal, the stadium still has historical interest.

Despite a Football Association ban on women's football, August 1939 saw the stadium host an international women's match between Preston Ladies and an all-star Belgian women's team. 

Following the tragic events at Valley Parade in 1985, and short tenure's at Huddersfield and Leeds, Odsal was refurbished and modernised to allow Bradford City to play their Football League matches at the stadium.

The ground hosted the Bantams until December 1986.

Current tenants at Odsal are promotions company Yorstox who organise professional stock cars events at the stadium, whilst previous sports hosted at Odsal include speedway, American football, showjumping, tennis, and baseball.

The record attendance at the stadium is 102,569 for a Warrington v Halifax rugby league match in 1954.

With a current capacity of 26,019, the stadium is now home to and owned by Bradford Bulls RLFC

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CLUBCALL Redcar Town

Mo Mowlam Memorial Park, Trunk Road, Redcar TS10 5BW.

Founded - 1997

League - Northern League Division Two

Capacity - 1,000

Record Attendance - 168

Nearest Railway Station - Redcar Central

Club Website - www.redcartownfc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Trent House Newcastle

Cracking pub on Leazes Lane, just behind the East stand at St James' Park. Ceiling covered in beer mats and a brilliant Newcastle mural upstairs. Fine selection of real ales and bar snacks served. 

Live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Central Park, Cowdenbeath

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2025.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.67)published Sunday 21st December 2025.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.65 April 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

Leeds Town Hall

Stade News

ClubCall Sunderland

Destination Leeds

ClubCall Chelsea

Five Bells Millwall

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STADE NEWS

TRAVEL CONCERNS AT BRAMLEY MOORE

Following the second test event at Bramley Moore, Everton fans have expressed concerns about the travel arrangements to and from the new stadium. A crowd of 25,000 attended the event, with analysis by the local council suggesting over half the spectators used public transport. Major delays and overcrowding on Merseyrail trains were reported, as well as crowd control problems at Sandhills station, the nearest to the stadium around a fifteen minute walk away. Supporters walking away from the stadium towards the city centre, also encountered delays crossing Bascule Bridge on Regents Road due to weight restrictions. As part of the event, an U21 match v Bolton Wanderers, Everton successfully conducted a full stadium evacuation procedure after 65 minutes. The Toffees will move from Goodison Park in to the new 52,888 capacity stadium in August, at the start of next season.

ARSENAL EXPLORE EMIRATES EXPANSION

Arsenal are exploring expansion of the Emirates Stadium, which could increase capacity to around 80,000. With the stadium being built in a crowded area of North London, any work to increase the number of seats will be complicted and costly. The Gunners have held talks with an architectural design firm, who have presented the club with a variety of expansion plans.

NEW TRAINING COMPLEX AT AYR

Scottish Championship club Ayr United have unveiled plans for a new training complex next to Somerset Park, after the purchase of derelict land behind the Railway End. A new traing pitch and gym facility will be the first phase of the development. The Honest Men currently sit second in the Championship table in the race for promotion to the Premiership.

SPORTS VILLAGE FOR BOUNDARY PARK

Oldham Council has announced plans for a £70m Sports Town, which includes new sports and health facilities at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park. The plans include a sports campus, training facilities, and a cricket pitch. The Latics share the stadium with Oldham Rugby League club.

RED DRAGONS REVEAL KOP STAND DESIGN

Wrexham have revealed details of the new Kop Stand at the Racecourse Ground. The new 5,500 capacity stand will have a red brick facade, and will incorporate player and officials facilities, safe standing and hospitality areas. The design will also give the club the option to increase capacity of the stand at a later date.

NEWS IN BRIEF

MIDLANDS RAIL LINK

Coventry City and Nottingham Forest have backed plans for a new rail link planned to boost economic growth in the Midlands,which would connect Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham. The potential link would reinstate direct rail services between the three cities for the first time in over twenty years.

WEXFORD

League of Ireland First Division club Wexford have announced plans for a new 6,000 capacity stadium and sports facility in the town. The club have applied for Government funding for the project, which would see the replacement of the club's current Ferrycarrig Park ground.

AFC BOURNEMOUTH

The Cherries have revealed plans to redevelop Dean Court and increase the capacity to between 19,000 and 23,000. A full refurbishment of the stands and hospitality areas is also planned, as the club reveal a long waiting list for match tickets at the current 11,500 capacity stadium.

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CLUBCALL Sunderland

Stadium of Light, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1SU.

Founded - 1879

League - English Football League Championship

Capacity - 49,000

Record Attendance - 48,353

Nearest Railway Station - St.Peters(Metro)

Club Website - www.safc.com

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DESTINATION Leeds

Art Gallery

The cosmopolitan City of Leeds, renowned for its cultural attractions, shopping, and nightlife, is both a fine destination in its own right, and the ideal place to explore the wider area of West Yorkshire.

The Borough of Leeds, covering a small area around the River Aire, was created in 1207, with a Royal Charter granted in 1626. Gradual expansion of the surrounding area saw city status gained in 1893. The current city boundaries were established on 1st April 1974, and with a population of over 822,000 Leeds is now one of the largest cities in England.

Notable buildings in the city include the Town Hall on The Headrow, a fine 19th century municipal building, St.John's church on new Briggate which was consecrated in 1634, the Grade 1 listed Corn Exchange on Briggate, and the Civic Hall in Millenium Square.

Corn Exchange

Leeds is a fine shopping destination, particularly the Victoria Quarter with its beautifully ornate indoor arcades, which now link with the nearby modern Victoria Gate centre. Traditional street shopping is centred  around Briggate, Albion Street, and Boar Lane.

The arts are very well catered for in Leeds, with the famous City Varieties Music Hall, Grand Theatre and Opera House, First Direct Arena, and Brudenell Social Club providing a wide variety of musical entertainment.

The Art Gallery on The Headrow, and City Museum on Millenium Square are both well worth a visit with excellent displays and exhibitions.

The Royal Armouries Museum just south of the city centre is also a must see.

The city is also a brilliant base to discover the attractions of the wider Leeds area, including Kirkstall Abbey, Harewood House, the Industrial Museum at Armley, and Roundhay Park.

Victoria Arcade

Leeds Info

Travel - by road via A1/M1, rail via East Coast and Transpennine routes.

Accomodation - all major hotel chains in the city, The Queens on City Square particularly recommended.

Pubs - Templar on Templar Street, Head of Steam on Mill Hill, Duck and Drake on Kirkgate, Whitelock's off Briggate all fine hostelries.

Tourism Website - www.visitleeds.co.uk

Leeds United

Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds LS11 0ES.

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CLUBCALL Chelsea

Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London SW6 1HS.

Founded - 1905

League - English Premier League

Capacity - 40,173

Record Attendance - 82,905

Nearest Railway Station - Fulham Broadway(Tube)

Club Website - www.chelseafc.com

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Five Bells Millwall

Large, friendly community pub on New Cross Road, popular with Millwall fans going to the original and the new Den grounds. Now part of the Craft Union chain, all live TV football shown on the many screens. Not much memorabilia on show inside, but Millwall flag flying outside shows the pub's allegiance to the Lions. No food served.

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STADE IMAGES

The Warwick - Brunton Park, Carlisle

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2025.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.66)published Sunday 3rd August 2025.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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