Issue No.4 March 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Notts County

Hampden Park Tour

Trafford Pub Manchester

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STADE NEWS

SPURS NEW STADIUM COMPLEX TAKES SHAPE

The first phase of Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium complex has been completed, with the opening of a new Sainsbury's supermarket at the site.
The store, at the north end of the stadium scheme, is the retail Group's largest in London and has created over 200 jobs for the local area.

The land between the store and the current White Hart Lane will be the site for the new 56,000 capacity stadium, together with over 300 new homes, despite some opposition from local businesses and residents.
Haringey Council are also planning a Wembley-style pedestrian walkway to the new stadium.




MURRAYFIELD TO HOST THE BHOYS

With Celtic Park being used for the Commonwealth Games in July, and with qualification for next seaon's Champions League almost a formality, Celtic are expected to announce that the Murrayfield rugby union stadium in Edinburgh will host their matches.
Any request by the Club to play outside of Scotland would be rejected by UEFA.
The stadium has previously hosted Hearts 
                                             European home ties in 2004 and 2006.

SCARBOROUGH SET FOR RETURN TO TOWN

The return home for Scarborough Athletic has moved a step closer, with the local council agreeing to the building of a new community sports complex in the town.
The plans, part-financed by the sale of the former McCain Stadium, include the new ground, swimming pool, and floodlit multi-purpose sports area, and will see the club return from exile in Bridlington.

SAFE STANDING CAMPAIGN ESCALATES

The campaign to re-introduce terracing to the upper echelons of English football is gathering pace.
The Football League have agreed to lobby the government to allow safe-standing at grounds following consultation with member clubs.
Meanwhile, Bristol City have installed a small rail-seating section at Ashton Gate, initially for use only by new tenants Bristol Rugby Club.
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CLUBCALL Notts County

Meadow Lane, Nottingham NG2 3HJ
Founded - 1862
League - Football League One
Capacity - 20,229
Record Attendance - 47,310
Nearest Railway Station - Nottingham Midland
Club Website - www.nottscountyfc.co.uk

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STADIUM TOURS Hampden Park Glasgow

The recent transformation of Hampden Park has been quite remarkable, and the ideal way to view Scotland's National stadium is by taking the excellent tour.
Starting in the stadium's underground roadway, the tour moves into the changing rooms(all 6 of them!)via the indoor warm-up area.
The size and quality of the changing rooms and general player facilities are quite amazing, and its no surprise to learn from the tour guide that Hampden fulfils UEFA's top 5-star criteria.
The tour continues into the players tunnel then out into the arena, finishing with the Royal Box and trophy presentation area.
Inside the arena is equally as impressive, with banks of blue and red seating complimented by two huge crosses of St Andrew at each end of the ground.
Hampden is now a gleaming, modern arena with facilities to match any stadium in Europe.
As part of the Hampden Experince you can also visit the superb Scottish Football Museum situated inside the stadium.
We will be featuring the museum in a future issue of the blog.

Hampden Info
Times - tours depart from the Stadium reception at 11.00, 12.30, 14.00, 15.00.
Prices - Adults £7.00, Under 16 & concessions £3.50, Children under 5 FREE.
Contact - www.scottishfootballmuseum.org or telephone 0141 616 6139.
Travel - nearest railway station, Mount Florida(5 minutes walk).

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS 
The Trafford Manchester

Large open plan pub with mock-Tudor facade, situated at the top of Sir Matt Busby Way en-route to Old Trafford.
No surprise that the decor is bright red, walls are adorned with(predominantly)
Premier League era memorabilia.
Entry charge of £1 on matchdays where a quick-serve bottle bar operates, you need to show a match/season ticket.
No real ale available.


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                    STADE IMAGES

Multi-colours at the Amsterdam Arena
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2014

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Next issue published Sunday 6th April 2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.3 February 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Charlton

Destination Chester

The Strawberry Pub
Newcastle

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STADE NEWS

ANFIELD REDEVELOPMENT PLANS UNVEILED

Liverpool remain committed to completing the redevelopment of Anfield.
The proposals, as part of a wider regeneration of the local area, would see redevelopment of both the Main and Anfield Road stands.
Subject to planing approval the club hope to complete the work, which would increase capacity to around 60,000, by 2018.

NEW STADIUM FOR THE IRON

Scunthorpe United hope to move into a new stadium for the start of the 2014/15 season.
The 12,000 capacity community project, which could include standing areas, is at an as yet undisclosed location near Glanford Park, the club's current home since 1988.
The scheme could also include 3 and 4G pitches, a hotel, offices, and restaurant.

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR CRAVEN COTTAGE

Fulham have received planning permission for the redevelopment of Craven Cottage, but as yet there is no time-scale for the work to commence.
The plans, which still require a River works Licence, would see the re-building of the Riverside Stand in a scheme which would provide a new walkway along the Thames, and a riverside cafe open to the public.

SPIDERS RELOCATE TO AIRDRIE

With redevelopment work for this year's Commonwealth Games continuing apace at Hampden Park, Queen's Park have switched home games to Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium until the end of 2014.
Queen's are unable to use Lesser Hampden, where the club have recently opened a superb new pavilion, as the ground is also required for the Games as an athletes warm-up venue.
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CLUBCALL Charlton Athletic

The Valley,Floyd Road,Charlton SE7 8BL.
Founded - 1905
League - Football League Championship
Capacity - 27,111
Record Attendance - 75,031
Nearest Railway Station - Charlton
Club Website - www.cafc.co.uk

_____________________________________________________________ DESTINATION Chester

Founded by the Romans in AD79, the city of Chester is one of England's most popular destinations with many historical attractions.
Lying on the River Dee, the centre of the city is compact and easy to navigate,and an ideal way to view Chester is by walking the City Walls, an almost complete circular route which includes the famous Eastgate Clock.

Visitors interested in the city's Roman history can visit the Dewa Roman Experience, and there is a Roman Amphitheatre just outside the City Walls on Little St John street.
The magnificent cathedral on St Werburgh street was founded as a monastery over 900 years ago, and is now free to enter.
A must see in Chester are the medieval rows, a shopping and architectural experience unique to the city.
Chester Zoo, on the outskirts of the city is rated as one of the top 15 in the world.
The city is also an ideal base for visiting nearby North Wales and Merseyside.
                             

Chester Info
Travel - by road via M56/M53,rail via Crewe and Manchester.
Accommodation - all major hotels in the city,also good selection of B&B's.
Pubs - the Mill Hotel on Milton street and Bear&Billet on Lower Bridge street are recommended.
Tourism Website-www.visitchester.com

Chester FC
Deva Stadium,Bumpers Lane Chester CH1 4LT.
Founded - 1885
League - Conference Premier
Capacity - 5,376
Record Attendance - 5,987
Nearest Railway Station - Chester
Club Website - www.chesterfc.com



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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Strawberry Newcastle

Cosy split-level pub in the shadow of the Gallowgate End at St James' Park.
Temporarily renamed 'La Fraise' in honour of Newcastle's French foreign legion of players.
Lots of interesting memorabilia and photos of the area around the stadium including the old Newcastle Breweries.
Five real ale and cider pumps always available and a full food menu served.
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                    STADE IMAGES  

Rural scene at Frenchfield, home of Northern League club Penrith

The National Football Museum in Manchester is staging an exhibition to mark    the 125th Anniversary of the Northern League, the world's 2nd oldest League.
  Running until Tuesday 22nd April 2014, the exhibition includes rare memorabilia  from the League and its famous Clubs, a selection of photographs by Roy Stuart Clarke, and the old FA Amateur Cup will also be on display.
Full details from the League website - www.northernleague.org or
www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2014
Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Next issue published Sunday 2nd March 2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.2 December 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

Clubcall Carlisle

Sparta Rotterdam

Wembley Torch

Destination Berwick


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STADE NEWS

OLD FIRM TO STAGE SCOTTISH FA CUP TIES

The Scottish FA have confirmed Celtic Park will host the 2014 Scottish FA Cup Final, with Ibrox scheduled to host both of the competition's semi-finals.
With the traditional venue of Hampden Park being unavailable due to redevelopment work and preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Final on Saturday 17th May will be held at the 60,355 capacity home of Celtic for the first time since the Hearts v Rangers Final in 1998.
Rangers Ibrox stadium with a capacity of 51,082, will host both semi-finals over the weekend of the 12th and 13th April.

NEW LONG TERM LEASE FOR MOSS LANE

Altrincham have secured a new long-term lease for Moss Lane, with re-development plans and a return to the Conference Premier on the club's agenda.
The 6,085 capacity stadium, home since 1910, has been secured for the club on a new 34-year lease with Trafford Borough Council.
Plans include a new sports hall alongside the main stand, in a bid to involve more of the local community with the club.

BRENTFORD URGE FANS TO SUPPORT RE-LOCATION

West London club Brentford have called on fans to lobby Hounslow Council in a bid to obtain final permission for the re-location to Lionel Road.
The site, close to the M4 and Kew Bridge railway station, would see a new 20,000 all-seater stadium and residential development.
The club's current Griffin Park stadium would also be re-developed for housing.


FURTHER DELAY TO NEW YORK CITY STADIUM

Work on the community stadium, due to be the new home of both York's football and rugby league clubs has been further delayed.
Whilst work on the flagship John Lewis store, anchor tenant for the scheme which was scheduled to open in 2014 continues apace, there is still no definitive timescale for the new 6,000-seater stadium's opening.


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CLUBCALL Carlisle United

Brunton Park,Warwick Road,Carlisle CA1 1LL.
Founded - 1904
League - Football League One
Capacity - 18,202
Record Attendance - 27,500
Nearest Railway Station - Carlisle Citadel
Club Website - www.carlisleunited.co.uk

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EUROSTADE REPORT Sparta Rotterdam

Sparta Stadion home of Sparta Rotterdam, boasts one of the most iconic facades in European football, Het Kasteel (The Castle).

Originally named Stadion Spangen, the district where the club are located, the ground has greatly evolved over the years and is now an 11,026 all-seater stadium.

Sparta, formed in 1988 and currently celebrating their 125th anniversary, moved to the ground in 1916.
The castle was originally behind the goal at the south end of the stadium, but as part of a major re-devlopment in 1999 when the pitch was turned 90 degrees, now runs along the south side of the ground opposite the main Tony van Ede stand.

Rotterdam itself is a fine city, re-built in a modernist style following its decimation during the Second World War, but if you're en-route to Sparta take time out and head to Delfshaven, just one stop away on the efficient metro.
Its like being transported back in time - a large inland harbour lined with townhouses, quaint bars and restaurants, also home to the excellent De Pelgrim brewery.
Forever in the shadow of huge near neighbours Feyenoord, Sparta are a homely club with a fine tradition, and with The Castle as part of its architecture the ground will always be of interest to the followers of stadium history and design.

Het Kasteel Info
Spartapark Noord 1, 3027 VVV Rotterdam.
Nearest Metro Station - Marconiplein
Rotterdam 1 day travel card for metro/buses costs 7 euros.
Club website - www.sparta-rotterdam.nl





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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS 
The Torch Wembley

Large open plan pub built in 1956 and named after the torch from the 1948 Olympics.
Situated at the junction of Bridge Road and Forty Lane almost in the shadow of the National Stadium,the pub has an impressive gallery of old photographs showcasing both the stadium and the surrounding Wembley area.
Extensive food menu and usually two cask ales available.


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DESTINATION Berwick upon Tweed

The most Northerly town in England just two and a half miles from the Scottish Border, Berwick upon Tweed is an attractive walled town full of history and interest.
One of the most fought over Border towns in the UK and possibly Europe, evidence of the military history of the area is very prominent, from the fortified medieval town walls to the historic Barrracks which date from 1721.
Attractions include the Town Hall on the main street of Marygate, where most of the shopping is also to be found, the historic Quayside which offers fantastic views of the Tweed with its famous three bridges, and you can follow the LS Lowry trail - there are several famous Lowry paintings of the town.
Berwick is an ideal base for visiting the Northumberland National Park and coastline, where you can take a boat trip out to the Farne Islands or buy fresh kippers from Craster, and a must see is the beautiful island of Lindisfarne - be sure to check the causeway tide times though !

Berwick Info
Travel - from North/South by road via A1,by rail East Coast trains.
Accomodation - many B&B's in town, lots of caravan parks in the wider area.
Pubs - many varied pubs in the town most serving food and real ale.
Brown Bear on Hide Hill and Pilot Inn on High Greens are particularly welcoming.
Tourism Website-www.visitnorthumberland.com

Berwick Rangers FC
Shielfield Park, Tweedmouth, 
Berwick upon Tweed TD15 2EF.
Founded - 1881
League - Scottish League Two
Capacity - 4,131
Record Attendance - 13,365
Nearest Railway - Berwick upon Tweed
Club Website - www.berwickrangersfc.co.uk
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STADE IMAGES

Classic Scottish stadium design at Firhill
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog 2013
Any comments/feedback welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Next issue published Sunday 2nd February 2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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News Extra November 2013

STADE NEWS

ETIHAD EXPANSION PLANS ANNOUNCED BY CITY

Manchester City have published images of the planned expansion of the Etihad, with new tiers of 6,750 seats to be added to both ends of the stadium.
Following a consultation period with fans, planning permission for the proposals have been lodged with a decision due in February 2014.
Once permission is granted, work is due to be completed for the start of the 2015/16 season.
   

The club are now accepting season ticket applications for the new sections, with prices starting from just £299.00.
The expansion at the stadium, home to City since 2003 following the move from Maine Road, would take the capacity from the current 47,800 to around 61,000, the second highest capacity in England.




DARLINGTON TO RETURN HOME AS FEETHAMS TWIN TOWERS DEMOLISHED

Darlington 1883 FC have announced plans to return to the town from next season, in a ground share with Darlington Rugby Football Club at Blackwell Meadows.
The club, currently exiled at Bishop Auckland, are hoping the return to their home town will boost income with potentially increased attendances and commercial revenue.
The design and capacity of the ground has yet to be finalised.
                                      

The announcement of the Quakers return home co-incided with the demolition of the famous twin towers at the entrance to the club's former home of Feethams
It is thought that the iconic towers, also the entrance to the local cricket ground, will be re-built nearby with new materials after the previous structure was declared unsafe.



STANDING SECTION AT CELTIC PARK ?

Celtic are to consider the introduction of safe standing areas at their east end of Glasgow home.
Following the former Scottish Premier League relaxing its rules on standing in 2011, the club now believes its time to review their policy of an all-seater stadium.
Citing the example of the German Bundesliga, where standing sections within stadiums have been hugely successful, Celtic will now consult with Glasgow City Council and the emergency services to seek approval for the change.




QPR UNVEIL NEW STADIUM PLANS

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed they are in talks over building a new 40,000 seater stadium at Old Oak Common, a site close to the club's Loftus Road ground, currently with a capacity of only 18,360.
The area is planned as a major hub station on the new HS2 railway line, and the proposals include new houses, offices, and shops alongside the new arena.                                        

GATES RETURN TO ST JAMES'PARK

Wrought iron gates originally installed in 1989, have been returned to Newcastle United's St James' Park after a 14 year absence.
Following a long campaign by supporters groups, the imposing gates removed in 1999 as part of the stadium's redevelopment, have been erected outside the main stand on Barrack Road.



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STADE IMAGES

Heysel II in the shadow of the King Baudouin stadium Brussels
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2013
Any comments/feedback welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Next issue published Sunday 1st December 2013

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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