Issue No.9 September 2014

IN THIS ISSUE 

Stade News

ClubCall Hearts

Wembley Tour

The Park Sheffield
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STADE NEWS
COVENTRY RETURN TO THE RICOH

After a season's exile in Northampton, where home games were watched by an average crowd of 2,348,
Coventry City have returned to the Ricoh Arena with a 1-0 win over Gilingham, which attracted 27,306 fans.
The club have signed an initial 2 year deal with the stadium operators ACL, with the option of extending the agreement up to 2018.

FC UNITED NEW STADIUM DELAY

FC United of Manchester are hoping to finally move into their new Broadhurst Park stadium by the end of October.
The 5,000 capacity stadium, located in Moston, is near to the Newton Heath origins of Manchester United.
The Northern Premier League club are currently ground-sharing at Stalybridge Celtic, following a previous tenancy at Bury's Gigg Lane.

SCUNTHORPE RELOCATION PLANS UNVEILED

Despite only being located at Glanford Park since 1988, Scunthorpe United have announced plans to relocate to a new stadium as part of the Lincolnshire Lakes Project.
The new 12,000 capacity stadium, just off the M181 close to the current ground, has been provisionally named The Iron Arena.



NEW NORTH STAND FOR THE LATICS

Oldham's North Stand continues to take shape, 
at the newly renamed Sports Direct Park.
The 2,500 capacity structure will include a new club superstore, health and fitness suite, and supporters club bar.
As yet there is no opening date confirmed for the stand, which reportedly is currently £2M over budget.


BLUES IN BRIDGE EXPANSION STUDY

After failing with attempts to relocate to Earls Court and Battersea Power Station, Chelsea have announced plans which could see the capacity of Stamford Bridge expanded to 60,000.
The plans, which could include decking over the railway lines to the north and east of the stadium, would also reduce vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area on matchdays.

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CLUBCALL Heart of Midlothian

Tynecastle Stadium, Gorgie Road, 
Edinburgh EH11 2NL.
Founded - 1874
League - Scottish Championship
Capacity - 17,420
Record Attendance - 53,396
Nearest Railway Station - Haymarket
Club Website - www.heartsfc.co.uk

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STADIUM TOURS Wembley

Re-building a National stadium such as Wembley was never going to be easy.
After taking a tour at this most iconic of venues, you can appreciate that the Football Authorities seem to have got it just about right.
Opened in 2007 with a capacity of 90,000, the new Wembley was beset with delays during construction and with a huge increase in costs.
Only after this behind-the-scenes tour can you fully appreciate the size of the venue!
The 75 minute tour, fully accompanied by interesting and informative guides, includes the changing rooms, press room, Club Wembley seats, the Players tunnel, a pitchside visit, and you can climb the famous steps up to the Royal Box and get your hands on a trophy.
There are numerous photo opportunities, and access to some unique memorabilia including the 1966 World Cup Jules Rimet trophy, and the original 1948 Olympic Games flag.
The tour ends with a visit to the Wembley cafe, and the chance to purchase a unique souvenir in the Wembley shop.
Wembley Info
Times - 10.00 to 16.00 daily,extra tours Monday to Friday.
Prices - Adult £16.00, Child/Seniors £9.00, Family Ticket £41.00.
Contact - www.wembleystadium.com/Wembley-Tours or tel.0800 169 9933.
Travel - by tube to Wembley Park, 5 minutes walk to stadium.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

The Park Sheffield

Imposing detached pub perched on the hill above Hillsborough.
Not a great amount of football memorabilia on display, but some interesting old photos of the local area.
Part of the Sizzling chain, extensive varied food menu served all day and usually 1 or 2 cask beers available.
All live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Jack Walker memorial at Ewood Park

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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 5th October 2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.8 August 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Gateshead

Destination Lincoln

The Boleyn Pub

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STADE NEWS
New Vicarage Road stand takes shape

Work on the new East stand at Vicarage Road continues, with the Club hoping to have a partial opening of the 3,100 capacity structure in time for the new season.
In other Watford news, the former Sir Stanley Rous stand is to be re-named the Graham Taylor stand, in honour of the former Hornets and England manager.


Name change for Bolton stadium

After 17 years being known as the Reebok, Bolton Wanderers stadium has been re-branded.
The new name, Macron Stadium, has been adopted following the clubs new four-year sponsorship deal with the sportswear manufacturer, which also includes supplying the clubs playing and training kits.



3G pitch at Rugby Park

Kilmarnock have installed a new state of the art 3G pitch in time for start of the Scottish Premiership season.
The move will enable the first-team squad to be based at the stadium, having previously trained in Glasgow.
The Club also hope the installation of the pitch will increase the commercial use of Rugby Park.

Orient end Olympic Stadium bid

Leyton Orient have ended their objection to West Ham United's sole use of the former Olympic Stadium.
After a failed judicial review in 2013, the Club now states it has reached a "confidential agreement" in its dispute.
The Hammers are due to move into the stadium in 2016.

Kuwait City Ground ?

Nottingham Forest have yet to confirm the re-naming of their stadium as the Kuwait City Ground.
Rumours persist that the club has signed a major sponsorship deal with the Kuwati Government, a deal which would include the naming rights to the historic East Midlands venue


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CLUBCALL Gateshead

International Stadium,Neilson Road, 
Gateshead NE10 0EF
Founded - 1930
League - Conference Premier
Capacity - 11,800
Record Attendance - 8,202
Nearest Railway Station - Gateshead Stadium(Metro)
Club Website - www.gateshead-fc.com

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DESTINATION Lincoln

With its magnificent Norman Cathedral dominating the skyline, and a host of other attractions within the City itself and the surrounding area, Lincoln is the ideal short-break destination.
The historical 'uphill' area of the City is where you will find the Cathedral, Castle and Market Square, with cobbled streets and quaint shops, restaurants and pubs.
The Castle grounds are the venue for Lincoln's famous Christmas Market, when the City is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland.

Moving down the aptly named Steep Hill takes you to the more modern 'downhill' area, where most of the shopping and transport links are situated.
The Collection, Lincolnshire County museum and gallery situated between the two main areas, holds a huge number of important exhibits and artefacts.

Lincoln is an ideal base for visiting the coastal resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe, and for those with an interest in the military, the informative guided tour of nearby RAF Scampton, home to the Red Arrows, is highly recommended.
To the south of the City, North Hykeham is home to the Lincolnshire Road Transport museum, which holds a fascinating collection of vintage cars and commercial vehicles.

Lincoln Info
Travel -by road via A1 then A46, by rail via East Coast Main Line change at Newark.
Accommodation - all the major hotel chains,lots of good B&B's.
Pubs - Treaty of Commerce and The Ritz both on High Street recommended.
Tourism Website - www.visitlincoln.com

Lincoln City FC
Address - Sincil Bank,Lincoln LN5 8LD
Founded - 1884
League - Conference Premier
Capacity - 10,120
Record Attendance - 23,196
Nearest Railway Station - Lincoln Central
Club Website - www.redimps.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS 
The Boleyn Tavern West Ham

Large open-plan pub on the corner of Green Street and Barking Road.
Raucous pre-match atmosphere not recommended for away supporters or faint-hearted Hammers fans !
Not a great amount of memorabilia on display apart from a few flags and photos around the island bar area.
Probably the main point of interest for visitors is the statue of the three West Ham players - Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters,from England's 1966 World Cup winning team, situated directly opposite the premises.
All the usual keg beers and lagers on offer, no food available, all live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Famous 5 go to Easter Road

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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 7th September2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.7 June 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Bury

Destination Dumfries

The Turf Wrexham
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STADE NEWS
TOFFEES IDENTIFY NEW STADIUM SITE

Everton have expressed "cautious optimism" about a site within the Liverpool city boundary for their new 50,000 capacity stadium.
The City Council have confirmed they will work with the club on the plans, but insist they are unable to fund the costs for the new ground.
Plans by Everton for new stadiums in the Docklands and Knowsley areas have previously fallen through.

LAND SALE SCUPPERS ST JAMES' EXPANSION

Newcastle United's plans to sell land behind the Gallowgate End of St James' Park, will result in the club being unable to further extend the stadium.
The land, currently leased to Newcastle City Council and being used as a car park, is the only feasible area around the ground to increase capacity.
The site is understood to have attracted interest for a new hotel or student flats.



CUMBRIANS HOPEFUL IN STADIUM PLANS

Carlisle United have announced they are still hopeful of leaving Brunton Park, home since 1909, and moving to a new stadium.
Previous plans to relocate to a site at Kingmoor Park in the city are subject to a major rethink by the club's Directors.
The news emerged at a fans forum, where the club revealed all parties involved have signed confidentiality agreements.

WHITE HART LANE REPLACEMENT BY 2017

Tottenham Hotspur anticipate putting out a tender for construction of their new 58,000 capacity stadium later this year, and hope it will be open for the start of the 2017/18 season.
The new stadium, to be built on land adjacent to their current 36,000 capacity home at White Hart Lane, is part of a landmark project and wider regeneration of the North London area.


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CLUBCALL Bury

Gigg Lane, Bury, Lancashire BL9 9HR
Founded - 1885
League - Football League Two
Capacity - 11,840
Record Attendance - 35,000
Nearest Railway Station - Bury Interchange
Club Website - www.buryfc.co.uk

 
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DESTINATION Dumfries

The capital of Dumfries and Galloway, known as the Queen of the South from where the football club derives its name, Dumfries is a fine historic market town in the South-West of Scotland.
Famous for its connection with poet Robert Burns, the town has plenty of attractions and is a fantastic base for visiting this often overlooked area of the country.
A must-see in the town is the Camera Obscura located in the Dumfries Museum, where you can observe a moving panoramic view of the town.
The Old Bridge House, the town's oldest house, is now a museum of everyday life in Dumfries.
Out of town, the Aviation Museum at Heathhall has a fine collection of aircraft, and a restored WWII airfield control tower.
Dumfries is a fine base for exploring the Solway Coast and the challenging Southern Uplands, with its superb walks and ancient woodlands.
With Queen's playing host to Rangers, Hearts and Hibs in the Championship next season, there will soon be many more football fans making the trip to this wonderful part of Scotland.

Dumfries Info

Travel - from North/South via M6,M74,A75.
Accommodation - Cairndale and Station nice hotels, lots of good B&B's available.
Pubs - many historic pubs,The Globe & New Bazaar are recommended.
Tourism Website - visitscotland.com/dumfries-galloway

Queen of the South
Palmerston Park, Terregles Street,
Dumfries DG2 9BA
Founded - 1919
League - Championship
Capacity - 7,620
Record Attendance - 26,552
Nearest Railway Station - Dumfries
Club Website - qosfc.com
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Turf Wrexham

Large one-roomed Marston’s inn adjacent to the Racecourse Ground.
Its difficult to think of a pub which could be closer to a football ground, the new stand at the Mold Road side is shaped to include the building.
A unique feature of the Turf is a 1st floor balcony at the rear of the pub which, before the re-development of the ground overlooked the pitch.
Strangely for a stadium pub, apart from a  small red and white clad area to the right of the bar, the décor is mainly contemporary with very little football memorabilia adorning the walls.
Cask Marston’s Bitter is available, together with the usual other array of keg beers and lagers, and a full food menu is also available on match days.
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STADE IMAGES

De Kuip (The Tub) in Rotterdam

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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 3rd August 2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.6 May 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Morecambe

National Football Museum

Louden Tavern Glasgow

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STADE NEWS
EE FOR WEMBLEY

Wembley have confirmed a sponsorship deal with communications group EE, but it will not include naming rights for the stadium.
The six-year multi-million pound investment will see Wembley the most connected stadium in the world, with enhanced mobile network access, ticketing, and super-fast WiFi.
The deal also includes a free app for all visitors.

CONSETT NEW GROUND OPENS

Northern League Consett have moved into their new Belle View ground.
Replacing the former Belle Vue, home since 1950, facilities include a 3G pitch, community pitches and changing rooms, and a bar/function room.
Situated on Delves Lane, the inaugural match v Newcastle United reserves attracted a crowd of around 1,500.

ETIHAD WORKS TO COMMENCE

The two-phase expansion of Manchester City's Etihad stadium will commence with immediate effect.
The South stand will be redeveloped first increasing capacity to 54,000, followed by work on the North stand which will see a ground capacity of over 60,000, the second highest in England.
City moved to the then 38,000 capacity stadium in 2003.

REDS CONFIRM ANFIELD REDEVELOPMENT

Liverpool have confirmed the redevelopment of Anfield, with plans to increase capacity to around 58,000.
The first phase will see the main stand expanded to three-tiers, with a further development of the Anfield Road stand.
The club are hoping the work can be completed for the start of the 2016/17 season.

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CLUBCALL Morecambe

Globe Arena,Christie Way,
Morecambe LA4 4TB.
Founded - 1920
League - Football League Two
Capacity - 6,476
Record Attendance - 5,375
Nearest Railway Station - Morecambe
Club Website - www.morecambefc.com

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NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM
Manchester

The National Football Museum in Manchester is a must-see attraction for any football supporter.
Located in the stunning Urbis building next to Victoria Station, the museum displays the history and changing face of the game in a fascinating series of exhibits and galleries.
Spread over four floors, the permanent displays include the origins and laws that started football, the competitions, players, fans, trophies, and clubs that have developed over the years.
On level one you will find an interesting display on stadiums and ground development.
Level three is the venue for the museum's changing exhibitions, recently featuring superb displays for the 125 years of both The Football League and The North-East based Northern League.
Football Plus+ on Level two is an interactive experience where you can try your hand at a penalty shootout, lift a trophy, or attempt a football commentary.
There is a charge for these activities and tickets can be bought from the Information Desk or any Museum Assistant.
Acclaimed photographer Stuart Clarke, formerly based in Ambleside, now has a permanent gallery in the Hall of Fame on the ground floor, where you will also find a pleasant cafe and well-stocked shop.
Entry is free, although donations are most welcome as the Museum is a registered charity.

Museum Info              

Urbis Building
Cathedral Gardens
Manchester M4 3BG.

Telephone : 0161 605 8200
www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Opening Times : 
Monday to Saturday 
10am to 5pm
Sundays 11am to 5pm

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Louden Tavern Glasgow

Situated opposite Ibrox underground station, the Louden Tavern is probably the most famous Glasgow Rangers bar.
Recently extensively refurbished, the single room Louden is an aladdin's cave of Rangers photographs and memorabilia.
Numerous large screen TV's, and possibly the most Tennents lager pumps seen in a single establishment.

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STADE IMAGES

Sloping pitch at Harrogate Town
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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 1st June 2014

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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