Issue No.20 October 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Hibernian

EuroReport Aachen

Local Hero Leicester



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STADE NEWS
OLYMPIC STADIUM FINANCES TO BE DISCLOSED

West Ham have declared they are 'unhappy' with the news the Information Commissioner has ordered the publishing of their Olympic Stadium contract.
Concerns have been raised over the amount the club are paying towards the conversion costs for the stadium, and its annual rental and contribution to matchday costs.
The Hammers are due to move into the stadium for the start of the 2016/17 season.

THREAT TO SAINTS TRAINING GROUND

St Johnstone are set to lose part of their training ground adjacent to McDiarmid Park, if a planned relief road scheme goes ahead.
A public enquiry is scheduled for November, although the club have indicated it may be about to reach agreement with Perth and Kinross Council.
Original plans for the road which would have seen the North Stand demolished have now been shelved.



NEW RAILWAY STATION FOR THE RICOH

A new railway station has been built at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, but trains will not be allowed to stop for an hour after matches or stadium events due to safety concerns.
The £3.4M station on the Nuneaton to Coventry line is operated by the London Midland train company, who could lose the contract to run the line if another operator can provide a better service to the stadium.

EURO 2016 FANS CONCERN

Fresh concerns have been raised about crowd behaviour in France ahead of next summer's European Championships, following violence at the recent Marseille v Lyon match.
The Ligue 1 game at the Stade Velodrome, one of the tournament venues, was delayed for 20 minutes after missiles were thrown and the teams returned to the dressing rooms.
The match eventually resumed with riot police surrounding the pitch.
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CLUBCALL Hibernian

Easter Road,Albion Place, Edinburgh EH7 5QG.
Founded - 1875
League - Scottish Championship
Capacity - 20,421
Record Attendance - 65,860
Nearest Railway Station - Edinburgh Waverley
Club Website - www.hibernianfc.co.uk

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EUROSTADE REPORT
Tivoli Stadium Alemannia Aachen

The New Tivoli Stadium in Aachen has experienced incredible highs and lows since its opening in 2009.
Replacing the nearby Old Tivoli, the 33,000 capacity ground has witnessed the club's demise down to its current position in the 4th tier Regionalliga West of German football - Aachen were a Bundesliga club as recently as the 2006/07 season.
Tivoli is a fully enclosed all-seater stadium, and features the home fans Bitburger (a local beer) wall in the South Stand.
Alemannia enjoy huge crowds for their current level of football, and the club's aim is an eventual return to the top-flight.
Aachen certainly have the stadium to once again grace the Bundesliga, and host the very best of German football.

Aachen Cathedral

Situated at the very heart of Europe, Aachen is a fine city with plenty of attractions for visitors.
Famous for its links with Charlemagne, the city is rich in history with the beautiful Cathedral a must-see.
The 14th century Town Hall and the International Newspaper Museum are well worth seeing, and you can bathe in the thermal waters of this famous spa city.
Aachen has a strong link with horses, and the annual World Equestrian Festival is held at the 40,000 capacity Hauptstadion next to Tivoli.
The city is easily accessible via the superb Thalys train service,with direct links to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Dusseldorf.
Tourism Website - www.aachen-tourist.de

Tivoli Info
Krefelder Str.205, 52070 Aachen.
Capacity - 32,960
Nearest Railway Station - 
Aachen Hauptbahnhof
Club Website - 
www.alemannia-aachen.de


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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Local Hero Leicester

Large one room pub in the Freemans Leisure Park on Aylestone Road, five minutes walk from the Walkers Stadium.
Part of the Flaming Grill chain, there is lots of Foxes memorabilia to view together with old photographs of the City.
Full food menu served all day, and usually 2 or 3 cask ales on offer.
Separate bottle-bar operates on match days.
All live TV football shown.
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STADE IMAGES

New stand, Old stand at Highbury, Fleetwood

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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.21) published Sunday 1st November 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.19 September 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Main Entrance at King Boudewijn Brussels

Stade News

ClubCall Alfreton

Lost Grounds 
East Stirlingshire

Trent Bridge Inn Nottingham


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STADE NEWS
START DATE FOR BRUSSELS EUROSTADION

Work is due to start in March 2016 on the site of the new Brussels Eurostadion, opposite the current King Boudewijn stadium in the north of the city.
The 60,000 capacity stadium, built on 6 levels, will be the home of the Belgian National team and club side RSC Anderlecht.
Construction is expected to take around two years.


DESIGN PLANS FOR STAMFORD BRIDGE

Chelsea are set to unveil plans for the redevelopment of its Stamford Bridge site.
Designed by renowned architects Herzog and de Mouron, the plans are thought to include a 3-tier pentagon shape stadium with around 59,000 seats.
Plans also include raised platforms covering the surrounding railway lines, with a direct walkway access to Fulham Broadway tube station.



NEW HOME FOR LINCOLN ?

A new stadium for Lincoln City has moved a step closer, following talks between the club and city council over a new sports village on the west side of the city, which could house The Imps.
No firm proposals have yet been made, in a process which could see the club move from Sincil Bank,
its current home since 1895.




STOCKPORT COUNCIL PURCHASE EDGELEY PARK

The future of Edgeley Park has been secured after the stadium was purchased by the local Council.
The £2m deal with former owners Cheshire Sports which will not cost local Council Tax payers a penny, will see a landlord-tenant relationship between the Council and County, and ensures the future of football in the town.



FANZONE OPENS AT STADIUM OF LIGHT

Sunderland have opened an outside fanzone at the Stadium of Light for the start of the new season.
Situated in the South-East corner of the stadium complex, the zone features bar and catering facilities, together with live music and interviews with former players.
The zone is open before and after matches, and away supporters are welcome.
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CLUBCALL Alfreton Town

The Impact Arena, North Street, Alfreton DE55 7FZ.
Founded - 1959
League - National League North
Capacity - 3,600
Record Attendance - 5,023
Nearest Railway Station - Alfreton
Club Website - www.alfretontownfc.com

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LOST GROUNDS East Stirlingshire

There can be few grounds in football, certainly the size of Firs Park, that have generated so much interest over the years.
At best described as basic, difficult to access, and surrounded by a retail park in Falkirk town centre, the ground generally and East Stirlingshire FC in particular, is a story which has captured the imagination of the whole football community.

Opened in 1921 with a game v Heart of Midlothian, and with a record attendance of 12,000 for a Scottish Cup match v Partick Thistle the same year, the ground was home to The Shire until 2008.
The club gained notoriety in the 90's/00's with a seemingly endless battle not to finish bottom of the lowest tier of Scottish football, with the excellent book 'Pointless' by Jeff Connor chronicling the club's struggles.The final game at the ground was a 3-1 victory over Montrose in 2008, and the site was demolished in 2012.

East Stirling currently groundshare with neighbours Stenhousemuir at the 3,700 capacity Ochilview Park,an agreement which lasts until 2033.
The club though are still actively pursuing plans for a new stadium, with a site at Little Kerse in Grangemouth under serious consideration.


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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Trent Bridge Inn Nottingham

Large, imposing red-brick pub at the junction of Radcliffe Road and Bridgford Road, next to Nottinghamshire County Cricket ground.
Possibly one of the most famous and iconic sporting pubs in England, the Trent is now part of the Wetherspoons chain, re-opening in May 2011 following a major refurbishment.
Predominantly cricket photographs and memorabilia on show, also small sections dedicated to Notts County and Nottingham Forest whose City Ground is just around the corner. The pub has five bars, the beer garden actually backs on to the rear of the cricket ground, and the usual extensive Spoons food menu is served. Live TV sports also shown.
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STADE IMAGES

1985 memorial at Valley Parade Bradford

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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.20) published Sunday 4th October 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.18 August 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Rochdale

Destination Burton Brewery Centre


Eight Bells Fulham


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STADE NEWS
FOXES TO EXPAND STADIUM

Leicester City have confirmed plans are in place to expand the capacity of the King Power stadium by over 10,000.
With all available 23,000 season tickets sold for the forthcoming season, the Foxes are pressing ahead with the expansion of the East and Family stands.
The current capacity of the stadium is 32,262.


GRIMSBY IN NEW STADIUM STUDY

Three potential sites are being considered in a detailed study into a new stadium for Grimsby Town.
The club's preferred site is at Peaks Parkway on the edge of the town, but the local council have disclosed further sites across North East Lincolnshire are also under consideration.
The Mariners have played at Blundell Park since 1899.



HEARTS TO STAY AT TYNECASTLE

After previously exploring the possibility of relocating, Heart of Midlothian now appear to see the future at their present Tynecastle home.
The Edinburgh club are looking at re-building the main stand, the only part of the stadium, home for 129 years not to be modernised. 
Hearts have previously played European matches at the nearby Murrayfield rugby union stadium.




HORNETS INCREASE CAPACITY

Ahead of their return to the top-flight of English football, Watford have announced a further increase in the capacity of Vicarage Road.
An additional 400 seats will be installed at the ground, in works which will see a new, larger Club Shop and extra hospitality areas.
The new seating will increase the capacity of the stadium to over 21,000.




CELTIC TO INSTALL RAIL SEATING

Glasgow Celtic have been granted permission to install safe standing at Celtic Park.
The City Council have approved plans for an initial 2,600 capacity rail seating area in the stadium, which could be open in time for the 2016/27 season.



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CLUBCALL Rochdale

Spotland, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS.
Founded - 1907
League - Football League One
Capacity - 10,249
Record Attendance - 24,231
Nearest Railway Station - Rochdale
Club Website - www.rochdaleafc.co.uk

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DESTINATION
National Brewery Centre Burton

Located in the Staffordshire town of Burton upon Trent, home of the historic Bass brewery, the National Brewery Centre is a fascinating journey through the history of the brewing industry in the UK.
The museum incorporates much of the original Bass museum, and visitors can make their own way around or join one of the tours escorted by the knowledgeable guides.
The social history and the process of brewing is explained, and the role of steam in the industry is confirmed with a working Robey engine.
A steam train is also on display in a re-creation of a station platform - the Bass brewery had its own railway network.
The museum holds a further extensive transport collection from horse-drawn drays to modern vehicles, and there are two shire horses on-site where you can take a short carriage ride.
All of the buildings throughout the museum hold fascinating displays of historical breweriana, with a fine collection of pub signs, paintings and beer mats.
The centre hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including family and vintage years weekends.
There is a small cafe and gift shop, and the Beer Boutique stocks a wide selection of beers from around the world.
At the end of your visit you can sample some local and national brews, and enjoy the excellent food in the adjacent Brewery Tap Bar and restaurant.

Museum and Tour Info
Open - 10.00 daily except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Prices - Adult £8.95, OAP/Concessions £7.95, Children(3-16) £4.95
           Family Group(2 adults and 2 children) £21.95.
           Prices include 3 beer sample tasting vouchers per adult to use in the
           Brewery Tap.
Mobility Access - blue badge parking and wheelchair friendly access.
Car Parking - free on-site.
Contact - www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk
              Tel: 01283 532880.
              info@nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk

Burton Info
Travel - by road via M1/A511 or M42/A444 - by rail via Derby.
Accommodation - usual hotel chains in the town, also a few B&B's.
Pubs - Coopers Tavern, once the Bass Brewery Tap is a must visit.
Burton Bridge Inn and The Alfred are also recommended.

Burton Albion
Pirelli Stadium, Princess Way,
Burton upon Trent DE13 0BH.
Founded - 1950
League - Football League One
Capacity - 6,912
Record Attendance - 6,192
Nearest Railway Station - Burton
Club Website - 
www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Eight Bells Fulham

Not the nearest to Craven Cottage, but as the usually designated 'away fans' pub the Eight Bells in Fulham is certainly one of the most famous.
Situated outside Putney Bridge tube station, this delightful 17th century hostelry is a compact one-room pub with a central bar.
Given its proximity to the River Thames lots of rowing/sailing memorabilia is on show, but no football souvenirs or merchandise to view.
Food served daily up to around 9pm, and usually at least 3 cask ales available. Live TV football not shown.
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STADE IMAGES

1st World Cup Winners statue, West Auckland Co.Durham

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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

Next issue (No.19) published Sunday 6th September 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.17 June 2015

Fleetwood Lower Lighthouse

Stade News

ClubCall 
Annan Athletic

Destination Fleetwood

The Navigation Pub
Middlesbrough
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STADE NEWS
CERCLE PLANS FOR JAN BREYDEL

The Brugge stadium groundshare appears to be coming to an end, as Cercle announce plans to stay at the Jan Breydel, whilst Club seem intent on moving to a new 44,000 capacity stadium.
Cercle would reduce the capacity from the current 29,000 to around 12,000, demolishing the corner seating and replacing the space with apartments.



DUNDEE AIMING FOR DENS PARK BUY BACK

Dundee have begun negotiations to reclaim the ownership of Dens Park.
Talks with the current owners Sandeman Holdings, a company owned by John Bennett who is a Board member of The Dee's city rivals Dundee United, are currently ongoing.



COVENTRY TO CLOSE STAND AT THE RICOH

Areas of the Coventry Ricoh Arena will be closed next season, in a bid to improve the atmosphere at home games.
City's average attendance since returning to the stadium is less than 10,000, despite a gate of 27,306 for the first game on their return.
The club are still hopeful of eventually moving to a new stadium of their own within the City boundaries.


QUAKERS GROUNDSHARE PLANS APPROVED

The Borough Council have approved plans for the groundshare between Darlington Rugby Club and Darlington FC, at the rugby club's Blackwell Meadows ground which is situated just off the A66.
Work will now commence to upgrade the ground with additional seating and terracing, including part of the old Tin Shed stand from Feethams.
The Quakers hope to return to the town for the start of next season.

NEW LED LIGHTING AT THE KC

Hull City are installing a brand new LED lighting system for the start of the 2015/16 season.
The new Philips floodlighting, due to be installed by the end of July, will ensure the KC meets the highest requirements for all televised sporting broadcasts, and boost the stadiums reputation as a multipurpose entertainment venue.

________________________________ CLUBCALL Annan Athletic

Galabank, North Street, Annan DG12 5DQ.
Founded - 1942
League - SPFL League Two
Capacity - 2,517
Record Attendance - 2,517
Nearest Railway Station - Annan
Club Website - www.annanathleticfc.com

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DESTINATION Fleetwood

Marine Hall and Gardens

Forever in the shadow of its near neighbour Blackpool, Fleetwood is an attractive and interesting destination in its own right.
Formerly a prominent deep-sea fishing port, the town has had to regenerate itself in response to the collapse of the fishing industry.
With stunning views to the Lake District across Morecambe Bay, the Mount is the highest point in the town, and is a good starting point to explore the Marine Gardens and Esplanade.

Fleetwood Museum on Queen's Terrace, formerly the Custom House and the oldest surviving building in the town, portrays the rich history of the fishing industry.

The town is famous for its three lighthouses, two of which are still fully operational, and the North Euston Hotel is another building of historical interest.
Fleetwood Marina opened in the former Wyre Dock in 1995, a site which is also home to the Freeport shopping centre, although retail purists may prefer the 250 stall indoor market on Victoria Street, which originally opened in 1840.
The town is also the terminus of the famous Blackpool Tramway.
Fleetwood has the quiet charm of a seaside resort without the brashness to 
be found nearby, and is the perfect base to explore the wider Fylde Peninsula.

Fleetwood Museum

Fleetwood Info
Travel - by road via the M6/M55/A585,
by rail via Blackpool North.
Accommodation - plenty of B&B's and guesthouses in the town, with caravan parks in the wider area.
Pubs - The Steamer on Queens Terrace and Thomas Drummond on London Street are recommended.
Tourism Website -
www.visitwyre.co.uk

Fleetwood Town 
Park Avenue, Fleetwood FY7 6TX.
Founded - 1908
League - Football League One
Capacity - 5,327
Record Attendance - 5,194
Nearest Railway - Blackpool North
Club Website - 
www.fleetwoodtownfc.com



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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Navigation Middlesbrough

Situated on Marsh Road, just over the railway crossing from Boro's Riverside Stadium, the Navi is a legendary pub on Teesside.
Almost untouched since the days when it was surrounded by the huge foundries of the Teesside Bridge & Engineering Works, the pub, although appearing small from the outside, is actually quite roomy with a variety of bars and lounges.
Formerly a Camerons (of Hartlepool) outlet, the pub now serves John Smiths Magnet, Tetley Imperial and Worthington beers with a variety of lagers, although no real ale is available.
A quick-service can bar also operates on match days, when fresh sandwiches and snacks are usually available.
Photographs of the Boro, local industry, and the River Tees adorn the walls in this gem of a pub, which has had a whole new lease of life since The Riverside opened.
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STADE IMAGES

Brian Clough & Peter Taylor at Derby
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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

Next issue (No.18) published Sunday 2nd August 2015

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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