Issue No.42 April 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall
Tooting & Mitcham

Lost Grounds
Bishop Auckland

Prenton Park pub Tranmere




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STADE NEWS
CAPACITY REDUCED AT STADIUM OF LIGHT

With a second successive relegation on the cards, Sunderland have decided to mothball part of the Stadium of Light next season, irrespective of which division they will be playing in.
The Premier Concourse in the main West stand will be closed, resulting in the relocation of 1,500 season ticket holders to other parts of the stadium.
Visiting supporters will still be housed in the North stand area of the concourse.

REDS IN ANFIELD ROAD STAND EXPANSION PLAN

Liverpool are expected to shortly announce the expansion of the Anfield Road stand at the stadium.
With a current capacity of just under 9,000, the new stand will have around 16,000 seats and will be the same height as the recently completed new main stand.
The projected completion date for the expansion is in 2021, which will see the capacity of the stadium rise to over 61,000, and Anfield Road itself will be closed off as part of the plans.

WEMBLEY SECURES EXTRA EURO 2020 MATCHES

Due to the continued deadlock of the Eurostadium scheme in Brussels, UEFA has stripped the Belgian capital of its hosting rights for Euro 2020.
The decision means Wembley Stadium will now host seven matches in the tournament, including the semi-finals and final.
The future of the Eurostadium project is now seriously in doubt, with the projected anchor tenants Anderlecht having previously withdrawn their support for the new stadium.

ACCESSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS AT TURF MOOR

Burnley have announced plans to improve facilities at Turf Moor under the Accessible Stadium Guide.
The club will install elevated platforms for wheelchair access, which will involve new multi-million pound building projects in two corners of the stadium.
The plans include dedicated, covered wheelchair viewing areas, and new toilet facilities.
The stadium jumbo screen will also be relocated as part of the plans.

K's TO RETURN TO KINGSTON

Isthmian Premier League club Kingstonian will return to play in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames next season, after securing a ground sharing agreement with Corinthian Casuals. 
The K's are currently playing in Leatherhead, 11 miles from their former Kingsmeadow stadium which has been sold by the owners AFC Wimbledon.
Chelsea have bought the lease of the stadium, which will be used for academy and women's matches.

IN BRIEF
SWANSEA CITY - The South Wales club have taken over control of the Liberty Stadium from the City council, which will enable the Swans to sell the naming rights and expand the capacity of the ground.
The club plan to add additional seats in phases, in a stadium which is currently the second smallest in the Premier League.

ASTON VILLA - Championship high-flyers Aston Villa are concerned about the impact of the projected new HS2 railway line.
The current plans for the line will build over the pitches and facilities at the Midlands club Bodymoor Heath training complex.

NAPOLI - Italian Serie A giants Napoli have been offered two potential sites for a new stadium, in the North West suburb of Melito .
If all goes to plan the new stadium could be ready in around three years.
Napoli have played at their current iconic, but outdated 60,000 capacity San Paolo stadium since 1959.

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STADE RETRO IMAGES

The old Lookers stand at Boundary Park Oldham

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CLUBCALL Tooting and Mitcham United

Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Road
Morden SM4 6BF.
Founded - 1932
League - Isthmian Premier League
Capacity - 3,500
Nearest Railway Station - Mitcham (Tramlink)
Club Website - www.tmunited.org

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LOST GROUNDS

Kingsway Bishop Auckland

One of the most famous names in English non-league football, County Durham club Bishop Auckland played at Kingsway from 1886 until 2002.
Bishop's won the old FA Amateur Cup ten times, the last occasion in 1957 beating Wycombe Wanderers.
After winning the Cup in 1939, the club remarkably then played eight matches in ten days.


Kingsway was a three-sided stadium, with the fourth side of the ground shared with the town's cricket club, similar to Bramall Lane in Sheffield.
The record attendance was 16,319 for an FA Cup match against Coventry City in 1952.

The last match at the stadium was on April 20th 2002, for a Unibond Premier League match against Bradford Park Avenue.
Whilst the cricket club is still there, the site of the football ground is now housing.
Between 2002 and 2010, Bishop's ground shared at nearby Northern League grounds West Auckland, Shildon, and Spennymoor.

In October 2010 the club moved into the brand new Heritage Park at Tindale Crescent, less than two miles away from Kingsway.

With some of the best non-league football facilities in the North East, the new stadium also offers excellent corporate, hospitality, and conference facilities unthinkable at the old stadium, which enables the venue to be in use seven days a week.
The record attendance at Heritage Park is 2,004 for a Northern League match against Darlington in 2012.



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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Prenton Park Tranmere

Large mock-Tudor style pub on the corner of Borough Road/Prenton Road West,directly opposite the Cowshed stand at Prenton Park.
The Prenton has a very large L-shaped lounge with a smaller bar/pool room, and is very away fans friendly.
Sadly no Rovers memorabilia on show, and no cask beers or food served.
All live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Arsenal Underground station

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2018

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.43) published Sunday 3rd June 2018

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.41 February 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall
Glasgow Celtic

Chelsea tour

Bradford City pubs


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STADE NEWS
NEW MAIN STAND FOR SELHURST PARK

South London club Crystal Palace have unveiled plans for the expansion of Selhurst Park, which will see the capacity of the stadium rise from its current 25,000 to over 34,000.
The revamp includes a new five-storey Main Stand, although this will require some private housing in the area to be demolished.
Initial reports suggest a timescale of three years for the redevelopment to be completed.


MEADOWBANK STADIUM TO BE DEMOLISHED

Edinburgh's Meadowbank Stadium has now closed ahead of demolition to make way for a new sports centre on the site.
Opened in 1970 for the Commonwealth Games, and previously home to Scottish League clubs Meadowbank Thistle and Edinburgh City, the iconic venue will be replaced with a new state of the art sports facility due to open in 2020.


BLADES SUBMIT STAND EXPANSION PLANS

Sheffield United have submitted plans to the City Council for the expansion of the main South Stand at Bramall Lane.
The plans include adding a second tier of 5,400 seats, new executive boxes and facilities, a media centre, and a two-level car park.
The external plans for the stand include a striking steel and glass design, relating to the industrial heritage of the city.


CLUB BRUGES NEW STADIUM PROPOSAL

The Flemish Government have recently published a new area plan for the city of Bruges, which includes a new stadium for Club in Blankenbergse Steenweg.
Club have been actively looking to leave the Jan Breydal Stadion, which they share with Cercle, for over a decade now.
The plans include a 40,000 seater stadium, with parking for over 7,000 cars and 4,000 bicycles.

NAMING RIGHTS DEAL FOR FIRHILL

Glasgow club Partick Thistle have secured a 3-year naming rights deal for their Firhill Stadium.
The Jags home since 1909, the ground will now be known as the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill.
Club officials have described the stadium naming agreement as " a significant level of new income for the club ".


IN BRIEF
ABERDEEN - The City council have overwhelmingly approved the plans for Aberdeen's new stadium and training complex at Kingsford.
The £50m project, which it's claimed will create around 400 jobs, may still be subject to a judicial review by objectors to the scheme.

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE - League One club Plymouth Argyle have received planning permission to rebuild the main stand at Home Park, increasing the capacity of the stadium to over 20,000.
The stand was built in 1952, and is the final part of the stadium to be redeveloped.

WORCESTER CITY - After leaving their home city in 2013, Worcester have unveiled plans to finally return home in a new 1,300 capacity stadium at Parsonage Way. In a joint venture with the Worcestershire FA, the plans include a training pitch and the possible future expansion of the stadium to a capacity of 5,000.

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STADE RETRO IMAGES

The old main stand at Tynecastle, Heart of Midlothian

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CLUBCALL Glasgow Celtic

Celtic Park, Glasgow G40 3RE.
Founded - 1888
League - Scottish Premiership
Capacity - 60,411
Record Attendance - 83,500
Nearest Railway Station - Bridgeton
Club Website - www.celticfc.net

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STADIUM TOUR
Stamford Bridge Chelsea

One of the grand old stadiums of English football, Stamford Bridge - home of the current League Champions Chelsea, has seen a remarkable transformation over the years.
Probably the best way to appreciate the stadium, it's layout and history, is to take the excellent stadium tour and visit the club museum.
The tour departs from the the museum, then starts from the Matthew Harding stand, at the North end behind the goal, where you experience the first sight of the ground from the lower tier.
It's here you appreciate how compact the stadium is now, with the East and West stands towering over the arena.


Moving into the East stand, the tour then proceeds to the media centre and dressing rooms, as is the norm in modern stadia the visitors dressing room is incredibly small and austere, before you head down the players tunnel on to the pitch side.
Here you can sit in the dugouts and soak up the atmosphere of the surroundings.
The tour concludes in the upper tier of the famous Shed End, before you depart the stadium via the club store.

Home dressing room

After the tour has finished you can make your way back into the superb club museum.
Younger fans might think Chelsea have only existed in the Abramovich era, but its worth remembering that this a club with a rich heritage and a fine English and European club pedigree.
The exhibits and artefacts on show proudly portray the history of the Blues, with some fascinating displays and memorabilia to view.
For the football stadium enthusiast, there is a scale model of how Stamford Bridge will look after it is totally rebuilt, with the time scale for opening still to be confirmed although planning permission has been secured.
From its original oval shape to its current format, the stadium will once again undergo a remarkable transformation to take Chelsea into the future.

The players tunnel

Stamford Bridge Tour Info
Times - Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 15.00.
Contact - chelseafc.com/stadium-tours  Tel: 0371 811 1955.
Prices - Tour and Museum : Adult £22.00, Child £15.00, Concessions £16.00.
Travel - District Line tube to Fulham Broadway - 5 minutes walk from stadium.

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS Bradford City
The City Gent

Incredibly ornate high ceiling pub in a former bank building, situated on Manor Row halfway between
Bradford Interchange railway station and Valley Parade.
The pub derives its name from the long standing City fanzine, and also the Bantams former mascot.
Probably the most popular pre-match pub in the City.
Usually at least one cask beer on offer, no TV football shown.



Bradford Arms

Basic but very friendly one-room split level pub on Manningham Lane, only a couple of minutes walk from Valley Parade.
A former Tetley's house, the pub now serves the usual array of keg beers and lagers.
Disappointingly no City memorabilia on show to view, visiting supporters are more than welcome.
All live TV football shown.


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STADE IMAGES

Trinity Road stand at Villa Park
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2018

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.42) published Sunday 1st April 2018

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.40 December 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

The Burgh Halls Linlithgow

Stade News

ClubCall Tadcaster

Destination Linlithgow

The Railway Sheffield
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STADE NEWS

HAMPDEN FUTURE UNDER REVIEW

The Scottish Football Association are considering plans which would see Scotland Internationals, and the SFA Cup Final moved away from Hampden Park in Glasgow.
The SFA's 20-year lease expires in 2020, and the governing body has held discussions with Scottish Rugby, owners of Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh, Celtic, and Rangers regarding hosting matches in the future.
Hampden Park has been the National Stadium of Scotland since 1925.


DELAY FOR NEW BEES STADIUM

Brentford have revealed their new stadium at Lionel Grove will now not open until 2020, and the capacity is to be reduced.
Amendments to the design and a new road to the north of the complex, has resulted in a delay from the projected opening of 2019.
The planned capacity has also been reduced from 20,000 to 17,250.
The design of the stadium includes provision for a safe standing area, pending future legislation. 

MAN UNITED LOOK TO ENLARGE OLD TRAFFORD

The capacity of Old Trafford could be increased to 88,000, under plans currently under consideration by club officials.
Already the largest club stadium in Britain, the additional capacity could be achieved by extending the Sir Bobby Charlton (South) stand.
Advances in design and technology, means the railway line behind the stand will no longer present a problem to the extension of the structure.


NEW HOTEL FOR FIELD MILL

The Chairman of League Two club Mansfield Town has revealed plans to build a hotel at Field Mill.
The plans would see the hotel built adjacent to the South stand, at the currently named One Call Stadium.
A previous application by the Chairman to build a hotel in the town centre was rejected by the local Council.


POTTERS EXPANSION COMPLETED

Stoke City have completed the expansion and refurbishment of the bet365 stadium.
The new south-east corner stand is now open, taking the capacity of the ground up to 30,089.
New seats have been installed in the existing stands, with enhanced disabled, toilet, and catering facilities also being installed around the stadium.

IN BRIEF
CORK CITY - Severe Storm Ophelia damage to the Derrynane Road stand at the Turner's Cross stadium, failed to stop Cork City winning their first League of Ireland championship since 2005.
The win was clinched after a 0-0 draw v Derry City, with the ground's capacity reduced from 7,000 to 6,000 due to the damage incurred
BRISTOL ROVERS - Following years of work planning a new stadium, Bristol Rovers have abandoned the plans and will instead redevelop their current home the Memorial Stadium.
The club had planned to sell the Memorial to a supermarket chain, and build a new 21,000 capacity stadium at the University of West England campus.
SOUTHPORT - Plans have been unveiled for a major revamp of Haig Avenue, currently known as the Merseyrail Community Stadium.
The main stand will be completely overhauled with new seats, dressing rooms, and bar, and a new stand will be built at the Popular End of the ground.
The long term aim of the club though is to relocate to a new stadium.
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CLUBCALL Tadcaster Albion

i2i Stadium, Ings Lane, Tadcaster LS24 9AY.
Founded - 1892
League - Northern Premier Division One North
Capacity - 2,000
Record Attendance - 1,307
Nearest Railway Station - York
Club Website - www.tadalbion.com

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DESTINATION Linlithgow

Linlithgow Palace

One of the ancient Royal Burgh of Scotland, the attractive town of Linlithgow in West Lothian is a fine place to visit, and also an ideal base for touring the Central Belt.
The town is dominated by the remains of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots.
Dating from 1424, the Palace building is largely intact and open to visitors daily.
The adjacent 15th century St Michael's church is also well worth a visit, with enthusiastic and informative volunteer tour guides on hand to advise visitors.
The High Street is lined by many historic buildings, including the Burgh Halls, 
and contains an interesting and varied selection of independent retailers.
The Annet House museum and garden in the town is another attraction.
To the north of the High Street lies Linlithgow Loch, a marvellous natural watersports facility with excellent trout fishing.
The Union canal, linking Falkirk and Edinburgh, also lies just to the south of the railway station, with excellent walking and cycling routes, and boat trips available from the canal centre at the Manse Road Basin.
Visitor attractions slightly further afield in the area include the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies sculptures, with Edinburgh itself only 15 minutes away by train.

Linlithgow Info
Travel - by road via M9/A803, 
by rail via main Edinburgh to Glasgow line.
Accomodation - mainly independent guesthouses and B&B's in the town.
Pubs - Four Mary's, and The Crown on the High Street, and Platform 3 outside the station are recommended.
Tourism Website - 
www.visitscotland.com 

Linlithgow Rose FC
Prestonfield, Braehead Road,
Linlithgow EH49 6HF.
Founded - 1889
League - Scottish East Region Super League
Capacity - 3,500
Record Attendance - 3,626
Nearest Railway Station - Linlithgow
ClubWebsite -www.linlithgowrose.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Railway Hotel Sheffield

Superb traditional real ale pub on the corner of Bramall Lane and John Street, directly opposite United's stadium.
Award winning CAMRA pub in Sheffield, The Railway has five handpulls on constant rotation with a fine selection of beers.
Lots of brewery but surprisingly no Blades memorabilia on show.
Quirky 1980's computer table games to play, no food served but all live TV football shown.
Unfortunately no admittance to visiting supporters on match days.
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STADE IMAGES

Sir Bobby Robson statue - St James' Park Newcastle
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2017

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.41) published Sunday 4th February 2018
***Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all***

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.39 October 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Chesterfield

EuroStade Report
Ostend

Montford House Glasgow

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STADE NEWS
HIVE EXPANSION CONTINUES

North London club Barnet have unveiled further expansion plans for The Hive stadium, and the adjoining sports and leisure complex.
A new stand is planned for the South end of the stadium, with increased seating in the main East stand which will take the capacity to around 8,000.
Around the stadium, a new indoor sports hall, covered 3G pitch and enhanced training facilities are all part of the ambitious plans.

FURTHER REDEVELOPMENT AT ANFIELD

Following the opening of the new main stand last season, Liverpool have continued the redevelopment of Anfield over the summer.
The main change has seen the expansion of the Kop with an additional 470 seats installed, together with an increase to 250 spaces for wheelchair users.
An external staircase and elevator have been added to the East stand, and the club's new megastore with space over two floors has now opened. 

IMPS ON THE MOVE

As part of a regeneration development blueprint for the city, Lincoln Council have formally unveiled plans for a new football stadium.
Initial plans are for a 12,000 seat stadium, based on the design of Rotherham's New York stadium, on a site around two miles to the west of Lincoln's current Sincil Bank home.
An outline planning application for the scheme is expected next month.

BLUES NEW STADIUM DELAYS

Chelsea will have to play in a temporary home until 2023 due to delays in the £500m redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.
Problems with the railway lines which pass close to the site have led to severe delays in the project, which will see the capacity of the stadium rise to 60,000.
Wembley remains the favourite to be the Blues temporary home, with Twickenham and the London Stadium other possibilities.

ALBION COMPLETE ACCESSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

West Bromwich Albion have completed improvements at The Hawthorns to comply with the Accessible Stadia guide.
Wheelchair capacity has been increased to 171, with additional work in the concourses and toilets being completed.
Automatic doors and a sensory room have also been installed by the club following input from the Baggies Disabled Supporters Club.

IN BRIEF
SALFORD - National League North club Salford City are continuing the impressive rebuild of their Moor Lane stadium.
Three of the four new stands have now been built, with the final stand due to be completed this year giving the stadium a new capacity of over 5,000.
NANTES - Despite only just replacing all the seats in time for the current season, Ligue 1 side Nantes have unveiled plans to replace the Stade de La Beuajoire.
The club are looking at building on the site of a car park just west of the current stadium, which itself was only built in 1984.
HAMILTON - Lanarkshire club Hamilton Academical have suffered an arson attack at the Superseal Stadium.
The fire caused an estimated tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to storage units containing specialist equipment at the stadium. 
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CLUBCALL Chesterfield

Proact Stadium, Sheffield Road, 
Chesterfield S41 8NZ.
Founded - 1867
League - English Football League Two
Capacity - 10,504
Record Attendance - 10,089
Nearest Railway Station - Chesterfield
Club Website - www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk

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EUROSTADE REPORT
Versluys Arena Ostend

Opened in 1934 and previously known as the Albertpark, the Versluys Arena is a compact but impressive stadium in the Belgian coastal city of Ostend.
Home of KVO, currently playing in the top-flight Jupiler League, the stadium was renovated in 2016 and is now fully all-seater.
The new main stand dominates the arena, and also houses extensive corporate and exhibition space.


Externally the stand is quite unique with a wooden wraparound feature.
Opposite the main stand is a small mainly corporate stand, with a fan-zone below.
Both ends of the stadium are almost identical small single-tiered stands, with KVO's club colours of red, yellow, and green tastefully included in the seating in all areas.

Grote Markt

Ostend is a bustling, attractive seaside resort with plenty of attractions for visitors.
The city has a superb beach, best viewed from the famous walk of the Albert I promenade, which hosts a fine selection of bars and restaurants, and surely the most beach huts anywhere in Europe !
St.Petrus & St.Paulus church is a major attraction, with the major shopping in the city being centered in the area around the Grote Markt. 
The Casino Kursaal is a popular entertainment centre, and the city has a host of bars and restaurants to cater for every taste and thirst - Brasserie Maritime opposite the station for food, and Cafe Botteltje and Cosy Corner bars being particularly recommended.

St.Petrus & St.Paulus church

Ostend is also a fine base for visiting the wider Flanders area, Bruges is only 15 minutes away by train, not forgetting the World War II military sites, museums and cemeteries in the vicinity, and the cities of Kortrijk, Gent and Brussels are all also within easy distance.

Versluys Info
Address - 
Leopold van Tyghemlaan, 
Mariakerke 8400, Ostend.
Capacity - 8,400
Nearest Railway Station - Ostend
Bus - 6, 68, 69, 86 to Aartshertogstraat
Club Website - www.kvo.be
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Montford House Glasgow

Opened in 1967, the Montford House pub and function suite is located in a housing estate on Curtis Road, just five minutes walk from Hampden Park.
The pub is a large open plan L-shape, with a dedicated food serving area to the rear.
Some fascinating photographs of the National Stadium redevelopment and general football memorabilia on show.
Full range of keg beers, no cask ale served.Food menu served all day and all live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Main entrance at the Banks's Stadium Walsall
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2017

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade

Next issue (No.40) published Sunday 3rd December 2017

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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