Issue No.44 August 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Peterborough United

Anfield stadium tour

Imperial Grimsby






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STADE NEWS
BHOYS UPGRADE PARADISE

Glasgow Celtic have invested over £4m in a close season upgrade of Celtic Park.
New LED floodlighting has been installed to replace the old halogen lights, with a new PA/entertainment system also now in place.
Further roof and steel remedial works have been carried out on the main and west stands.
Work is due to start soon on a major new complex outside the stadium, comprising a new Club store, ticket office, and hotel.


PLANS FOR DEN EXPANSION 

Only just over a year after the threat of expulsion from the stadium, Millwall have appointed architects to look at the expansion of the Den.
Home since 1993 and with a current capacity of just over 20,000, the Lions have teamed up with AFL Architects, currently also working on the new Brentford stadium project, to work on the planned upgrade.
The club hope to have a detailed planning application submitted by the end of 2018.

NEW SEATS AT STADIUM OF LIGHT

League One Sunderland have enlisted the help of hundreds of supporters to install over 9,000 new seats at the Stadium of Light.
Many of the original seats, installed when the stadium opened in 1997, have faded badly to an unsightly pinkish colour.
The south-east corner was the first stage of the revamp, when fully completed over 30,000 seats will have been replaced in the 48,000 capacity stadium.

CAPACITY RESTORED AT THE EMIRATES

Arsenal have announced that the capacity at the Emirates Stadium will return to over 60,000, by the start of the 2019-20 season.
Having lost a significant number of seats due to safety improvements and requirements since the stadium opened in 2006, nearly 1,000 extra seats will be installed in the stadium's hospitality Club Level.
The additional seats will restore the ground capacity to around 60,600.

NEALE COOPER STAND AT THE VIC

Hartlepool United have renamed the Mill House stand at Victoria Park in memory of former manager Neale Cooper.
The naming ceremony took place before the recent pre-season friendly against Sunderland.
Cooper, who had two spells in the dug-out at Pools, will be best remembered as a pivotal member of the Aberdeen team which triumphed in the 1983 European Cup Winners cup final against Real Madrid.
Neale Cooper sadly passed away in May this year.

IN BRIEF
TORQUAY UNITED - National League South club Torquay have announced plans for a new 10,000 capacity stadium, and the scheme already has the backing of the local Mayor.
The Gulls, who will remain a full-time club in the sixth tier of English football next season, have played at their current 6,200 capacity Plainmoor stadium since 1910.

BALLYMENA UNITED - Following a major investment in a new pitch at the Ballymena Showgrounds, Irish League club Ballymena have expressed their anger over stock cars damaging the new playing surface following a recent race meeting.
The club shares the council owned venue with the Ballymena Raceway.

FREIBURG - Bundesliga club SC Freiburg have moved a step closer towards a new 35,000 stadium, following a vote of approval by the local council.
Freiburg hope to start work early in 2019 on the Wolfswinkel site close to the city's airport, which will see the club move from their current 24,000 capacity Schwardwald-Stadion home since 1954.

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STADE RETRO IMAGES

Old main stand at Feethams, Darlington

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CLUBCALL
Peterborough United

London Road, Peterborough PE2 8AL.
Founded - 1934
League - English Football League One
Capacity - 14,319
Record Attendance - 30,096
Nearest Railway Station - Peterborough
Club Website - www.theposh.com

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STADIUM TOURS
Anfield Liverpool

One of the last of the original top flight stadiums in England, Anfield - the home of Liverpool FC - still retains its aura, and with its recent redevelopment and more to come in the future with the expansion of the Anfield Road end,its position as one of the iconic stadiums in English and indeed European football is almost unrivalled.
The excellent stadium tour starts at the dedicated reception in the corner of the ground, between the new main stand and the Kop.
Up six escalators later, with lots of memorabilia to view on the way, and you are in the concourse of the newly redeveloped main stand in the stadium.
Unfortunately due to a Champions League match the day before, the tour was restricted due to UEFA regulations.
This meant the media facilities, dressing rooms, and the players tunnel including the famous 'This is Anfield' sign were all out of bounds.

The club transform the main concourse for the tours though, with a fascinating timeline and history of the Reds. Reproduced photographs and memorabilia from every era are displayed on large banners, and here you appreciate how much the club has developed from its very humble beginnings, through the Bill Shankly era, to the European dominance of the '80s - a history proudly recounted by the very friendly and informative tour guides.
The view from the upper section of the new main stand is incredible, with panoramic views of the city and the River Mersey.
The stadium tour concludes pitch side in the dug-outs, followed by a chance to sit in the famous Anfield Kop end.

The stadium tour ticket includes entry to the excellent club museum.
Not many clubs can display five European Cups in their museum, but this is the highlight of the displays and memorabilia on show, including the Steven Gerrard collection, that are a fascinating reminder of the highs and lows of the Reds history.
After your museum visit you can also enjoy some food and refreshments, in the adjacent Boot Room cafe.
The Anfield stadium tour and museum is certainly one of the more informal, but very informative and interesting club tours, and is highly recommended for all genuine football fans.


Anfield Tour Info
Times - Tours usually available 10am until 4pm 7 days a week.
Contact - www.liverpoolfc/stadiumtours.com  Tel: 0151 260 6677.
Prices - Adult £20, Student/Senior £15.00, Child(under 16) £12.00.
           includes entry to the Liverpool FC story.
Travel - Bus no.17 from the City Centre - Day Ticket costs £4.00.

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FAMOUS LOST FOOTBALL PUBS
The Imperial Grimsby

Situated on Grimsby Road and in the shadow of Blundell Park, The Imp was a large pub/hotel and the favourite pre-match venue for Mariners fans.
The former Bass pub, of which legend has it is haunted by the ghost of a former maid, closed in July 2015.
Work is now underway to convert the building and adjoining coach house into flats and apartments.

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STADE IMAGES

New main stand at the renamed Tynecastle Park, Heart of Midlothian

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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.45) published Sunday 7th October 2018

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Issue No.43 June 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall
Sheffield Wednesday

Destination Kirkcaldy

Red Lion Watford




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STADE NEWS
CHELSEA STADIUM PLANS ON HOLD

Chelsea have put the plans for the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge indefinitely on hold.
The Blues have issued a statement saying the work on the stadium has been delayed because of 'the current unfavourable investment climate'.
The statement added 'No further pre-construction design and planning work will occur'.
The estimated cost for the new 60,000 Stamford Bridge stadium has reportedly risen to over £1bn.


OFFER MADE FOR WEMBLEY

The Football Association are in the process of evaluating the offer from Fulham and American Football club Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan, for the purchase of Wembley Stadium.
Under the terms of the offer the FA headquarters would still be at Wembley, and the lucrative Club Wembley hospitality business would remain in the ownership of the FA.

IRONS TO REMAIN AT GLANFORD

Following the decision to abandon plans to relocate to a new stadium, Scunthorpe United have revealed further information regarding the upgrading of Glanford Park.
All four stands will be refurbished, with the corporate areas, public concourses, and catering facilities all being upgraded.
The capacity of the stadium is expected to rise to around 12,000.

EXPANSION PLANS FOR VILLA PARK

Aston Villa have revealed long-term plans to increase the capacity of Villa Park to around 60,000, with the redevelopment of the North stand a priority.
The plans include redeveloping the whole area around the stadium, and specifically the modernisation of the North Stand.
Villa's defeat to Fulham in the recent Championship play-off Final though, could significantly delay the plans.

DELAY FOR NEW WIMBLEDON STADIUM

With the demolition of the existing greyhound stadium not due to be completed until October this year, the opening on the same site of the new AFC Wimbledon stadium has been further delayed.
The new 9,000 capacity stadium is only a few hundred metres away from the club's former home at Plough Lane.



IN BRIEF
SHREWSBURY TOWN - After a supporters fund-raising scheme and many years of planning, a new safe standing area has been installed at the Oteley Road end of the New Meadow.
The 555 rail seats will be in use for the start of next season.

UEFA FINALS - The venues for the 2020 UEFA Club Finals have been announced.
The Champions League final will be held at Istanbul's 76,000 capacity Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
The Europa League final will be hosted by the Arena Gdansk in Poland, with the Super Cup awarded to the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

ROMULUS - After years of groundsharing at Sutton Coldfield FC, north Birmingham club Romulus will move into the Castle Vale Stadium for the 2018/19 season.
The club's academy is already based at the ground which has a 3G pitch.
Following relegation the club will be playing in the Midland League.


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STADE RETRO IMAGES

Old East stand at Hibernian's Easter Road

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CLUBCALL Sheffield Wednesday

Hillsborough, Sheffield S6 1SW.
Founded - 1867
League - English Championship
Capacity - 39,812
Record Attendance - 72,841
Nearest Railway Station - Leppings Lane(Tram)
Club Website - www.swfc.co.uk

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DESTINATION Kirkcaldy

Town House

Situated on the beautiful east Fife coastline of Scotland, the former Royal Burgh of Kirkcaldy is a large, impressive town steeped in history. 
With a nickname of 'Lang Toun' (Long Town),
the town has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is now the eleventh largest population centre in Scotland.
The harbour area developed in the 16th century, and Kirkcaldy rapidly developed around the salt, coal mining, and linen industries.
The town is now the major centre for the wider Fife area.
Attractions in the town include The Galleries, home to the town's museum, art gallery and library.
The Old Kirk, a fine old parish church on Kirk Wynd consecrated in 1244 is well worth a visit, and the Adam Smith Theatre is the town's main entertainment venue playing host to theatre and musical productions, and a regular specialist film programme.
Kirkcaldy also has an impressive leisure centre on the Esplanade, and an ice rink which is home to the oldest ice hockey club in the UK the Fife Flyers, established in 1938.
East of the town the remains of Ravenscraig Castle built to defend the upper reaches of the Forth is an interesting attraction.
Kirkcaldy is an ideal base for visiting the wider Fife area, including the delightful county town of Cupar, and the seaside towns of Anstruther and Crail.
Golf fans will obviously also want to visit the historical town of St.Andrews, the spiritual home of British golf.
And, stunning views of the Forth road and rail bridges can be had from the quaint village of North Queensferry.

Kirkcaldy Galleries

Kirkcaldy Info
Travel - by rail via Edinburgh, by road via M90, A92.
Accommodation - mainly private hotels and guesthouses in the town, major chain hotels in Edinburgh. 
Pubs - Betty Nichols and Penny Farthing on the High Street, and the Harbour Bar are recommended. 
Tourism Website - 
www.welcometofife.com

Raith Rovers FC
Stark's Park, Pratt Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 1SA.
Founded - 1883
League - Scottish Championship
Capacity - 8,867
Record Attendance - 31,306
Nearest Railway Station - Kirkcaldy
Club Website - www.raithroversfc.com

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Red Lion Watford

Imposing corner-site pub on Vicarage Road, directly opposite the visiting supporters turnstiles.
Re-opened in August 2016 after a two-year closure, the open plan pub is part of the No8 Hostels chain, which also includes The Bell on White Hart Lane in Tottenham.
Food served all day and usually one cask beer on offer.
Some Watford FC posters and scarves to view.
No live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Memorial garden at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester

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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.44) published Sunday 5th August 2018

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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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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