Issue No.61 December 2023

IN THIS ISSUE 

Stade News

ClubCall Sorrento

Retro Images

ClubCall West Auckland

Artisan bar Edinburgh 

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STADE NEWS

EXPANSION PLANS FOR IBROX

Officials at Glasgow Rangers are considering plans for a major expansion of Ibrox Stadium. Initial plans include adding around 700 seats to the corners of the stadium next to the Sandy Jardine stand, with further expansion of the corners if the giant TV screens are removed. Future plans could see between 8,000 and 10,000 seats added to the Copland and Broomloan stands. The club are also exploring the possiblity of lowering the pitch at the stadium, which could potentially increase the current 50,817 capacity to over 60,000. Rangers are also installing two platforms behind both goals at the stadium, to enhance the disabled viewing facilities at Ibrox. In further news, the Gers have announced a statue of former legendary manager Walter Smith, who passed away in October 2021, will be unveiled at Ibrox stadium early in the New Year.

SELHURST REDEVELOPMENT MOVES CLOSER

Crystal Palace hope to start work in the summer of 2024, on their much delayed new main stand at Selhurst Park. The £100m redevelopment received planning permission in 2018, but work is yet to commence. When completed, the capacity at the stadium will rise from 25,486 to around 34,000.

LAND AGREEMENT AT CAMBRIDGE UNITED

Upgrading at the Abbey Stadium can now proceed, following an agreement between Cambridge United and the Supporters Club. The U's will develop a new building for the Supporters Club, allowing the current structure to be demolised and the land freed up for the redevelopment at the stadium.

NEW STAND FOR SOMERSET PARK

The new North stand at Ayr United continues to take shape. The stand will retain part of the current North terracing, with the addition of 700 seats. The structure will also incoporate a hospitality suite and offices, and is expected to be open for the start of next season.

NEWS IN BRIEF

REAL MADRID

As preparations for the December inauguration of the redeveloped Estadio Santiago Bernabau continue, the authorities in Madrid have agreed a 70m€ refurbishment of the adjacent Metro station. The works will hugely increase the capacity of the station, and will feature design and artwork to reflect the proximity of the transport hub to Real Madrid. 

BRISTOL ROVERS

Despite work being well underway on the project, Bristol Rovers have only just received planning permission from the local Council for the new South stand at the Memorial Ground. The steel framework for the 3,000 capacity stand is now complete, replacing the previous temporary structure.

CAMBRIDGE CITY

Work continues on the new stadium for Northern Premier League Division One Midlands club Cambridge City. The 3,000 capacity stadium at Sawston, 6 miles south of the City, is due to open for the start of the 2024/25 season. The Lilywhites are currently groundsharing at St.Ives.

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CLUBCALL A.S.D Sorrento

Stadio Italia, Via Aniello Califano, Sorrento 80067, Italy.

Founded - 1945

League - Serie C Group C

Capacity - 3,600

Record Attendance - 3,600

Nearest Railway Station - Sorrento

Club Website - www.fcsorrento.com

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RETRO IMAGES

East End stand at Love Street, St.Mirren

Compton Street stand at Saltergate, Chesterfield

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CLUBCALL West Auckland Town

Darlington Road, West Auckland DL14 9AQ.

Founded - 1893

League - Northern League Division One

Capacity - 2,000

Record Attendance - 6,000

Nearest Railway Station - Bishop Auckland

Club Website - www.westaucklandtownafc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Artisan Bar Edinburgh

Wonderful hostelry on London Road, popular with fans going to Hibernian and Edinburgh City. Usually three cask ales on offer from the island bar, with fascinating old photos of Edinburgh and lots of sporting memorabilia to view. No food served, all live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Aviva Stadium Dublin looms over the neighbourhood

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2023.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.62)published Sunday 7th April 2024.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.60 August 2023

 IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Ajax 

Lost Grounds York City

ClubCall Crook Town 

Tollington Arms Arsenal 

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STADE NEWS

FOOTBALL RETURNS TO GIGG LANE

Following the merger of Bury FC and pheonix club Bury AFC and the formation of a new club, football has returned to Gigg Lane for the first time since The Shakers were expelled from the EFL in 2019, following serious financial problems. The new club, Bury FC, now play in the North West Counties League Premier Division, and returned to Gigg Lane on the 29th July with a 5-1 win over Glossop North End. Due to safety requirements and the costs involved the club will not currently be re-opening the whole stadium, but will prioritise the opening of the main North stand and the South Stand on matchdays. Gigg Lane has been home to Bury since 1885, with the record attendance of 35,000 set in 1960 for an FA Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. The current capacity of the now all-seater stadium is 11,841.

DOUBTS OVER HAMPDEN REDEVELOPMENT

Due to the current economic climate, the Scottish FA chief executive has said the redevelopment of Hampden Park in Glasgow is 'not going to happen'. Previous plans had been revealed for a rebuild which would have increased the capacity from 52,000 to 65,000. Hampden is one of the venues included in the UK and Ireland bid to host the 2028 Euro tournament.

REFURB FOR SPORTING STADIUM

The Estadio Jose Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon, is currently undergoing a modernisation upgrade on the 20th anniversary of its opening. Built for the 2004 Euros, the previous mosaic colour seats in the stadium have been changed to green, and the external tiling and towers have also been changed to the club's green colour.

ANFIELD RAIL SEATING INCREASE

A further 3,000 rail seats have been installed in the Kop at Liverpool's Anfield, taking the total number of safe seating in the stadium to 13,000. The club plan to install more in the Kop next year, to add to the 7,425 currently in the famous stand. Meanwhile the main contractors on the delayed Anfield Road stand redevelopment have filed for administration. It is unsure if the October date for the completion of the project can now be met.

NEW STADIUM NAME FOR BOLTON

After agreeing a deal with a local building company, the home of Bolton Wanderers will now be known as the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The 28,723 capacity stadium which opened in 1997, was previously known as the Reebok, the Macron, and the University of Bolton stadium.

NEWS IN BRIEF

LUTON TOWN

As the works to upgrade Kenilworth Road continue at a frantic pace, Luton Town have announced the postponment of their first home Premier League game on August 19th against Burnley. The £10m upgrade includes the construction of a new stand to meet broadcast and media requirements. The Hatters plans to move to a new stadium by 2026 are still on schedule.

UNION BERLIN

After a 4th place finish in the Bundesliga and achieving Champions League qualification for the first time, Union Berlin have decided to play their European matches at the 74,000 capacity Olympiastadion. Union's Stadion An der Alten has a capacity of just over 22,000.

BRISTOL ROVERS

English League One club Bristol Rovers have partnered with companies Ticketmaster and Axess to provide ticketing and access control services for the Memorial Stadium. New ticket scanners will be installed at all turnstiles, and stewards will be provided with handheld scanners to ensure smoother entry into the stadium for supporters.

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CLUBCALL Ajax

Johan Cruijff Arena, Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1,

1101 AX Amsterdam.

Founded - 1900

League - Netherlands Eredivisie

Capacity - 55,865

Record Attendance - 54,990

Nearest Railway Station - Bijlmer/Arena (Metro)

Club Website - www.ajax.nl

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LOST GROUNDS York City

One of English football's more quirky venues, an irregular shape and hemmed in by housing, Bootham Crescent was the home of York City from 1932 until 2021. Built as a replacement for the club's previous ground at Fulfordgate on the outskirts of the city, Bootham was constructed in only four months, and opened on 31 August 1932 with a Third Division North match versus Stockport County. The ground was developed over the years and the record attandance of 28,123 was set in 1938 for an FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town. When the ground closed in 2021 the capacity had been reduced to 8,256.

The ground was comprised of two all-seater stands - the Main stand and the Popular stand, and two terraced stands the covered David Longhurst stand and the open Grosvenor Road end.

Bootham Crescent hosted many representative and England Youth matches over the years, and also hosted three matches in the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Championship. The ground was also home to the York City Knights rugby league team from 2016.

The final game at Bootham Crescent saw York City defeat Guiseley AFC 1-0 in a National League game on 28 December 2020. The site has now been handed to builders Persimmon for a housing development.

After a protracted planning and legal process, the Minstermen finally moved into their new home the LNER Community Stadium, with a 3-1 defeat by AFC Fylde on 16 February 2021. Situated in Huntington on the outskirts of the city, the 8,500 capacity all-seater stadium is once again shared with the York City Knights rugby league club.

The stadium and adjoining leisure complex and community hub, is owned by the City of York Council, with a park and ride facility adjacent to the stadium. The current record attendance at the ground is 7,488, 

set for a match against Boston United on 21 May 2022. 

The Minstermen are currently members of the National League.

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CLUBCALL Crook Town 

Address - Millfield, West Road, Crook DL15 9PW.

Founded - 1889

League - Northern League Division One

Capacity - 1,500

Record Attendance - 17,500

Nearest Railway Station - Bishop Auckland 

Club Website - www.crooktownfc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Tollington Arms, Arsenal

Large, corner, open plan pub on Hornsey Road, five minutes walk from the Emirates Stadium.

Plenty of Arsenal memorabilia on show, also classic black and white photos of the local area.

Usually two cask ales on offer, English and Thai food served daily.

All live TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES

Main entrance at AFC Wimbledon

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2023.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

Twitter @FootballStade

Next issue(No.61)published Sunday 3rd December 2023.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No.59 April 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Billingham Town

Destination Northallerton

ClubCall Manchester United

Scarbrough Hotel Leeds

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STADE NEWS

NEW KOP STAND AT THE RACECOURSE

Work on a new 5,500 seat Kop stand at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, is due to start in June. The new stand, which includes hospitality areas, office, and retail space for the current National League leaders, will replace the existing terrace which has been closed for over ten years. When completed, the development will raise the capacity of the stadium to 15,500.

REPAIR WORKS AT ST ANDREWS

Remedial works are due to start in May on the Kop and Tilton Road stands at Birmingham City. The lower terracing in both stands have been closed since March 2020, with significant defects found in the steel structures. The Blues have now advised fans they hope to have both stands fully open by mid-November

IMPS DOWNGRADE STADIUM PLANS

Lincoln City have amended their stadium redevelopment plans. A new three-tier stand was planned at Sincil Bank to replace the current Stacey West stand, but the Imps now confirm a two-tier structure will be built. The new stand will increase the stadium capacity to 11,500.

SKY BLUES TO REMAIN AT THE ARENA

Coventry City have secured a deal to remain at the CBS Arena until at least the end of the current season. Previously the club had been handed an eviction notice by the new owners of the stadium, The Frasers Group. City now hope to agree a new long-term licence for the club to remain at the Arena.

TERRIERS GROUNDS FOR CONCERN

A new ownership model is being explored for Huddersfield's John Smith's stadium. The local Kirklees Council propose transferring their 40% share in the stadium to the Terriers, and the Huddersfield Giants rugby league club who also play at the stadium.

NEWS IN BRIEF

VILLAREAL

After a spell playing in Valencia, La Liga side Villareal have moved back into their revamped Estadio de la Ceramica. A new roof has been erected and all seats replaced, with new floodlighting and video screens also installed in the venue.

SWINDON TOWN

In conjunction with the Supporters Trust, Swindon Town are close to securing a deal with the local council to purchase the County Ground.The deal will see the club and trust take full ownership of the site, and enable ground upgrades to commence.

BOCA JUNIORS

Presidential Candidate Jorge Reale has unveiled plans to build a new stadium in Buenos Aires, to replace the iconic La Bombonera. With a current limited capacity of 54,000 due to safety reasons, the plans are for a 112,000 capacity stadium on an island site, 1.3 km from the current stadium.

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CLUBCALL Billingham Town

Bedford Terrace, Billingham TS23 4AE.

Founded - 1967

League - Northern League Division Two

Capacity - 3,000

Record Attendance - 1,500

Nearest Railway Station - Billingham

Club Website - www.billinghamtownfc.net

 

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DESTINATION Northallerton

All Saints church

Lying at the Northern end of the Vale of York, Northallerton is a fine and historic market town in the county of North Yorkshire. Originally a Roman settlement, the town became an important religious centre under the authority of the Bishop of Durham. The town also saw conflict between the English and the Scots, notably the Battle of the Standard fought nearby in 1138. Although mainly agricultural today, being on the main route between London and Edinburgh the town became an important trading centre, and was established as a market town by Royal Charter in 1200. The busy market held on Wednesday and Saturday, is situated on the High Street which is also home to the town's main retail area. Notable shops include Barkers department store, Lewis & Cooper food store and deli, and the famous Betty's tea rooms.

Town Hall

The Joe Cornish Gallery on Zetland Street features fine landscape photographs, and the famous Calverts Carpets is situated on Standard Way.

The grade I listed All Saints church at the north end of the High Street is well worth a visit, as is the nearby Mount Grace Priory and gardens, the best preserved Carthusian Priory in Britain. Other attractions nearby include the Wensleydale Railway, a superb heritage line through the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Castle, Kiplin Hall, and Newby Hall. Further interesting towns in the area to visit include Thirsk, and Bedale.

Northallerton Info

Travel - by road via A1/A19/A684, by rail via East Coast main line.

Hotels - Northallerton Inn and Golden Lion on the High Street.

Pubs - Tickle Toby, Oddfellows Arms, Buck Inn (Wetherspoons)

Tourist Information - www.northallerton.tic@icloud.

Northallerton Town

Ainderby Road, Northallerton DL7 8HA.

Founded - 1895

League - Northern League Division One

Capacity - 3,000

Record Attendance - 695

Nearest Railway Station - Northallerton

Club Website - www.northallertontownfc.com

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CLUBCALL Manchester United

Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0RA.

Founded - 1878

League - English Premier League

Capacity - 74,310

Record Attendance - 76,962

Nearest Railway Station - Manchester United Football Ground

Club Website - www.manutd.com

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS 

Scarbrough Hotel Leeds

Located on Bishopsgate Street directly opposite the railway station, The Scarbrough is an iconic pub for both Leeds and visiting supporters going to Elland Road. Formerly an Ind Coope/Tetley house, the pub has a superb tiled exterior and dark wood panelled interior, with lots of memorabilia to view including old photos of Elland Road and Headingley. Now part of the Nicholson's chain, there is a fine selection of cask ales including Tetley's. Full food menu served.

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STADE IMAGES

New branding at Victoria Park, Hartlepool
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2023.
Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter @FootballStade
Next issue(No.60)published Sunday 13th August 2023.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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Issue No. 58 December 2022

 IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall South Shields

Etihad Stadium Tour

ClubCall Marske Utd

Bishops Blaize pub

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STADE NEWS

FEYENOORD ABANDON NEW STADIUM PLANS

Rotterdam club Feyenoord have abandoned plans for a new stadium, part of which would have been built over the River Maas.

As part of a wider riverside regeneration project, Feyenoord City, the construction costs for the new 63,000 capacity stadium were reported to be prohibitive in the current economic climate.

The club now plan to stay at their iconic 47,500 capacity De Kuip (The Tub) home, which opened in 1937, for the forseeable future.

EXPANSION FOR EDGELEY PARK

Currently adjusting to life back in the Football League, Stockport County are planning a major redevelopment of Edgeley Park.

With a current capacity of 10,900, the club aim to increase the stadium to 20,000 seats with the construction of new East and South stands, and extending the main North stand.

Public consultations on the scheme and formal planning applications are expected soon.

CAMBRIDGE BUY BACK ABBEY STADIUM

Eighteen years after selling the stadium in order for the club to survive, Cambridge United now own the Abbey Stadium once again.

The club's owners now plan to modernise and upgrade the stadium, currently with a capacity of 8,127, and home to the U's since 1932.

Previous plans to relocate the club to Milton were abandoned in 2009.

LEEDS PLANNING ELLAND ROAD REDEVELOPMENT

Leeds United are looking at  redeveloping Elland Road up to a 55,000 capacity, with the first priority replacing the West Stand which wasopened in 1956.

The club plan to build a new stand behind the current structure to minimise disruption.

Leeds, who have ruled out moving to a new stadium, are also planning a refurbishment of the East Stand.

NAMING RIGHTS PLAN FOR OLYMPIC STADIUM

Ten years after its opening in 2012, the search is underway for a naming rights sponsor for the London Olympic stadium and Olympic Park in Stratford.

The stadium, now the third largest in the Premier League after a recent capacity increase to 62,500, has been the home of West Ham United since 2016.

 

NEWS IN BRIEF

RED STAR BELGRADE

Crvena Zvezda have announced plans to demolish and rebuild the iconic Rajko Mitic stadium, also known as the Marakana. Opened in 1963 and with a current capacity of 53,000, the stadium is also home to the Serbian National team.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Croydon Borough Council have approved plans to rebuild the main stand at Selhurst Park. With work due to begin by the end of the year, the new stand at Palace will increase the capacity from 25,000 to 34,000.

STANDARD LIEGE

Work to develop the Stade de Sclessin has been further delayed due to cost savings at the Wallonia club. Initial plans to build a new East stand have also been scaled back, with an increase in capacity of the stadium to around 32,000 now likely.

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CLUBCALL South Shields

Mariners Park, Shaftesbury Avenue, South Shields NE32 3UP.

Founded - 1888

League - Northern Premier League

Capacity - 4,000

Record Attendance - 3,800

Nearest Railway Station - Bede (Metro)

Club Website - www.southshieldsfc.co.uk

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STADIUM TOURS Manchester City

Etihad main entrance

As current English Premier League Champions, Manchester City have excelled on the pitch in recent years - experiencing a tour at the Etihad Stadium confirms City's class off the field too.

The tour starts from the club museum located above the superstore, and quickly works its way into the stadium via the impressive corporate suites in the main stand.

From the press box you get a superb first view of the stadium, before making your way down to the home and away changing rooms, with City's kitted out with the players shirts.

The tour continues through the players tunnel to pitch level, where you can sit in the home and away technical areas.

There is plenty of time for photo opportunites at pitch side.

From here the tour moves into the media suite, where visitors can have their photograph taken alongside a recorded hologram of City manager Pep Guardiola.

There is no additional charge for this facitity on the tour, unlike some other Premier League clubs where a charge is made.

The tour concludes back in the stadium superstore.

The tour gives an excellent insight into the history of City, and the current forward thinking of the club on and off the pitch.

The guides on the tour were also a credit to the club, very informative and patient with everyone in the group, and could not have been more helpful.

Home dressing room

East stand

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CLUBCALL Marske United

Mount Pleasant, Marske by the Sea, TS11 7BW.

Founded - 1956

League - Northern Premier League Premier

Capacity - 2,500

Record Attendance - 1,489

Nearest Railway Station - Marske

Club Website - www.marskeunitedfc.org

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS

Bishops Blaize Manchester

Lively one room Wetherspoons pub on Chester Road, five minutes walk from Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium.

Plenty of United memorabilia to view, together with old photos and history information on the local area. 

Usual varied Spoons local and national real ales on offer, and full food menu served.

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STADE IMAGES

Croft Park, Blyth Spartans

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2022

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

Next issue(No.59)published Sunday 16th April 2023

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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