Sunday, 5 June 2016

Issue No.27 June 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall 
Oldham Athletic

Wembley
Non-League 
Finals Day

Drayton Park Arsenal
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STADE NEWS
HAMMERS OLYMPIC DEAL REVEALED
West Ham United will pay £2.5m rent per year at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, after the deal with the London Legacy Development Corporation was made public.
The rent, payable over the 99-year lease, will be halved if the Hammers are relegated.
The club will also not have to pay for policing, stewarding, cleaning, heating and lighting at the stadium, under the terms of the tenancy agreement.

DONS TO LEAVE PITTODRIE
Aberdeen have announced plans to relocate to a new stadium in Kingsford, around 3 miles west of the City centre.
The Dons have secured the land at the site, and will move to obtain planning permission for the stadium and adjacent training centre.
The club hope to have the new stadium open for the start of the 2019/20 season.

MULTI-MILLION REDEVELOPMENT FOR STANLEY
Accrington Stanley have revealed plans for a major redevelopment of the Crown Ground.
Currently known as the Wham Stadium, the plans include a new 1,500 capacity stand on the Whinney Hill side of the ground which will include enhanced spectator and corporate facilities.
The club have also agreed a new 50-year lease on the stadium with Hyndburn Council.


SPURS TO PLAY AT WEMBLEY
Tottenham Hotspur will play their Champions League matches at Wembley Stadium next season.
Spurs will also have the option to play all league, cup, and European games at Wembley during the 2017/18 season, as construction work continues on their new 60,000 capacity stadium due to open for the start of the 2018/19 season.



LEAGUE FOOTBALL RETURNS TO MEADOWBANK
The Scottish capital will have a third club in the SPFL next season, following the promotion of Edinburgh City to the 3rd division after a play-off victory over East Stirlingshire.
The 16,000 capacity stadium, built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games, will host League football for the first time since 1995, when Meadowbank Thistle uprooted twenty miles West to Livingston.

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CLUBCALL Oldham Athletic
Boundary Park, Oldham OL1 2PA.
Founded - 1895
League - English Football League One
Capacity - 13,309
Record Attendance - 47,671
Nearest Railway Station - Oldham Werneth
Club Website - www.oldhamathletic.co.uk





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WEMBLEY
NON-LEAGUE FINALS DAY
A combined crowd of 46,781 supported the inaugural FA Non-League Finals Day, at a sunny Wembley Stadium.
The Vase Final between Hereford FC and Morpeth Town kicked off proceedings, followed by the Trophy Final between FC Halifax Town and Grimsby Town.
Fans of the four participating clubs, together with many other 'neutral' supporters, enjoyed a carnival atmosphere inside and outside of the stadium, 

as the Non-League family came together for a feast of football.
Prior to kick-off, fans enjoyed the FA exhibitions covering the Respect campaign and Women's football, there was live music outside and in the stadium concourses, face painting for the young ( and not so young !), and displays by some of the FA commercial partners.
Throughout the day there was a raucous but very friendly atmosphere, and with doubts having previously been raised about the Finals, particularly the Vase, being staged at the National Stadium due to relatively low attendances, the success of the occasion will surely make Non-League Finals Day an annual event in the Wembley calendar.

HEREFORD FC 1 v MORPETH TOWN 4
Northern League side Morpeth Town produced an upset at the FA Vase final, running out comfortable winners over much fancied Hereford.
Backed by over 20,000 fans, the Bulls were in front through a Rob Purdie strike after only 75 seconds, and less than 10 minutes in to the game should really have been at least three-up!
An inspired display by keeper Karl Dryden kept the Northumbrians in the game though, and they equalised in the 34th minute through centre-half Chris Swailes, who at the age of 45, became the oldest player to score at Wembley Stadium.
Morpeth made a dream start to the second-half, with a fine finish by Luke Carr on 46 minutes, and further goals from Sean Taylor on 59 and substitute Shaun Bell 1 minute into stoppage time, sealed an historic win for The Highwaymen.


Morpeth's win continued the remarkable dominance of the competition by Northern League clubs, with seven out of the last eight winners being from the North-East.
Action from the FA Vase Final

FC HALIFAX TOWN 1 v GRIMSBY TOWN 0
Having recently been relegated from the National League, FC Halifax Town regained some pride with a deserved Trophy Final win over newly-promoted Grimsby Town.
There were few chances in a rather dour first half, in quite stark contrast to the preceding very open Vase Final.
The game came to life in the 48th minute though with a wonderful curling effort from 25-yards from defender Scott McManus, who would finish the day on crutches with a suspected cruciate knee injury.
Grimsby, making their second appearance in a week at the National Stadium, finally came to life in the last quarter of the game but could not muster any real clear-cut chances, and the day belonged to The Shaymen and their 10,000 fans from West Yorkshire.

The win marked the end of manager Jim Harvey's short tenure as Halifax manager, who will be replaced by Billy Heath formerly of North Ferriby.
Action from the FA Trophy Final

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Drayton Park Arsenal
Rather basic but very friendly pub located near Drayton Park railway station, just over the pedestrian walkway bridge from the Emirates.
Designated for away fans, the pub has a small pool bar at the front with a larger lounge at the rear.
Some interesting photos on the walls of the local area but no football memorabilia.
Usual selection of keg beers and lagers available, no real ale or food served.

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STADE IMAGES
Billy Bremner statue - Elland Road Leeds
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016
Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade
Next issue (No.28) published Sunday 7th August 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Sunday, 1 May 2016

Issue No.26 May 2016

IN THIS ISSUE
Dickie Bird statue Barnsley

Stade News

ClubCall Leicester

Destination Barnsley

Kings Head Droylesden
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STADE NEWS
WREXHAM FANS TAKE OVER RACECOURSE
Supporters of National League club Wrexham have voted to take over the running of the Club's Racecourse Ground.
The fans will lease the stadium, one of the oldest in the world, on a 99 year deal from the Glyndwr University, who have agreed to lower the cost of the current lease.
The North Wales club itself is also in the hands of the fans, being owned by over 4,000 supporters.

MARINERS TERRACING PLEA REJECTED
Grimsby Town's application to install standing terraces at their current Blundell Park home, or any future new stadium, has been rejected by the 
Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The club had hope to be a 'test-bed' for reintroducing terracing, but were advised by the Government department any conversions would have to be reversed if the club achieved promotion back to the Football League.


FURTHER DELAY FOR YORK'S NEW STADIUM
Fears are growing for the opening of York City's new stadium at Monks Cross, following the announcement of further contractual delays over construction contracts with the local City Council.
The £37m 8,000 capacity stadium and leisure complex was initially due to open in August this year, but now has a revised opening date for the start of the 2017/18 season.


POOLS TO RENAME TOWN END TERRACE
Hartlepool United are to rename the Town End at Victoria Park for the 2016/17 season.
The terrace will be known as the Prostate Cancer UK Stand, in recognition of the recent charity challenge completed by the Club's Chief Executive Russ Green, and Honorary President the Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.
The duo completed ten marathons in ten days, walking from The Vic to Wembley, raising over £300,000 for the cancer charity.
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CLUBCALL Leicester City
Walkers Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester LE2 7FL.
Founded - 1884
League - English Premier League
Capacity - 32,500
Record Attendance - 32,242
Nearest Railway Station - Leicester
Club Website - www.lcfc.com
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DESTINATION Barnsley
Barnsley Town Hall
Located just off the M1 motorway, the South Yorkshire town of Barnsley, founded on an industrial heritage of coal mining and glass-making, is an interesting destination
with a variety of attractions for visitors.
Probably the best place to start a visit is the Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre, located in the fine Town Hall, where the local Tourist Information office is also situated. The Cooper Gallery is a vibrant creative space with a range of art exhibitions and events, and The Civic is a unique multi-purpose arts centre showcasing music and theatre.
The town is home to a vibrant 300 stall traditional market, don't forget to sample the local Barnsley chop!
The surrounding area has a wealth of historical attractions, including the Wentworth Castle Gardens, Wortley Hall, also the English Heritage ruin of Monk Bretton Priory, and not forgetting the 17th Century working Worsbrough Water Mill.
Probably the most impressive attraction is the historical village of Elsecar.
With its architecture, canal, steam railway, shops and cafes there is something for everyone in this fascinating Heritage Centre.
Barnsley is the mid-point of the scenic Trans Pennine walking and cycling Trail, and is also a convenient base for visiting the nearby Peak District.


Barnsley Info
Travel - by road via M1/A628, by rail via Leeds or Sheffield.
Accommodation - most major hotel chains in the town centre or adjacent to the M1.
Pubs - Old No.7 on Market Hill is highly recommended, nearby Joseph Bramah also worth a visit.
Tourism Website - 
www.visit-barnsley.com
Barnsley FC
Oakwell, Grove Street, 
Barnsley S71 1ET.
Founded - 1887
League - Football League One
Capacity - 23,287
Record Attendance - 40,255
Nearest Railway Station - Barnsley
Club Website - www.barnsleyfc.co.uk



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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Kings Head Droylesden
Large and welcoming Joseph Holt pub on Market Street, next to the Droylesden FC stadium.
Home of the local British Legion, the pub has a large lounge and separate bar area.
Full range of Holt cask beers available, no food served and all live TV football shown.
The adjacent Butchers Arms pub, after which the Droylesden ground was named, has now sadly been demolished.

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STADE IMAGES
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016
Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade
Next issue (No.27) published Sunday 5th June 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Sunday, 3 April 2016

Issue No.25 April 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Kilmarnock


EuroStade Report 

USG Brussels

The Lime Kiln

Livingston
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STADE NEWS
SAFE STANDING AT THE PHILIPS STADION
PSV Eindhoven are to install safe standing at the Philips Stadion, for the start of the 2016/17 season.
The club will remove 2,800 seats from the lower section of the East Stand, where the most vocal fans congregate, and replace them with 'rail seats'.
This gives PSV the option to revert to an all-seater stadium for European matches.


QUAKERS IN TOWN RETURN
Darlington 1883 are set to return to the town for the start of next season, after four years playing 15 miles away in Bishop Auckland.
The club have agreed a deal to groundshare with Darlington Rugby Club at Blackwell Meadows.
Redevelopment work at the ground, which will take the capacity up to 3,000 will start this month, including a revamped clubhouse, new covered seating and terracing, and additional car parking.

KINGSTONIAN NEW STADIUM PLANS
Folowing the sale of its Kingsmeadow stadium by leaseholders AFC Wimbledon, Ryman Premier League side Kingstonian have unveiled plans for a potential new stadium.
The club are in talks with developers to take over the former Golf centre in Garrison Lane Chessington.
Premier League club Chelsea have bought Kingsmeadow, which will be used by the club's youth and womens teams.

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON STAND AT OLD TRAFFORD
Manchester United have renamed the South Stand at Old Trafford the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.
The stand, which contains the only original part of the stadium opened in 1910, will be renamed at today's Premier League match against Everton.
Charlton made 758 appearances for United scoring 249 goals.

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CLUBCALL Kilmarnock
Rugby Park, Rugby Road, Kilmarnock KA1 2DP.
Founded - 1869
League - Scottish Premiership
Capacity - 18,128
Record Attendance - 35,995
Nearest Railway Station - Kilmarnock
Club Website - www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk

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EUROSTADE REPORT
Stade Joseph Marien Brussels
Situated in the leafy southern Brussels suburb of Forest, a 10 minute tram ride from the Gare du Midi, the Stade Joseph Marien home of 2nd division side Royal Union Saint-Gilloise is one of the most historical stadiums in Belgium.
Opened in 1919 and located in the hillside Parc Duden, the stadium was one of the venues used for the football event of the 1920 Olympics.
With an original capacity of 25,000, the ground now holds less than 6,000, with a large seated main stand on one side and a huge open terrace on the other, the turnstiles for which were originally located in the forest at the top of the tribune.
The Union Taverne bar on the road behind the main stand is well worth a visit.

Grand Place
Brussels, at the very heart of all things European, is a fascinating city to visit with a host of attractions.
The Grand Place is one of the most attractive squares in Europe, particularly at night when the historical buildings are floodlit.
The nearby Mannekin Pis statue is a quirky attraction, and the city has a host of galleries and museums to cater for all tastes.
One of Brussels main attractions is the Atomium.
Located in Heysel next to the King Baudouin stadium, visitors can take the escalators to the top of the structure for a fantastic view of the city and its environs.
Food lovers will love the city for the number and variety of excellent restaurants, the Rue des Bouchers just off the Grand Place being particularly popular, and being in Belgium the city is a beer lovers paradise, with a host of bars and seemingly endless choice of beers.
Brussels has excellent travel links, with the Eurostar and Thalys rail services being particulary impressive and reliable.

Joseph Marien Info
Address - 
Chaussee de Bruxelles 223
1190 Forest, Brussels.
Capacity - around 6,000
Travel - nearest railway station Forest-Est.
Tram 18 or 52 from 
Gare du Midi railway station.
One day Metro/Tram/Bus ticket 
7.50 euros.
Club Website - www.rusg.be
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
The Lime Kiln Livingston
Large open-plan pub and restaurant, just five minutes up the bank through a pleasant woodland walk from the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Part of the 'Eating-Inn' chain, extensive food menu served all-day.
A few framed photographs and sports shirts around the walls to view.
Usual array of keg beers and lagers, no real ale served or TV football shown.

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STADE IMAGES
Into the Lions Den - Millwall
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016
Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade
Next issue (No.26) published Sunday 1st May 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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Saturday, 5 March 2016

Issue No.24 March 2016

IN THIS ISSUE
Perth Concert Hall

Stade News

ClubCall Guiseley

Destination Perth

Jolly Angler Manchester
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STADE NEWS
BRIDGE PLANS UNVEILED
Chelsea have submitted a planning application for the 60,000 capacity redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.
After looking at various sites in West London to relocate, the Blues have decided to remain at The Bridge, their home since 1905.
The current ground will be completely demolished by 2018, with the new stadium due to open in 2020.


PALACE PLAN SELHURST EXPANSION
Redeveloping the main stand is the priority in the planned £50m expansion of Selhurst Park.
With new investment into the Club from US sports club Owners who have joined the Board, the Eagles are busy drawing up plans for the stadium.
Its likely the Whitehorse Lane stand will be re-roofed, with the Arthur Wait stand being the final and most complex redevelopment.


AVIVA GOES GREEN
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be carbon neutral by the end of 2016.
The stadium management have signed a deal with SSE Airtricity, Ireland's largest supplier of wind power.
There will be no structural changes in and around the stadium however, as the wind power will be supplied through the energy grid.


BLACKBURN HONOUR SHEARER
Blackburn Rovers have honoured legendary striker Alan Shearer, by naming a road after him.
Alan Shearer Way is located on the approach to Ewood Park, en-route from the town centre.
Shearer, the Premier League all-time leading goalscorer, won the League Title with Rovers in 1995.
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CLUBCALL Guiseley AFC
Nethermoor Park,Otley Road,Guiseley, 
Leeds LS20 8BT.
Founded - 1909
League - English National League
Capacity - 3,000
Record Attendance - 2,486
Nearest Railway Station - Guiseley
Club Website - www.guiseleyafc.co.uk


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DESTINATION Perth
Situated on the banks of the River Tay and just 50 miles north of Edinburgh, Perth is a fine city with a rich history.
Formerly the capital of Scotland, the city has a host of attractions and is the perfect base for visiting the wider areas of Perthshire, Fife and The Trossachs.
The Museum and Art Gallery houses a varied collection, and the excellent Black Watch Castle and Museum details the famous Army regiment.
You can visit the crowning place of many Scottish Kings at Scone Palace, and the National Trust owned Branklyn Garden contains an outstanding collection of plants and flowers.
The historical towns of St.Andrews and Stirling are both nearby, as is the bustling city of Dundee, and the beautiful Hermitage Centre in Dunkeld is a must visit.
For visitors looking for outdoor activities, the outstanding Trossachs and Ochil Hills are both within easy reach.
Perth is recognised as one of Scotland's major culinary centres with a host of cafes and restaurants, together with a great selection of bars and pubs to suit all tastes.

Perth Info
Travel - by road via A9 and M90, rail via Edinburgh and Glasgow/Stirling.
Accommodation - plenty of hotels and B&B's, Premier Inn and Mercure in centre recommended.
Pubs - Greyfriars and the Green Room in centre, Cherrybank Inn on outskirts well worth seeking out.
Tourism Website - www.perthcity.co.uk


St Johnstone FC
McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, 
Perth PH1 2SJ.
Founded - 1884
League - Scottish Premiership
Capacity - 10,696
Record Attendance - 10,721
Nearest Railway Station - Perth
Club Website - 
www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk
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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Jolly Angler Manchester
Not the nearest pub to the Etihad, but probably the one most real ale enthusiasts seek out on the walk between Piccadilly station and the Manchester City stadium.
Built in 1854 and located in Ducie Street, the Jolly's is a basic one-room bar the like of which is fast disappearing in the UK.
Some fantastic newspaper cuttings and photographs of City and United adorn the walls.
Hydes Original Bitter on handpull, no food served.

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STADE IMAGES
Jimmy Armfield statue - Bloomfield Road, Blackpool
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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.
All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2016
Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com
Twitter@FootballStade
Next issue (No.25) published Sunday 3rd April 2016

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com
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