Issue No.62 April 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Stade News

ClubCall Edinburgh City

Destination Harrogate

ClubCall Newton Aycliffe

Corner Pin Wimbledon

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STADE NEWS

HEARTS HOTEL OPENS

The newest hotel in Edinburgh has opened in the main stand at Heart of Midlothian's stadium. The 4 star Tynecastle Park hotel offers 25 stylish bedrooms, with breakfast and evening meals being taken in the club's Skyline restaurant. Hearts are now offering match and hotel stay packages, with further private hire, corporate, and conference facilities available in the hotel and club function suites. Tynecastle Park is in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, a ten minute walk from Haymarket railway station and tram stop, and bookings can be made via the club or hotel websites.

POSSIBLE SALE FOR THE SHAY

The council owned Shay, home to Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers rugby league club, could be sold in a cost-cutting measure. Options include transferring a long term lease to one of the clubs, or for the council to dispose of the ground with the two clubs as tenants. The Shay has been home to Town since 1921.

DEBATE ON FUTURE OF OLD TRAFFORD

Manchester United are reported to be making a decision on the future of Old Trafford by the end of 2024. Options for the club are to refurbish and extend the existing stadium, or build an entirely new structure on the neighbouring land which the club owns, next to the current stadium site.

STADIUM OF LIGHT REDEVELOPMENT

Sunderland have announced redevelopment and upgrade plans for the Stadium of Light, including the installation of 3,000 rail seats. A new pitch and under-soil heating system will be installed in the summer, with further improvements to the stadium PA system and floodlights.

DUNDEE UNVEIL CAMPERDOWN PLANS

The SPFL have supported Dundee's application for a new 12,500 capacity stadium. Plans include safe standing and tiered hospitality, including a 250-capacity brew hall. A chevron design will be incorporated in the stadium entrance to reflect the main stand at Dens Park.

NEWS IN BRIEF

CASEMENT PARK

Doubts continue over the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast. Work has yet to begin on the Euro 2028 stadium, now reduced to a 30,000 capacity, with UEFA requiring the ground to be ready by mid-2027 to enable test events at the venue before the tournament.

SHEFFIELD FC

The world's oldest football club have announced plans for a new stadium at Meadowhead in Sheffield. The 5,000 seater stadium, to be shared with Sheffield Eagles rugby league club, will also include a football museum and an indoor community sports hall.

ERNST HAPPEL STADION

The city authorities in Vienna have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the iconic 50,865 capacity Ernst Happel stadion, with the aim of making the venue Europe's first energy self-sufficient stadium.

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CLUBCALL Edinburgh City

Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE.

Founded - 1928

League - Scottish League One

Capacity - 1,320

Record Attendance - 2,522

Nearest Railway Station - Edinburgh Waverley

Club Website - www.edinburghcityfc.com

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DESTINATION Harrogate

Harrogate War Memorial

One of the most popular destinations in the North of England, the fine town of Harrogate and its surrounding area has many attractions for visitors.

Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, the town grew rapidly from the 16th century following the discovery of sulphur-rich spring water in High Harrogate, and visitors soon flocked to the town to sample the waters. 

The Turkish Baths, operating since 1897 in the original Royal Baths building are still open to this day, and the Royal Pump Room is now a museum showcasing the town's spa history.

Other notable buildings in Harrogate include the Royal Hall, the only surviving Kursaal in the UK, the Grade I listed St Wilfrid's church, and the Harrogate Convention Centre.

The Harrogate Theatre, formerly the Grand Opera House, and the Royal Hall are the main concert and performance venues in the town, which is host to the annual International Arts Festival.

Royal Pump Room

Shopping is centred around the Montpellier Quarter and John Street, with a wide range of independent and national retailers on offer.

The famous Betty's tea room is situated on Parliament Street opposite the war memorial.

Harrogate hosts the annual Great Yorkshire Show at the Showground on the eastern outskirts of the town, an agricultural show that attracts around one million visitors a year.

The main park in the town is the Valley Gardens featuring the art deco Sun Pavilion, and the Stray is perfect for a pleasant town centre walk.

Valley Gardens

Just outside the town the RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr are a must visit, and the nearby towns of Knaresborough and Ripon are also attractive destinations.

Fountains Abbey and Ripley Castle are nearby, and Harrogate is also an ideal base for visiting the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Harrogate Royal Hall

Harrogate Info

Travel - by road via A1/A59/A61, by rail via York or Leeds.

Hotels - full range of hotels and B&B's in the town, Hotel du Vin on West Park and Harrogate Inn on Ripon Road both very good.

Pubs - Old Bell on Royal Parade, Fat Badger(in White Hart Hotel), and Winter Gardens(Wetherspoons) all particularly recommended.

Tourism Website - www.visitharrogate.co.uk

Harrogate Town

Wetherby Road, Harrogate HG2 7SA.

Harrogate Railway Athletic

Station View, Starbeck, Harrogate HG2 7JA.

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CLUBCALL Newton Aycliffe

Moore Lane Sports Club, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham DL5 5AG.

Founded - 1965

League - Northern Premier League Division One East

Capacity - 1,000

Record Attendance - 587

Nearest Railway Station - Newton Aycliffe

Club Website - www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

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FAMOUS FOOTBALL PUBS
Corner Pin Wimbledon

Large, very friendly pub at the end of Plough Lane on Summerstown, virtually outside the new home of AFC Wimbledon. A home fans only venue on matchdays, Youngs Special bitter usually on cask but no food served. Surprisingly no Dons memorabilia displayed, but lots of old sporting souvenirs to view.

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STADE IMAGES

Floodlight at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion

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Many thanks for your interest in the blog.

All photographs and text copyright footballstadeblog2024.

Any comments/queries welcome at footballstadeblog@gmail.com

X@FootballStade

Next issue(No.63)published Sunday 4th August 2024.

footballstadeblog.blogspot.com

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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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