Burnley FC- Turf Moor

Visits: 4 (1 Unofficial)
England B 3-1 Albania (International Friendly, May 25th 2007)
Burnley 1-0 Everton (Premier League, August 23rd 2009)
Burnley 1-3 Everton (Premier League, October 26th 2014)
Burnley 2-1 Everton (Premier League, October 22nd 2016)
Stands I’ve Been in: James Hargreaves Stand Lower, Cricket Field Stand
Ticket Price (1st Official Visit): £35
Attendance (1st Official Visit): 19,983
Address: Turf Moor, Harry Potts Way, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 4BX

Transport

Getting there was easy…but parking…As we approached the ground, signs directed us towards ‘away parking.’ So we followed. For ages. Then the signs disappeared, leaving us to just guess and park on some side street next to the park…the ground was miles down this hill (which wasn’t fun climbing again after…) and traffic was ridiculous getting back out of town again. Followed the Football Ground Guide advice next time to park at Hollywood Park Cinema, where its only £1 to park for 6 hours (or free on Sundays!) Traffic is still a pain getting out, but not as bad, since its nearer to the motorway than the ground.

The Cricket Field Stand before an England B game, 2007

Food & Drink

Proper football ground, heart of the area, surrounded by pubs, chippies and burger vans. What more do you want? Burnley now also have a 'fanzone' in the corner of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand too, with a marquee selling beer, so that was pretty handy considering the away pub we went in on our previous visit is now a diner!

Approaching the ground from behind the Cricket Field End, 2014

Inside the Ground

The old Cricket Field Stand makes the Bullens seem quite luxurious! The stench of pee, the single bulbs hanging miles above providing virtually no light, the wide wooden seats, all kind of good in a ‘so bad it’s good 1960s’ way! The view from the seats should have been better, I expected it to be flawless given that the steps were steeper than anywhere else I’ve been, but even sitting down, there didn’t seem to be much height between rows which was really frustrating. We missed a penalty, I didn’t have a clue where it went…to be fair to Burnley, they have given the place a lick of paint between my visits, and its amazing how the away end has brightened up. Still a bit frustrating that you cant quite see the byline, but then again, Ive been in much worse.

The Bob Lord Stand, 2014

Atmosphere

It’s now become an accepted norm that the better atmospheres in the Premier League these days come at the promoted clubs, so no exception here. We were dreadful, which is a shame as when we did sing, the acoustics in the away end were stunning. The roles were reversed on my second visit however, as we were excellent in the away end, while the home fans gave us nothing.

The Jimmy McIlroy Stand, 2014

Anything Else

The James Hargreaves Stand, 2009

Overall

It’s a dump…but in the same category as Goodison and Sheffield Wednesday that its a good dump!

Turf Moor Photos

Exeter City FC- St James' Park

Visits: 1
Exeter City 0-5 Queens Park Rangers (League Cup 1st Round, August 11th 2009)
Stands I’ve Been in: Big Bank Terrace
Ticket Price (1st Visit): £10
Attendance (1st Visit): 4,614
Address: St James Park, Stadium Way, Exeter, EX4 6PX

Transport

The stupid SatNav got me lost which was irritating! Other than that, not a problem really once it sorted itself out! Very very few signposts though so would have been hard to find without the SatNav. Bit of a pain parking! Drove right past the ground and then got lost in little side streets trying to find my way back! Being so close to the city centre though, loads of city centre parking which although convenient, could be expensive.

Looking across the Big Bank Terrace before kick off

Food & Drink

Its about 5 minutes from the centre! I passed 4 pubs and countless chippies and shops just in the 5-10 minutes walk from where I parked the car so absolutely loads! They also had a couple of temporary outdoor bars and food outlets set up right outside the ground too.

QPR fans in the St James' Road End

Inside the Ground

I was in the Big Bank Terrace, which despite being pretty basic, was impressive in it's size and atmosphere and acoustics. The away end looks even more basic! Just a couple of steps on a little uncovered terrace. Two seated stands on the sides, and its another decent little ground at that level, and had a good atmosphere.

The Ivor Doble Stand

Atmosphere

All the atmosphere in the ground seemed to come from the stand I was in. It was fairly constant as well, given the scoreline! It was loud and supportive first half, and once QPR took control a bit, the Exeter fans seemed big enough to realise that the scoreline wasn’t really a true reflection until the sending off, and kept the noise up until full time. QPR fans in comparison, I didn’t expect to hear a lot from them, being at the other end and with their end being uncovered, but after they gave us a little chorus after the 2nd goal, it was clear they could make a noise if they tried…they just didn’t!

The Grandstand

Anything Else

Overall

One of the best locations of any grounds Ive been to, and seemed to be one of those grounds like Craven Cottage that just has the best brought out of it on a lovely summer evening. Worth the distance!

St James Park Photos

Wembley Stadium

Visits: 5
Manchester United 0-0 Everton AET 2-4 on Penalties (FA Cup Semi Final, April 19th 2009)
Everton 1-2 Chelsea (FA Cup Final, May 30th 2009)
Liverpool 2-1 Everton (FA Cup Semi Final, April 14th 2012)
Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic (FA Cup Final, May 11th 2013)
Everton 1-2 Manchester United (FA Cup Semi Final, April 23rd 2016)
Stands I’ve Been in: North Stand, West Stand, East Stand
Ticket Price (1st Visit): £44
Attendance (1st Visit): 88,141
Address: Wembley Stadium, Wembley National Stadium Ltd, Empire Way, London, HA9 OWS

Transport

Brilliant. London’s Tube network means it’s never a problem getting around, and Wembley Park Station takes you out right on Wembley Way. Less fun by coach, takes at least an hour to get in and an hour to get out once you leave the motorway. Drops you right outside the turnstiles though.

A sodden Wembley Way, 2013 FA Cup Final

Food & Drink

Retail Park down the street, and a few bars and takeaways, typical London really. The Tube also means you can obviously go a bit further afield and never struggle to find a pub. There are a few stalls on Wembley Way, and while its pricey, the pies are gorgeous.

A penalty shootout at the East End of the ground, FA Cup semi final 2009

Inside the Ground

I’ve always said Wembley is about the occasion rather than the game or the surroundings…and it didn’t disappoint. Perfect views all around, stunning atmosphere from us, the concourses are ridiculously huge, just…impressive.

View of the East End from the upper tier, 2013 FA Cup Final

Atmosphere

I don’t have a clue what United fans were like because we were unbelievable. The Club Wembley tier has of course had a lot of criticism for ruining the atmosphere, but that was never going to be a problem in this game. The Final in 2009 was good as well, but surprisingly the 2012 semi final was pretty subdued by both sets of fans. You would have expected more with it being a Derby and all that, but it seemed nerves got the better of both of us, I dont know. Was absolutely bouncing after Jelavic gave us the lead understandably though! The 2013 Cup Final was fantastic at times from the Wigan fans, especially once we got into the last 20 minutes or so and everyone sensed an upset. Not a peep from the City fans though, seemed to think it was a foregone conclusion!

The North Stand, 2012 semi final

Anything Else

View of the South Stand, 2009 FA Cup Final

Overall

Awesome…absolutely fitting of all my expectations.

Wembley Stadium Photos

Morecambe FC- Christie Park

Visits: 1
Morecambe 2-1 Bradford City (League Two, April 10th 2009)
Stands I’ve Been in: North Stand
Ticket Price (1st Visit): £10
Attendance (1st Visit): 4,546
Address: Christie Park, Lancaster Road, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 5TJ

Transport

A nightmare…I’ve been before on a non matchday so I know it’s not always that bad…unfortunately on Good Friday and being so close to Blackpool and the Lakes, it took an absolute eternity, to the point that I missed kick off! I’d been given a pretty good tip for parking too, but getting there so late, I wanted to get as close as possible. Even 5 minutes into the game, one of the biggest crowds of the season, I still managed to get a decent space on the street so can’t argue with that! Wasn’t bad for getting out either, just the inevitable queue back to the motorway through Lancaster which I expected.

Christie Park on a non matchday from the Car Wash Terrace, 2009

Food & Drink

No time to look around outside unfortunately. Didn’t even have time to get my badge so had to scour eBay for one! Inside, the North Terrace has a catering bar at either end of the stand, which I can’t argue with…the best cheeseburger I’ve ever had in a football ground! I know that isn’t saying an awful lot as most are barely edible, but it was very nice!

The Car Wash Terrace, full of away fans on this day

Inside the Ground

Still has a very none league feel, with the Car Wash Terrace and Umbro Stand being quite small. It does the job though, the terrace in the North Stand was nice and steep, so even low down the view was excellent, as well as a decent little bar.

Bradford fans pack the Umbro Terrace

Atmosphere

Very good from the Morecambe fans in the North Stand, non stop pretty much all the way through, even when Bradford were leading. Bradford were quiet until they scored, very loud once they had, then shut up once Morecambe equalised.

Morecambe fans in the North Stand

Anything Else

The Main Stand

Overall

Decent little ground at League Two level. Good atmosphere, good home terrace, and something not many other grounds I’ve been to have, good food!

Christie Park/ Globe Arena Photos

Port Vale FC- Vale Park

Visits: 1
Port Vale 1-3 Gillingham (League Two, January 20th 2009)
Stands I’ve Been in: Hamil Road End
Ticket Price (1st Visit): £19
Attendance (1st Visit): 4,539
Address: Vale Park, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW

Transport

Very easy, and with the crowd so low, I got home faster than I can from Goodison! Motorway all the way to Stoke, then not too far. Not signposted until you’re near enough on top of it, but had SatNav with me. Parked in Co-Op car park for £4. Loads of street parking as I found out later though. Took no time getting out either which was a nice bonus!

Main entrance

Food & Drink

Not an awful lot. There is the clubhouse at the ground, which humourously had signs outside saying Slimming World was still on despite the match! Very nice chippy on May Street about 5 minutes walk away though…

The Hamil Road End before kick off

Inside the Ground

I ended up in the  Gillingham end, partly due to always quite liking them, and partly because I couldn’t find a home ticket office, so I just bought one for the away end as it was less fuss! The ground is fairly smart looking (bar the infamous unfinished bit of the Lorne Street Stand) and the facilities in the away end were very good. It was a bit shallow with the seating, but given that Gillingham didn’t have that many there and it was unreserved seating, it wasn’t an issue tonight.

The Bycars End

Atmosphere

In all honesty, one of the worst I’ve seen. Obviously it doesn’t help having 4,539 rattling around in an 18,000 seater stadium, but there was nothing from the Vale fans at all, bar a quick burst when they went 1-0 up. Gillingham fans were in and out first half, but were excellent all second half as their team improved. Gillingham fans also sang The Last Waltz, which I’m now quite intrigued about!

The Railway Stand

Anything Else

The unfinished Lorne Street Stand

Overall

Overall

A bit like Tranmere, very nice ground, but with the size of the crowd, feels a bit wasted.

Vale Park Photos

Macclesfield Town FC- Moss Rose

Visits: 2 (1 Unofficial)
Macclesfield Town 0-4 Wigan Athletic (Pre Season Friendly, July 30th 2005)
Macclesfield Town 0-1 Everton (FA Cup 3rd Round, January 3rd 2009)
Stands I’ve Been in: Silkman End, McAlpine Stand, Main Stand
Ticket Price (1st Official Visit): £
Attendance (1st Official Visit): 6,008
Address: London Road, Macclesfield, SK11 7SP

Transport

Macclesfield is in the  middle of a motorwayless wilderness it seems! Come off the M6, then miles of little villages and a bizarre town centre with the weird one way system! Never would have found it without the SatNav (Actually got lost on my previous visit for a pre season game!) Headed for the Railway View pub as recommended by a Macc fan, and parked on the streets up there for free. No bother.

Through the Main Stand Terrace turnstiles, 2009

Food & Drink

Virtually nothing…and what there was had mostly been closed thanks to the plod! Two pubs were left open, and were naturally heaving. Most instead went to the off license across the street and sat on the grass!

Main Stand, pre season 2005

Inside the Ground

Basic, in a word. The away section is mostly exposed and uncovered, but other than, does a job for a club Macclesfield’s size.

The Silkman End celebrates Leon Osman's FA Cup winner in 2009

Atmosphere

Poor to be honest. Nothing all day from the Macclesfield fans, while our atmosphere obviously wasn’t helped by having no roof. Our atmosphere was weird, like a pre season game with all banter and mickey taking, making up stupid new songs and trying to make them catch on. Was quite fun being so close to the pitch though and winding up the linesman and talking to the subs!

The Star Lane End, 2009

Anything Else

The all seater McAlpine Stand, 2009

Overall

Not a brilliant day out, but does its job for a club of Macclesfield’s size

Moss Rose Photos

Chesterfield FC- Saltergate

Visits: 1
Chesterfield 2-2 Droylsden (FA Cup 2nd Round, December 9th 2008)
Stands I’ve Been in: Kop End
Ticket Price (1st Visit): £1
Attendance (1st Visit): 5,698
Address: Recreation Ground, Saltergate, Chesterfield, S40 4SX

Transport

An absolute nightmare. Followed the SatNav which took on the M60, through the middle of Stockport town centre, then on horrible windy pitch black A roads for about 30 miles. A journey that was supposed to take an hour and a half, took me 3 hours. Going home, I headed for the M1, went to Leeds and went home on the M62. Supposedly a long way round, took me under 2 hours. Parking was excellent, considering there was a big crowd, and I arrived less than 20 minutes before kick off. Pay and display car park about 5 minutes walk from the ground, and wasn’t bad getting out either

The Compton Street Stand

Food & Drink

I was late, so only had time to visit the club shop really.

Drpylsden fans in the Cross Street End

Inside the Ground

I liked it a lot, has a good balance to it. Raised seated main stand, converted terrace on the other, uncovered terrace for away fans, massive covered terrace for the home fans. Unbelievable how many people were on that Kop, and how I managed to get a perfect view being so small!

Main Stand

Atmosphere

Poor first half, but picked up a lot in the second after Droylsden equalised. Mainly against the manager, but it was very loud when it got going. Couldn’t hear the Droylsden fans for obvious reasons, being behind the opposite goal and they were uncovered.

Anything Else

This game was a strange one with a lot of needle. It only cost a quid to get in, because it was a replayed FA Cup tie after the first game had been abandoned due to fog with Droylsden leading 1-0. This one was 1-1 with about 12 minutes left, and Droylsden were wasting time, kept going down and kicking the ball out etc. On this occasion, Chesterfield threw the ball to Jack Lester, the Droylsden captain ran over and starting shouting in his face to give it back to the keeper, so Lester lobbed him to score! Lovely bit of all hell breaking loose, Droylsden trying to fight everyone, their manager threatening to pull his players off the pitch, and ultimately, the ref bottled it and ‘let’ Droylsden walk in an equaliser. The story had a bit of a karmic ending though, as this marathon tie kept going! With Chesterfield leading in the replay, the game was called off for a floodlight failure, and Droylsden eventually won the third replay…only to be kicked out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player, so after all that, it was Chesterfield who went through to the 3rd round…and got promptly thrashed by Ipswich!

Overall

I liked it, would definitely go again. (If they hadn’t moved!)

Saltergate/ Proact Stadium Photos