Return of the Football Ground Histories

You may remember, about a year or so ago, I wrote a series of articles outlining the history of many of our English football clubs ground histories. These not only concentrated on where the clubs contest their matches today, but also the previous grounds where they played and interesting stories attached to these venues.

Aston Villa's "Villa Park" from 1907

I have recently started researching a new series of articles, covering clubs that were not featured in the previous set. Hopefully these will be published soon and please watch this space for details.

The "Nest" of Norwich City's (a predecessor to Carrow Road)

In the meantime, should you have missed them last time around, please click here for a link to the previous works (along with one or two other football related articles).

Sunderland's "Roker Park" from 1976

Should you have a suggestion for a club’s grounds history you would like to see, please feel free to drop me an email at uncletatty@yahoo.co.uk

Royston Town v Biggleswade United Pictures

A bit late in posting, but here are some images from last Monday's Royston Town v Biggleswade United MSSML match at Garden Walk. A rather one sided match with the Crows of Royston easily overcoming their opponents by 7-0. United didn't play that badly in my opinion, they just were taken apart by a far superior outfit (thats why Royston are top of the league).

This afternoon United are at home to Hertford Town, where both clubs will be anxious to gain 3 points to ease relegation worries.

COME ON UNITED

Non-League Day 2011

In case it had escaped your attention, Saturday 3^rd September 2011, is Non-League Day 2011.

Non-League Day is the brainchild of QPR and Harrow Borough fan James Doe who after going on QPR’s pre-season tour of Devon in 2010, was greatly impressed by the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of all the local supporters he encountered. Realising that because of International fixtures, there were no Premier League or Championship games on this corresponding weekend last year, he saw a perfect opportunity to persuade fans of those bigger clubs to check out their local non-league side instead. The event proved to be an enormous success with many clubs reporting a significant increase in the numbers coming through the turnstiles and several even enjoying their highest gate of the season. 

Harrow Borough's "Earlsmead" home

Charlton Athletic were due to play a League 1 fixture away at Exeter on that day, but the club encouraged its fans who did not relish the trip down to St James’ Park (the other one), to go and watch a non-league club closer to home. In hindsight it was probably good advice, as they went down in Devon by an only goal. Chelsea captain John Terry, ruled out of the England match with a pulled hamstring, was seen at Eastbourne Borough’s match with Darlington (his brother Paul was playing for the visitors) and Match of the Day commentator Jonathan Pearce, went along to Lewes’ Dripping Pan where he was even roped into drawing the raffle at half-time.

Lewes' quaint "Dripping Pan" during renovations in 2006

For this year, Macmillan Cancer Support has come on board as the official charity, along with ex-England international Chris Waddle as the official ambassador. The support of the All Party Football Group in Parliament has also been secured.

MacMillan cancer Support bus

James Doe said, “With England playing in Bulgaria on Friday 2nd September and the Premier League and Championship taking a week off, I urge all fans of the big clubs to get out and watch their local Non-League team instead on Saturday 3rd September 2011! Given the current financial climate, clubs outside the Football League need all the support they can get and your presence at a game will be genuinely appreciated. With admission and refreshments at a fraction of the cost, what's stopping you?”

So for that Saturday (and hopefully many other match days throughout the season), please urge your family, friends, drinking buddies, work colleagues - in fact anyone you know, who normally attends a higher level of football (or is an armchair Sky Sports fan), to join in and support Non-League Day. 

www.ukwriter.co.uk

The Unacceptable Face of a Bigot

I went to the football on Saturday. Not Premier League or Football League, but my local Non-League side. They won 6-2, but that’s not my reason for writing. 

Previously I had reason to write to the club to mention racist comments being made by a certain faction of the crowd, about a black player on the other side. The club, to their credit, made an entry in the programme of subsequent matches, stating that this was totally unacceptable to them and would not be tolerated. 

A year or so onwards and sadly things are very much the same as they were. That same person (who is not a regular supporter), was this time making comments about another black player who, when on his knees after a heavy collision, started to crawl toward the touchline. The comment this time was aimed not so much at the player, but at a certain religious act. I was not only appalled at the comments, but also the fact that the perpetrators friends found it so highly amusing.

I would put the group (of about 5 or 6), in their late 50’s and 60’s age bracket – certainly old enough to know better you would assume. Sadly this seems to be an inherent problem throughout some older people in Britain. The younger generation has grown up in a multi-cultural society and they don’t bat an eyelid at anyone with a different skin colour or religion. In their eyes, everyone is equal, just as it should be. But when it comes to certain members of older age groups, this does not seem to be the case and away from the authorities, the abuse of anyone or anything different seems to be rife.

So is it a case of total ignorance? Sadly, I think not. Everyone is, or at least should be, fully aware of the laws of racial equality in this country. Is it a case of trying to show off and impress your friends and other people around you? Possibly so, but this is surely the lowest possible form of impression and should be seen through immediately. It certainly is a case of crass stupidity, showing an apprehension or fright of something that is not fully, or even partly understood, it seems. 

Is it any wonder there are so many conflicts and wars brought about by religion and the lack of understanding thereof. Hopefully when the younger generation becomes the elder, this will be a thing of the past.

Rubbish Monday and Not Much Better Looking Tuesday.

Hello

A pretty dreadful day with both selections being somewhat of a disappointment. BEATING HARMONY had somewhat of an excuse I suppose, being checked about halfway and not being able to get into contention afterwards, but not up to a lot really.

Tuesday see's action at Folkestone, Taunton and Southwell (AW). Let's see if there is much to get even remotely mildly excited about. 

Sadly, the answer is in the negative. There is only 1 that is remotely interesting. LA ESTRELLA hasn't run for the best part of 2 years, but did have some reasonable form at that time. Now down in bargain basement company in a Southwell seller, he must be in with a squeak if retaining any of his old ability.

LA ESTRELLA Southwell 2.00 won @ 6/4

It seems to me that the world has gone bonkers, or at least the football world. Monday was the last day of the transfer window and here we are with such deals as Fernando Torres leaving Liverpool to join Chelsea for £50m. Andy Carroll replacing him at Anfield from Newcastle for £35m. Absolutely, totally, crazy sums of money in an era of supposed credit crunch. Is it any wonder, the ridiculous prices for a seat at a Premier League match? Stick to non-league football like your ever frugal chairman. Why does he like non-league? Click on the following article to see....

My Love of Non-League Football

Bye for now

Tatty