Pastures New.

In the temporary absence of facts on new players it seems a good time to look at our new “venues” for the coming season. In terms of big clubs, Bradford City head the list of those relegated from League 1 along with Rotherham, Brentford and Chesterfield while old friends from Morecambe and The Daggers join the fun from The Conference.

The Intersonic Stadium (formally Valley Parade) is the home of “Bantams” Bradford City and is an impressive 25,000 all-seater stadium having being rebuilt since the eighties. The unusual layout of the Intersonic gives it a look of being much larger on one side than the other. Visiting fans are accommodated in the two-tier DL Dallas stand and there are a few decent boozers close to the ground including the excellent Fighting Cock in Preston Street so all in all, a trip to the friendly Bradford City is certainly one to look forward too. Round trip Approx 360 miles.

The Recreation Ground (Saltergate) of Chesterfield is a more traditional football ground, which still offers visiting supporters a “proper” terrace albeit uncovered. Plans are in hand to build a new 10,600 capacity stadium close to the town bypass so this may be one of the last opportunities to visit the “Spireites” in their spiritual home. Additionally, this is one of the better trips when it comes to Alehouses and those who have not “done” Chesterfield before will no doubt be impressed with the not overdressed barmaids in the Barley Mow! Round trip Approx 265 miles.

Griffin Park, Brentford, is the second largest ground of the relegated quartet with a capacity of around 12.700 and is, of course, famous for having a Pub on each corner of the stadium although there is some uncertainty regarding whether or not one of them is still trading. The Brook Road stand is given to visiting fans and provides both seated and terrace accommodation. The Magpie and Crown, 5 minutes from the ground is likely to be favoured by lovers of the hop. Round trip Approx 310 miles.

Rotherham’s home is Millmoor and has a temporarily reduced capacity of 7500 due to construction of the new Main Stand being brought to a halt through financial difficulties. Work started in 2005 but has left them with an unfinished shell not unlike the one at The Shay in Halifax. Away fans get the use of the 2000 seater covered Railway End where the acoustics provide an opportunity to generate plenty of noise in support of their team. Once again, there is a good choice of drinking holes both close to the ground and in the town centre. Approx trip 295 miles.

The Glyn Hopkin Stadium in Dagenham will no doubt bring back fond memories of that flood of goals a few years back (the exact number has slipped my mind) when we return to the home of our former Conference rivals The Daggers. An uncovered terrace is provided for visiting fans although some seats are made available in the end of one of the seated stands. The stadium has a capacity of 6000 and can create a great atmosphere as fans are close to the action. Trip Approx 340 miles.

Finally, we have Christie Park at Morecambe and having sat in “their end” at Wembley during this year’s play-off final I hereby claim full responsibility for their rise to League 2. A trip to Morecambe is one that Bulls fans will look forward to more than most with such highlights as the pre-match banter in The York Hotel and in the case of some, the traditional walk to pay homage to “Eric”. Rumour has it that this may well be selected, as a designated “weekend away” and therefore the release of the fixtures in less than two weeks will be eagerly awaited by those hardy travellers. Fingers crossed for a frost-free night before the game! Round trip Approx 375 miles.

So, with some of last seasons favourites still around and a visit to the new “Mecca of Football” in Shrewsbury we have plenty to look forward too. Incidentally, I believe the expected traffic and parking problems at The New Meadow are to be relieved by the building of a new roundabout. Rides last for just 3 minutes, cost £2 and include a fire engine, a double decker bus and a boat. Won’t someone think of the children?

Bring it on.

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