Next Up Chesterfield - Travel

Chesterfield v Hereford United
Football League 2
Monday 21st January 2008 KO 7.45 pm.
The Recreation Ground
Saltergate
Chesterfield
S40 4SX
Phone 01246 209765

For any fans with a real interest in the history of the game who have not been before, this is a "must do" trip. Officially "The Recreation Ground", the home of Chesterfield is known to almost all as Saltergate. The Spireites have played there since 1871 and with a proposed move to a new stadium expected in a year or so the old place is, shall we say, showing it's age. Little point in painting the rusting stands if they're being demolished next year particularly when you're due to host the pampered fans from luxurious Edgar Street. Yes folks, you'll feel at home at Saltergate and this might be the last opportunity to sample its delights.

The visitors end has no roof, it is January, it will be cold and it will probably rain. However, on the bright side, Chesterfield do usually offer up to 450 seats to visitors in the end of the Main Stand and I do wonder if it might be a sensible plan to INVADE this area and create a warming atmosphere for ourselves? When I say seats, I do of course mean wooden benches. I just wonder how many Bulls fans can remember the benches in the old Edgar Street Main Stand? A lovely little memory jerker for those that can! Seriously, don't be put off by my jokey comments, this could easily be one of the better away days this year despite their "finest" having a reputation for videoing everything that moves. The town of Chesterfield offers plenty of good drinking and eating places within walking distance of the ground and also boasts what is arguably the most famous church spire in the country. There is apparently no truth in any rumour that a former director of the Football Club designed the spire.

Terrace - Adults £15, Senior Citizens £8 and U16's £5.
Seated - Adults £17, Senior Citizens and U16's £11.

ALEHOUSES - Chesterfield boasts two Wetherspoons with easiest reached being on West Bars. From Saltergate, walk down Clarence Road (Opposite the ground) and turn left onto West Bars where you will find The Portland Hotel on your left. In Saltergate you will find The County and The Barley Mow with the latter being not for the feint-hearted as the barmaids are reportedly often not overdressed. Walking down Queen Street from the back of the away end, you will find The Industry and a little further by turning into Newbold Road, The Chesterfield Arms. Both are understood to accept visiting fans. These Pubs all come recommended by other visiting fans but personally, I shall be attending The Rutland at 23 Stephenson Place where I expect to find a fine selection of real ale and good food. Shall I just say…Castle Eden, Boddies, Abbot, Pedigree, Landlord and Weston’s Old Rosie...nuff said.

HUISA - Departs at 3.00 pm. Fare £15. Bookings through Club office (01432 276666)

FUNBUS - Departs at 3.30 pm. Fare £12(ish) Contact Oxo (Rodders on the forum)

CAR - To Worcester then M5, M42, A42 and M1. Leave the M1 at Junction 29 and take the A617 towards Chesterfield. On reaching the edge of the town centre go straight across the first roundabout and then the next, passing the famous Chesterfield Church with the crooked spire on your left. As the road divides, keep to your left, going around an open car park. This road leads into Saltergate, where you will pass the Barley Mow pub on your left and the Town Hall car park, before reaching the ground on your right. Parking is available in the Town Hall car park with plenty of other parking in the streets around the ground.

Enjoy.

---