The Day In Cheltenham

Cheltenham Town v Hereford United
Football League 1
Saturday 14th February 2009 KO 3.00 pm.
Whaddon Road
Cheltenham
GL52 5NA
Phone 01242 573558

Cheltenham Town were formed in the late nineteenth century but remained an amateur side until their move to Whaddon Road in 1932. This coincided with a change to semi-pro status and entry to The Birmingham Senior League. In 1935 they joined the Southern League and stayed there for 50 years. In the early eighties they were to be found in the Midland Division of the Southern League but won promotion 1983. By the end of 1985, they reached the Conference. However, just seven years later they found themselves back in The Beazer Homes League. Season 96/97 was significant in a number of ways. The appointment of ex-player, Steve Cotterill, as manager was followed by promotion back to The Conference which they won in 98/99 to gain entry to the Football League 27 years after The Bulls made the same move.

Whaddon Road has a capacity of just over 7000 with over 50% seated. Visiting fans are given the seated Carlsberg Stand at one end of the ground with further availability in part of the In2Print Stand to the side. Admission For HUFC fans is strictly by ticket only available from HUFC offices (08442 761939).

COACHES
HUISA - Departs Legends at 12.30 pm. Fare £8 (£7 members). FULL
FUNBUS - Departs Wetherspoons (Hereford) 11.00 am. FULL
HUMADS - Departs Malvern Coach Depot 10.45, Legends 11.00 and Ledbury Market House 11.30 am.

CAR - My suggested route is perhaps not the shortest but should provide a fairly trouble free journey. From Hereford, drive to Ledbury then follow the ring road to the end to join the A417 to the M50. Join the M50 easterly (sign M5) and continue to the M5 where you take the southbound carriageway (sign The South West, Tewkesbury, Bristol). Leave the M5 at J9 (sign Evesham) joining the A46. At the third set of lights (approx 2 miles) turn right for Cheltenham and right again at the junction onto the A435. After passing through Bishops Cleeve, you will enter Cheltenham with the Racecourse on your left. At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Evesham Road and then turn left at the lights into Wellington Road. Take the second exit at the next roundabout into Prestbury Road then first right into Whaddon Road. This route avoids driving through the centre of Cheltenham. Street parking or a Park and Ride near The Racecourse. Distance is about 45 miles and you should allow an hour. Postcode GL52 5NA.

ALEHOUSES - Depends what you’re looking for...Tailors in Cambray Place is a large Pub with big screens, Wadsworths on hand pump and fit barmaids although it's not the cheapest. The Cat and Fiddle is nearest to the ground in Whaddon Road. It has Arkell's, is reasonably priced but will be well populated by Robin's fans. Next nearest appears to be The Fox and Hounds on Prestbury Road. This looks predominantly fizzy but does have Sky. Close to The Racecourse on Harp Hill, you'll find The Hewlett Arms serving Black Sheep, Stanway and Tetleys along with good food. The Sudeley Arms is on Prestbury Road and offers a decent range of ales, ciders and a perry. The local 'Spoons is The Moon Under Water on Bath Road. Finally, The Kemble Brewery Inn, if you can find it, is a little gem in Fairview Street. It's a small single room Pub but has a reputation for fine ales with often up to six on hand pump.

Enjoy.

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