Swindon’s County Ground on Saturday

Swindon Town v Hereford United
Football League 1
Saturday 21st March 2009 KO 3.00 pm.
The County Ground
County Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 2ED
Phone 0871 4236433

Early references to Swindon Town reveal that in 1894, Rev. Williams Pitt was the first to employ professional footballers in the town. The Bulls visit The County Ground on Saturday to play a team that are currently managed by former Hartlepool boss Danny Wilson. Wilson is the most recent in a long list of big names to have held the position including Dennis Wise, Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle and the mighty Jimmy Quinn! Swindon have however had their golden times. Notably, the Don Rogers era in the late sixties bought great success and many well-known scalps particularly in Cup competitions. Recent form has been patchy and it may well be a good time to be taking on the Wiltshire outfit. Visiting supporters are accommodated in part of the Arkells Stand offering about 1200 covered seats with the overflow going in the seated but uncovered Stratton Bank End. Admission prices - Adults £20, Seniors £15, Young Adults/Students £15 and Juniors (U15) £9. Please note, Young Adults/Students and Junior tickets are not available on the day and must therefore be purchased in advance from HUFC offices during normal hours up to 4.00 pm on Thursday (08442 761939).

HUISA - Departs Legends at 12.30. Fare £12 (members £11). Bookings through HUFC offices. This afternoon (Wednesday) there were around 18 seats remaining.

FUNBUS - Departs Wetherspoons (Hereford) at 11.30ish. Fare £11. FULL.

BY CAR Leave Hereford on the Ledbury Road and turn right at the Trumpet. Follow signs for Gloucester through Dymock and Newent. Join the A40 and follow signs around Gloucester for Cheltenham and then Cirencester joining the A417. Continue to the top of Birdlip Hill (Air Balloon Pub) and follow A417 Cirencester. The A417 becomes the A419 near the Travelodge at Cirencester and you should continue on this road through Latton and Blunsdon. At the top of Blunsdon hill, follow signs for Swindon town centre (new road). Follow all Town Centre signs along Cricklade Road until you reach Transfer Bridges roundabout where you should follow M4 East/Town Centre and onto County Road. Next, you then come to the famous (in Swindon at least) Magic Roundabout. From here, follow the Swindon FC sign into Shrivenham Road where you will find The County Ground. There is some street parking around the ground but the advice is to use the facility at St Josephs School (£3) or at The Wiltshire County Cricket ground behind The Arkell Stand (small charge). Distance 66 miles – allow 1.5 hours. Postcode is SN1 2ED.

ALEHOUSES Whilst there are many Pubs in the nearby Town Centre, it is not yet clear what advice is being given to Publicans by the local Plod. Past experience indicates that the Cricket Club (behind the Arkell Stand) accepts visitors. There are licensed outlets within the Arkell Stand. The Tap and Barrel in Manchester Road looks worth a call. The Merlin in Drove Road is the likely recommended Pub (it was on our last visit) The Merlin is a large sports bar type of Pub with plenty of screens. It provides most of the usual fizzy affairs including 'Bow but does carry at least one proper beer (Ruddles County last time) and is probably the best bet as it's within easy walking distance. There is also a very decent chippy on the way back. The usual Wetherspoons facilities are available at 22/23 Fleet Street. For those with non-fizzy preferences, The Duke of Wellington at 27 Eastcott Hill is an Arkells house about a mile from the ground. Finally, The Glue Pot at 5 Emlyn Square is well known for its selection of Hop Back beers and reasonably priced food. I will post any further guidance as and when I receive it from Swindon Plod.

Enjoy - Come on you BULLS

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