Wolverhampton Wanderers - Molineux Ground Guide

Stadium Info
Molineux is one of the most distinctive stadiums in the country, being one of the earliest post-Taylor-report grounds. There are four large stands named after historical Wolves figures; the Billy Wright and Steve Bull stands running the length of the pitch, and the Stan Cullis and Jack Harris stands behind the goals. The more vocal fans are situated in the Jack Harris stand.

Away Fans
Due to redevelopment, a reduced allocation of 1,700 tickets are available to visiting supporters and are located in the Jack Harris Stand at the South end of the ground. The view of the playing action is unobstructed and generally very good. Refreshments are various and not over priced whilst facilities are very acceptable.

Where To Drink
There are a number of pubs dotted around the ground, but they tend to be for home supporters only. The Great Western, behind Wolverhampton train station is a great pub but it is sadly quite small, and away fans must not wear colours. The Litten Tree in the city centre is away fan friendly. The Prince Albert pub also nearby to the station should be avoided.

The best fish and chip shop close to the ground is in Staveley Road. Be aware that there is nearly always a queue but it's certainly worth the wait once you're there. The special meal deals are particularly good value and very tasty. Elsewhere there are a few burger stalls dotted around the stadium.

Parking
Parking is limited in the surrounding area but the best option seems one of two. You can drive towards the town centre and parking is available in amny pay and display car parks here ranging between £3 and £6 for five hours. The other option is to travel upto the stadium and use one of the official football parking car parks which are signposted. Both options are a short walk back to the ground.

By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Wolverhampton Wanderers's Molineux Stadium is Wolverhampton. This is approximately 10 minutes walk from the ground.

Leave the station and proceed straight on towards the town centre and as you reach the inner ring road turn right. Just follow the ring road as it continues in a circular pattern around to the left. Eventually you will see the Molineux on the right.

Photos
For more photos from Molineux, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/wolves.html

Walsall - Banks Stadium Guide

Stadium Info
The Banks Stadium currently has an all-seated capacity of 11,300 following an extension to the Floors-2-Go Stand behind one of the goals in 2003. All three other stands are identicle in size and height. They also come complete with plenty of view obscuring pillars. Atmosphere is very good and well kept in, aided and assisted by the 4 corners being filled in.

Away Fans
Upto 2,000 visiting fans can be catered for and they are situated in the Dains stand behind one of the goals. There are a number of supporting pillars meaning that views can be restricted unless you're one of the lucky ones that gets a seat right in the middle! If you buy in advance you'll save £2 on your ticket and its worth doing so as queues can be lengthy at the ticket office on matchdays.

Where To Drink
More often than not The Saddlers Club allows away fans in for a mere quid, but you might have to get there early as there are few pubs in the vicinity so as you may imagine it will get pretty busy and you might be turned away with a thirst. King George V, is around a 10 minute walk and is another option for a beer.

For food there is a McDonalds at the retail park on the way to the ground. There is of course the option of staying more central where there are more pubs and prospects of food and getting a taxi to the ground perhaps. There is a Wetherspoons called “The Imperial” close to the train station that's worth a look.

Parking
Parking is in great abundance fortunately. There is a large carpark at the stadium priced at £3 per vehicle. There is also a small amount of street parking just off Bescot Crescent, toward the Wallows lane end, within a 10-15 minute walk of the stadium.

By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Walsall's Banks Stadium is Bescot rail and is a short 5 minute walk away. Simply exit the station and you'll be able to see the stadium on the other side of the M6 motorway.

Trains from Walsall Railway Station take approximately three minutes to arrive at the ground and on matchdays all services stop at Bescot Stadium. Remember to allow extra travel time on days when a larger crowd is expected.

Photos
For more photos from the Banks Stadium, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/walsall.html

Tranmere Rovers - Prenton Park Ground Guide

Stadium Info
Prenton Park has a capacity of 16,789 and is a very smart looking stadium considering the level the team currently play at. The cowshed is behind the goal and home to the away fans. Both this stand and the Kop at the opposite end of the stadium have unobscured views of the action and are relatively new builds therefore providing very good facilities. The main stand runs alongside the pitch and comes complete with two pillars. These are fairly central but also fairly low down so theres a good chance they may at some point hinder your view of the playing field. The final stand is the John King stand and is the smallest of all four. It's another early ninety's build and is pillar free offering terrific views of the other three stands. And the game obviously.

Away Fans
Visiting supporters are situated in the cowshed behind one of the goals. Seats here are generally in good condition and the views of the pitch are good. As few teams bring enough away support to fill the Cowshed, you can normally pick the best seats available. There are toilets and refreshment facilities on the concourse which are in better condition than those in other stands and a licensed bar so you can get a pint or two before the game.

Where To Drink
There are a number of decent pubs close to the ground. The Sportsmans Arms and the Mersey Clipper are both popular with home and away fans. Another option is the Prenton Park Hotel although it has recently introduced a policy of doormen on matchday and instigating a complex home and away policy whereby you'll get asked a killer question such as 'home or away?' and the accent you reply with determines whether or not you get in! The Mersey Clipper is more fan-friendly for away supporters and has recently added a new outdoor terrace which is nice in the summer!

There are several fast food outlets along Borough Road, including Sayers bakers, Captain Tony's Pizza Emporium, Ruby's chip shop, Eastern Delight Chinese and a couple of cafes and plenty of newsagents, off licenses and general stores.

Parking
Parking is available at the stadium if you arrive early enough. If you dont, there is street parking available although you'll need to be aware of the permit holders parking areas. These seem to be popping up quicker than I can keep updating so when parking, make sure you're ok to leave your car there.

By Train
The nearest / closest train stations to Tranemere Rovers' Prenton Park Stadium are Birkenhead Central and Conway Park Merseyrail stations on the Wirral Line. From Liverpool Lime Street go underneath the main concourse and follow signs. You should still expect a walk of around 20 minutes to the ground. However, the stations are within a couple of minutes walk of the central bus station from where several buses run past the ground. Merseytravel also offer a Soccerbus service from Birkenhead Central and Hamilton Square stations which runs from 90 minutes before kick off at 15 ? 20 minute intervals until 20 minutes before kick off, and for 20 minutes after the final whistle. If you book your Soccerbus ticket with your train ticket, the service costs ?1 return or paying on the bus itself will cost ?1 each way. The service is free for those with free travel passes, saveaways, solo or trio tickets.

An alternative is to use Rock Ferry station and make the 25 minute walk to the ground up Bedford Road, Bedford Avenue and Bedford Drive to Borough Road. For further information about journeys by public transport, visit the Merseytravel website at www.merseytravel.org or try the 24 hour hotline on 0870 608 2 608.

Photos
For more photos from Prenton Park, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/tranmere.html

Swindon Town - County Ground Guide

Stadium Info
The County Ground has a current capacity of 15,728, all-seated. The Don Rogers stand runs alongside the pitch and is the newest and smartest of all four stands offering an unobscured view of the action. The Arkells stand opposite partially houses away fans and does have two large pillars which can impede your view if you're sitting towards the back. The town end behind the goal has many supporting pillars but is at least undercover where as the Adkins end is open to the elements.

Away Fans
Upto 1,200 visiting supporters can be accomodated and are situated in the Arkells Stand. If you sit at the back of this stand you may find a supporting pillar impairing your view of the action but other than that you'll generally be ok from here. Facilities and refreshments aren't upto much in this stand so I suggest you find somewhere to eat before or after the game. If there is a large number of supporters expected then the Stratton Bank End can be opened to house a further 2,100 fans but be aware that this end isn't under cover and therefore you'll need to remember to take a coat with a hood if visiting in winter.

Where To Drink
The Merlin on Drove Road, near to the magic roundabout is a great pub for away fans offering an array of beers and cold food whilst showing the early kick offs on Sky Sports. Alternatively, situated on County Road is the cricket club. You're able to park up and leave the car here on non cricket match days and are even able to drink and eat in their bar. Not a bad bet for any home or away fan.

Parking
There is some street parking available in the surrounding roads but choose your spot carefully as car break in's are unfortunately quite a common theme in some areas, especially during evening games. There is a car park at the stadium but it's hugely over priced charging a whopping £10 per car. This is occasionally more expensive than the tickets to see the game...

By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Swindon Town's County Ground is Swindon. The railway station is appoximately three quarters of a mile away.

Directions for walking: Leave the station and immediately opposite is wellington Street. Walk down here and take the 1st left into Haydon St. After 100 yards take the right onto Corporation St and then at the roundabout take the left turn onto Broad Street. At the end of this road you'll join onto County Road. Turn right and the ground is a few yards further on the left.

Photos
For more photos from the County Ground, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/swindon.html

Stevenage - The Lamex Stadium Guide

Stadium Info
The Lamex Stadium has 2 impressive looking all seater stands to the South and West of the stadium. The other two are all standing and the East terrace is particualrly steep and very well sized for this level of the game. All stands are covered and offer unobstructed views (which is rare in the lower leagues) and the facilities inside are very good.

Away Fans
Visiting supporters are situated in the all seated South stand behind one of the goals and from here you'll enjoy a fantastic unobscured view of the playing surface. The leg room, facilities and refreshments afforded inside are very good as you'd expect from a relatively new ground. The low roof also allow for a good atmosphere to be generated.

Where To Drink
There is a lovely Club House at the ground which welcomes in both home and away fans. This is the best bet mainly as there's very little else in the viable local vacinity to walk to. Inside the club bar you'll find a selection of hot and cold food and drink along with a big screen tv. Back up the road from the stadium is a Business Park that has a few food outlets such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut if you fancy getting something more substantial before or after the game.

Parking
Parking is available at the stadium if you arrive early enough and it's free of charge. There isn't a huge amount of street parking but you shouldn't need to look for anywhere else to park as the official car park seems to run smoothly on the way in and also on the way out after the final whistle.

By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Stevenage's Lamex Stadium is Stevenage rail. The ground is approximately one mile away and around a 20 minute walk. From Stevenage station, you have the option of getting into one of the taxi's at the rank outside or embarking on the 35 minute walk. An additional option is to get one of the many buses that run the route.

Photos
For more photos from the Lamex Stadium, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/stevenage.html

Shrewsbury Town - Greenhous Meadow Ground Guide

Stadium Info
The Greenhous Meadow Stadium has an all seated capacity of just under 10,000 and was only opened in time for the start of the 2007-08. All four stands are built to the same specification and all are quite steep allowing for fans to be close to the field of play. Being a new stadium, leg room isn't a problem and the facilities are second to none compared to alot of its rival grounds at this level.

Away Fans
Visiting supporters are situated in the north stand at one end of the ground behind the goal where upto 1,800 visitors can be catered for. The views and facilities are very good as you'd expect from a new stadium and the leg room is also very spacious. Refreshments aren't cheap but aren't overpriced and alcohol is also freely available.

Where To Drink
Albion Vaults is situated outside of the train station so if you fancy a drink immediately after stepping off the train this Pub is recommended. The closest pubs to the new stadium are The Charles Darwin and The Peacock Inn.

The Darwin is situated just of Sutton Rd around 200 metres away from Oteley Road and The Peacock is also on Sutton Rd only its around 200 metres further. Restaurants in Shrewsbury that are recommended include The Peach Tree Restaurant, The Armoury, Country Friends and Drapers.

Parking
Parking isn't too difficult to find. The club operates a car park but unless you arrive early and are willing to pay over the odds, you'll be better off passing the stadium and heading into the local residential area to look for a space. It's approximately 10-15 minutes walk from there. There are one or two private car parks but they only appear to be open on certain match days.

By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Shrewsbury's Greenhous Meadow Stadium is Shrewsbury. The railway station is approximately two miles and 35-40 minutes by foot, away from the ground.

My recommendation is to jump into one of the taxi's at the rank outside the station but you also have the option of getting one of the buses that run the route from the town centre. Numbers 8, 16 and 23 all stop close to the ground and pick up from the same place.

Photos
For more photos from the Greenhous Meadow, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/shrewsbury.html

Sheffield United - Bramall Lane Ground Guide

Stadium Info
Bramall Lane is the oldest league stadium in the world and hosted its first game in 1862 whilst hosting the worlds first ever floodlit match in 1878. There are few bad seats in the house, although the Hallam FM stand behind one of the goals has a few supporting pillars and can affect your view. The whole stadium is full of character as you'd expect for a stadium this old. All 4 corners are filled in with either seating or admin offices but it adds to the overall feel and also helps to keep the atmosphere in.

Away Fans
Visiting supporters are situated in the lower tier of the Halliwells stand where upto 3,000 travelling fans can be catered for. The views are unobstructed and very good whilst the facilities and leg room are also reasonable. Tickets can be pruchased on the day athough I always recommend getting them in advance.

Where To Drink
There are a good set of pubs near to the ground including The Golden Lion which is located in Alderson Road, off Woodhead Road and is a 5 mins walk from the away entrance. It welcomes both home and away fans and there is a healthy level of banter in here on matchdays.

The city centre has some excellent pubs and is only a ten minute walk away, so drinking here and walking to the game is certainly a viable option.

Parking
A lot of people suggest in Meadowhall Shopping Centre and taking a tram in to avoid the town centre but in all honesty, if you're going to arrive early enough to do that you'll probably be early enough to find street parking in the roads surrounding the stadium. Do arrive early though, there's lots to see so it'll be worth your while.

By Train
The nearest / closest train station to Sheffield United's Bramall Lane Stadium is Sheffield. The mainline railway station is around a 10-15 minute walk from the football ground.

To get to Bramall Lane from the station: turn right as you leave the station and walk along Sheaf St for a couple of minutes until you reach a right turn onto St Mary's Street. Walk along here for approximately 0.2 miles and take the left turn onto Shoreham Street. The ground is about 0.3 miles (2 minutes) further down on the right.

Photos
For more photos from Bramall Lane, click the link below!
http://www.tothe92.co.uk/groundguide/sheffieldunited.html