Torino (Italy)

Torino FC are a club from the northern city of Turin, who were formed in 1906. The formation of the club was brought about by some former members of Juventus who left the club following plans to move them away from Turin, leading to the intense rivalry continued to this day.

They were originally titled FC Torino and their first home was Velodromo Umberto I in the La Crocetta neighbourhood. In 1926 Torino moved into a new home, Stadio Filadelfia and the following season  'Il Granata' (The Clarets) thought they had won their first Scudetto (league title), but they had it revoked following irregularities in a game against Juventus. They were not to be denied in 1928 and they then went on to win another title in 1943. After a three year gap Il Grande Torino went on to win five consecutive titles as they were considered Italy's greatest ever team. However, tragedy was about to strike.

On Wednesday 4th May 1949 the team were in a plane returning from Lisbon after taking part in a farewell game for Xico Ferreira against Benfica. The plane flew into a thunderstorm as it approached Turin and in poor visability crashed into the Basilica on top of Superga, a large hill on the outskirts of the city. All thirty one people aboard were killed, including eighteen players, many of whom were Italian internationals. The disaster devastated the country. At the time the club had four league games to play, in which they fielded their youth team. As a mark of respect so did their opponents. The Torino youngsters won all the games to lift the Scudetto.

The Superga Memorial

The victims were as follows:

Players

Valerio Bacigalupo
Aldo Ballarin
Dino Ballarin
Émile Bongiorni
Eusebio Castigliano
Rubens Fadini
Guglielmo Gabetto
Roger Grava
Giuseppe Grezar
Ezio Loik
Virgilio Maroso
Danilo Martelli
Valentino Mazzola (captain of Torino and Italy)
Romeo Menti
Piero Operto
Franco Ossola
Mario Rigamonti
Julius Schubert

Club Officials

Arnaldo Agnisetta (manager)
Ippolito Civalleri (manager)
Ernest Erbstein (trainer)
Leslie Lievesley (coach from Staveley, Derbyshire)
Ottavio Corina (masseur)

Journalists

Renato Casalbore (founder of Tuttosport)
Luigi Cavallero (La Stampa)
Renato Tosatti (Gazzetta del Popolo)

Crew

Pierluigi Meroni (captain)
Antonio Pangrazi
Celestino D'Inca
Cesare Biancardi

Others

Andrea Bonaiuti, organiser

Il Grande Torino

Naturally, the club suffered from this great setback. After a decade of mediocraty they were relegated to Serie B in 1959. They returned immediately before leaving their muched loved home in 1963 to move in with Juve at Stadio Comunale, as it was known at the time. 1968 they lifted their third Coppa Italia to add to victories in 1936 and 1943. Another cup was won in 1971 before at last Il Toro (The Bull), to give them their another nickname eventually won another league title in 1976. In the 80's and 90's the club spent equal time in the top two divisions. After Italia 90 Torino moved out to Stadio delle Alpi in the Vallette borough of the city.

Stadio delle Alpi

In 1992 the club reached the final of the UEFA Cup, but lost out on aggregate to Ajax. In 2005 with Torino finding themselves once again in Serie B, they finished in third place and won promotion via the play offs. However, FIGC the governing body of Italian football blocked them owing to financial irregularities. The club was reformed as Torino FC and took up a place once again in Serie B.

The following year they returned to the Stadio Comunale, which had been completely refurbished for the Winter Olympics and given the new title of Stadio Olimpico. Juventus moved out in 2011 to go to a new stadium of their own built on the site of the demolished Del Alpi. It was hoped that the Stadio Olimpico could be renamed Stadio Grande Torino.

Promotion was secured back to the top flight following a runners up spot in 2011-12. This was followed by a season of consolidation.

Torino FC will compete in Serie A in the 2013-14 season.


My visit

Wednesday 3rd July 1990

I was at Italia 90 with my brother Nick and a few other great lads we'd befriended. We were staying on a temporary camp site in Turin which was the Stadio Primo Nebiolo in Parco Ruffini and it was the evening before England's World Cup Semi Final against West Germany.

The atmosphere was electric around the place and the police were extremely nervous as they were well aware of possible attacks from locals, particularly Juventus fans who were seeking revenge for their fellow fans in the light of the Heysel Disaster a few years previously. We were wary even going to the local shop, and a night in a bar was definitely not on the radar. There was a real siege mentality amongst us, and many of the lads who'd done the full tournament were extremely resentful of how they'd been treated.

We were going stir crazy and decided that we had to get out for a while. We agreed that the time to do it was while Italy were playing in their semi final against Argentina as the streets would be deserted. 

Stadio Comunale at the time of my visit

We were proved right and found ourselves outside Stadio Communale within around thirty minutes. The main gates were open but the old caretaker came out to see what we wanted. We made signals that we just wamted to take some photos and have a look. The kind man let us enter and watched from the entrance.

The stadium was showing signs of its age, but it had a real gladitorial feel about it. I knew lads who went there ten years previously with England in the European Championships and they said it was as rough as any experience they'd had at a game. The Comunale had three layers around the running track. The lowest was a very small paddock. This is where my pals had been squashed with the nice locals throwing missiles from the tiers above. Both sides had seated areas, with only one with a roof over the top seats.

We could only imagine what it must have been like there at a big match with the hostilaty of the locals and the flares being thrown onto the track. Bloody frightening was the general concensus! Anyway, we had our own welfare to protect, so we left the stadium with a "grazie" to the caretaker as we weaved our way back to the camp site.

On the edge of the park we heard noises in English coming out of the bicycle rental shop. It was packed with members of 'Bobby's Army' who were watching the Italy game on a black and white TV. The custodians of the hire shop were fine with us, as they turned out to be Torino fans. Well that, and the fact that they were probably petrified! They had nothing to worry about. Our supporters at the tournament were superb on the whole. They wanted to mix and be friendly with our hosts, but the Caribinieri and local authorities had painted a picture of marauding hooligans. The work of Mrs Thatcher and her little puppet Colin Moynihan hardly helped matters.

The match went to extra time and then penalties. Argentina played with more freedom and the hero of Napoli, Diego Maradona had scored their equaliser. It was now down to who could hold their nerve. The Argies did, while the Italians crumbled. We were jubilant and someone suggested we all went out riding the small kids bikes ringing the bells. Instead we headed back the hundred or so metres to the camp. I never thought I'd hear it if I wasn't there, but the chant was Argentina Argentina, such was the delight of seeing our hosts fail in the event they felt they were destined to win.

Stadio Olimpio after the refurb

The inevitable happened an hour later. The locals came looking to invade our site and take revenge. The police were out in force and held them back as some on our camp gathered arms and went to the perimeter in case of confrontation. The kind Caribinieri decided the best way to calm us down was to tear gas us. It was pretty terrifying stuff. It also hurt our eyes and throats.

When the excelent film One Night in Turin was released, it was revealed that there were more Italians arrested that evening in the city than English throughout the whole tournament. What a shame our authorities back home failed to recognise that fact!

Having said all of that, I would love to return to see both Turin clubs in action, as long as it isn't against English opposition.


The images of Superga, Il Grande Torino and Stadio Olimpio have been taken from the internet.

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers FC are one of the oldest and most traditional names in English football, having being originally formed as Christ Church FC in 1874 after the church that they played from. Bolton is a former mill town around fifteen miles north west of Manchester in Lancashire. After three years the club had a fall out with the church so they changed their name to their current title. Wanderers was a reference to the fact that they couldn't find a settled home ground for their first few seasons.

In 1888 Wanderers became one of the twelve founder members of the Football League. Within seven years they found a permanent home at Burnden Park in the Burnden district of the town near to the main railway line to Manchester. 'The Trotters' as the club are nicknamed were defeated in FA Cup Finals against Notts County and then Manchester City, before they reached the first ever Wembley final in 1923. Amongst the chaos of the famous 'White Horse Final' with up to 200,000 fans in attendance, Bolton defeated West Ham United 2-0 with David Jack scoring the first ever goal at the stadium.

Cup successes continued as they lifted the trophy after wins over Manchester City in 1926 and Portsmouth in 1929. In the league the side had fared differently with a couple of relegation's and subsequent promotions occurring. In 1935 the club were promoted to the First Division, where they'd remain for the following twenty nine years. Their hero of the time was local lad Nat Lofthouse, who was dubbed 'The Lion of Vienna' after a goal he scored for England in an away fixture against Austria where several players tried to stop him by foul play before he scored.

In 1953 Wanderers ended runners up in the FA Cup after a game referred to as 'Matthews Final' after Stanley Matthews the veteran Blackpool winger, despite centre forward Stan Mortenson netting a hat trick. Bolton led the game 3-1 before the dramatic fight back led to a 4-3 reverse. Five years later they returned to Wembley to lift the Cup for a fourth time when they broke the nations heart by beating a Manchester United side recovering from the Munich Air Disaster with two Lofthouse goals.

The sixties brought disappointment with relegation down to third tier for a short period. Managers came and went until Ian Greaves took the role and developed a fine young side with the likes of Sam Allardyce, Neil Whatmore and Peter Reid starring. They returned to the First Division in 1978 with Frank Worthington leading the forward line.

To see a great goal from this era, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sAZJtl6Qz0

Their spell at the top lasted just two seasons, before the club entered the worst period in their history. Money was tight so part of the Bolton End at Burnden Park was sold off leading to the terrace being cut in half to accommodate a supermarket. This spoilt the fine old aging ground that had once staged an FA Cup Final Replay, but had also witnessed one of footballs biggest disaster when thirty three fans were killed and hundreds injured in 1946 when too many spectators were admitted to a game against Stoke City.

The team were relegated all the way to Division Four by 1987 as a succession of managers failed to galvanise the side. Crowds also dropped to an all time low. The club kept faith with Phil Neal who manged to take Bolton straight back up at the first attempt. Lofthouse was made Life President of the club and Wanderers returned to Wembley as they lifted the Football League Trophy in 1989.

Bruce Rioch arrived as manager in 1992 and the team soon gained a reputation as FA Cup giant killers as they beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield with Andy Walker and John McGinlay netting. Another promotion was achieved and the club reached the last eight of the FA Cup after beating Arsenal in 1993. Bolton were losing finalists in the 1995 League Cup Final against Liverpool, but they won promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season, before Rioch left to take the hot seat at Arsenal.

Roy McFarland and his assistant Colin Todd took over as the club were relegated. Todd was put in charge and the side went straight back to the top flight at their first attempt in May 1997. At the end of the season Wanderers left Burnden Park and moved to edge of the boundary of the Borough of Bolton to the new Reebok Stadium in Horwich. The local shoewear company entered into a long term naming rights sponsorship. The stadium surrounds also gradually developed with an indoor arena, shops and a hotel being built.

In 1998 the club were once again relegated. Todd resigned the following season after they lost in the Play Off Final to Watford at Wembley to be replaced by club legend Sam Allardyce who was appointed by Chairman Phil Gartside. In 2001 Preston North End were defeated in the Millennium Stadium Play Off Final to take the club back to the Premier League. 'Big Sam' set about revolutionising the way the team played with emphasis being very much on statistics and sports science. Class signings were brought in on free transfers but big contracts such as Ivan Campo, Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff and Kevin Davies.

In 2004 Wanderers were once again runners up in the League Cup, this time to Middlesbrough, while the following season they finished in sixth place in the league and played in one of two UEFA Cup campaigns. In 2007 Allardyce resigned as manager after leading Wanderers to their four previous top ten finishes. Despite this, opposing fans and the media often criticised him and his team for what was said to be a direct style of football.

Sammy Lee had an unsuccessful spell as manger to be followed by the unpopular Gary Megson. He was replaced in January 2010 by former favourite Owen Coyle, who changed the style of football to something more pleasing on the eye. However, for all the aesthetic nature of the play, it wasn't enough to save The Trotters from relegation at the end of the 2011-12 season.

Coyle was acked in October 2012, with Dougie Freedman coming in from Crystal Palace to replace him. It took the new boss time to gel his own squad, but the 2012-13 saw Wanderers just miss out on a play off spot.

Bolton Wanderers will play in the Football League Championship in the 2013-14 season.


My visit

Bolton Wanderers 0 Arsenal 0 (Wednesday 1st February 2012) FA Premier League (att: 24,371)

I had checked the fixture lists as I was to finish my night shifts on the Tuesday morning, with the following couple of days off. Wanderers were originally down to play The Gunners on Tuesday evening, but the game moved to the next night.

This meant a change of plan for me, meaning a stay in Blackpool before moving to stay in Manchester on the evening of the game. My ticket had been purchased online without any hassles, so I was ready for my evening out, looking forward to it with great anticipation.

I had a sneak glimpse of the Reebok on the train from Blackpool that lunchtime as we passed by. I was staying at the newly developed Salford Quays area in Manchester, and after a siesta I headed into the city for a few pre match beers. I knew there were no pubs around the ground, so this seemed the most sensible option. I popped into the quirky Peverel of the Peak and a Lloyds Bar around Oxford Road and then headed to Oxford Road rail station ahead of the direct train. The service was packed full of commuters and fans, but I managed through expression to convince three Orientals that the fourth seat around their table was designated for me rather than their shopping.

I got chatting to three youths from Leeds who'd travelled across for the game who reminded me of myself a few years back. They were really excited about going to a big game and commented on how much cheaper it was than going to Elland Road with the discount price that Bolton offered under twenties. As the train emptied the air was filled with singing from fans of both sides. I loved my non league adventures, but there was nothing like an occasional outing to a big game. I rushed around the stadium, buying a programme along the way, as I was keen to take a look and use the facilities.

The Reebok Stadium was everything I anticipated. It was a truly beautiful sight both inside and out with terrific views. I had a seat in the upper tier of The Nat Lofthouse Stand for £35, which was opposite where the cameras sit for screening games. Opposite was the West Stand, with the North and South Stands located behind the goals. Each stand was identical in design, with a conventional lower tier and a semi circular upper deck. Each stand met with another in the corners, where tall diamond shaped floodlight towers shone down on the arena.

After taking my photos I went back to the ample concourse for a drink and a 'meat n taty' pie. I also purchased a voucher to collect a beer at half time. There were good sized toilets, TVs showing BWTV and a betting stand. I'd already put on a bet on my iPhone, with a highly improbable treble of wins for Bolton, Blackburn and QPR being laid. I figured all three were separate for wins and the odds were very tempting.

I settled into my front row seat amongst the locals who weren't slow in criticising their own players. Arsenal were passing The Trotters to death but as in so many games, they were lacking a finish. Wave after wave of attacks were somehow kept out by the home side, while they resorted to the occasional break away at the other end. Robin Van Persie was orchestrating along with some excellent work from the young Alex Oxlade Chamberlain. However their back four didn't look as steady when required, with Per Mertesacker looking particularly dodgy.

Despite the first half consisting of Arsenal dominance apart from the last few minutes, the teams went back down their separate tunnels for their break with the scoreline blank. I headed back to the warm for my half time pint. I was amazed how easily the system employed worked. I went to a separate door where a man dispatched pre poured beers with lids on, so that there was no waiting. Another plus point was that if you paid in advance, it was around twenty pence cheaper. Yet remarkably fans still stood in the queues.

The cold increased in the second half as I got talking to the man next to me. He was a Blackpool fan who'd been at the same game as me the previous evening. His son was a Bolton season ticket holder, so he went along when their fixtures didn't clash. He said he'd been a Bloomfield Road regular for fifty years and we had a good chat. He had a laugh when I mentioned how demanding the home fans were despite them beating Liverpool in their last home game and they were holding Arsenal in this match.

Van Persie hit the bar with a majestic chip, but the Arsenal pressure was diminishing with Wanderers giving it a real go. The home fans then found their voices and created a great atmosphere, which unsurprisingly seemed to inspire the team. They could well have been awarded a late penalty as Mertesacker made yet another clumsy challenge, but as it was both sides had to settle for a point. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable game despite me seeing no goals.

I ran around the stadium as fast as I could and headed for Horwich Parkway station in the hope that there may have been an extra train laid on to get fans back to Bolton and Manchester. The police had everyone queueing up outside, which was a good way to keep things in order. However, I was dismayed when we were told there wasn't a train for twenty minutes. I was cold and wanted to get back for a pint and something to eat before bed.

I heard a conversation taking place between an astute taxi driver who had driven to the station and two blokes. They were getting inside when I shouted and asked where they were going. They said Manchester, and ushered me over. I was followed by and Arsenal fan. It turned out it would cost £40 for the journey between us, with the driver wanting payment up front. The two lads were from Norway and were over for a week of football, music and socialising. They'd been at the Everton v Man City game the previous evening and were going to Man City v Fulham game at the weekend as well as a gig in the city. One was a Sky Blues fan, with the other supporting Leeds. The Arsenal fan lived in Manchester, and despite being a little fond of himself and being a typical fan of the bigger clubs (nothing was good enough for him), he was handy for chivvying the driver along.

Our chauffeur did the business as we were getting out in Piccaddilly Gardens by 10.30pm. I went for a couple of pints and then a take away before catching the last tram back to my Travelodge room.

It had been a really good night out as I was surrounded by decent folk, I went to some good pubs and been to a cracking stadium and seen a very decent game. I wasn't upset to hit my pillow in my lovely warm room though!


Some of the images of Burnden Park have been taken from the internet.

Fleetwood Town

The current incarnation of Fleetwood Town FC was formed in 1997, although there have been several previous incarnations, the first dating back to 1908.

The club come from the famous fishing town of Fleetwood on the North West coast of England, around seven miles north of Blackpool in Lancashire. Fleetwood FC as they were originally known became members of the Lancashire Combination in 1910, where they remained until 1968 when they became founder members of the Northern Premier League.

'The Trawlermen' to give them their original nickname, had moved into their Highbury Stadium home in 1939. Crowds were low during the clubs years in the NPL and they folded owing to financial difficulties in 1976. The club were re-established in 1977 as Fleetwood Town FC as they were admitted to the Cheshire County League from where they played Blackpool in the FA Cup First Round in a game switched to Bloomfield Road. The Seasiders ran out easy 4-0 winners, before two years later the North West Counties League was formed where Town were founder members.

In 1985 Town reached Wembley in the final of the FA Vase, where they were defeated 3-1 by Halesowen Town. Two years later the club were placed in the newly extended second tier of the Northern Premier League, and before long they were promoted to the Premier Division. However, it proved to be a step too far and they once again folded owing to problems of finance in 1996.

A new club Fleetwood Wanderers FC were formed as a replacement for the 1997-98 campaign in the North West Counties League, but before the season started they changed their name to Fleetwood Freeport FC in acknowledgement of the new sea front development in the town. A promotion was achieved and in 2002 the club decided to use the historical Fleetwood Town name.

Around the same time, a local man Andy Pilley began his own company, Business Energy Solutions from the fall out of the utilities deregulation. In 2003 he bought the club and began pumping in money in the hope of fulfilling his dream of taking Town all the way to the Football League.

Successive promotions under manager Tony Greenwood saw 'The Cod Army' reach the Northern Premier League Premier Division by 2006,as the first phase of the development of Highbury began. Two years later the title was secured meaning promotion to the Conference North in front of the highest average home gate in the division of 721.

Former Blackpool midfielder Micky Mellon took over as manager after a poor start to the season, with his role becoming full time a few months later. Town reached the FA Cup Second Round for the first time ever that season, with Hartlepool United ending their run at Highbury in front of a record crowd at the time. Crowds gradually increased as new players were introduced to the club.

In 2010 Town reached the Conference National as they defeated Alfreton Town in the Highbury Play Off Final in from of another new attendance high. For the new season in non league's elite, the playing staff were made full time, with Pilley's cash being splashed on several new signings. It all paid dividends as The Cod Army reached another Play Off Semi Final. On this occasion League bound AFC Wimbledon thrashed them 6-1 on aggregate.

All the time the playing staff and Highbury was being heavily invested in, and the 2011-12 season saw a serious promotion assault as well as a fine FA Cup run. Mansfield Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Yeovil Town were all dispatched before Town were awarded with a dream home draw in Round Three against Blackpool. As in 1980 the senior club walked away with the honours in a fine 5-1 victory which drew a new stadium record crowd of 5,092. Promotion was sealed at the end of the season as League football arrived at Highbury Avenue.

The Cod Army's debut season as a member of the 'ninety two' saw boss Micky Mellon depart to be replaced by Graham Alexander with the team finishing in mid table.

Fleetwood Town will compete in Football League Two in the 2013-14 season.


My visits

Wednesday 1st February 2012

I had stayed in Blackpool the previous evening while on a couple of days break after working night shifts. It was a crisp but beautiful morning by the seaside and Blackpool had never looked better.

I had been to three non league clubs in the town before 9am, owing to my insomnia and after a bight to eat, I headed for the promenade to catch a bus to Fleetwood. I would have taken the tram, but apart from test vehicles they were closed for track renovation. Instead I got a seat on the upper deck on the coast side looking forward to my ride. I was surprised when I saw that journeys could take up to an hour according to the timetable, but I soon found out why.

I think I was the youngest person on board by about twenty years. At every bus stop there was a queue of pensioners waiting to board. They took what seemed like an eternity to shuffle on and get their ticket. I had inadvertently chosen the first bus after 9.30am, meaning it was the first free bus for those with pension cards. They'd all obviously seen the weather and piled out of their hotels after breakfast for a cheap day out.

The old stand still in use behind the Highbury Stand

I was relieved that I was ahead of schedule, although we quickened up once we'd dropped half the bus off at Cleveleys. My IPhone was very handy as I followed our progress on the map app, meaning I knew exactly where to get off. I alighted along Hatfield Avenue and was delighted to see the gate opened. I went inside to take my photos as the groundsmen were removing the protective covers from the pitch.

Highbury Stadium was a very impressive ground for a club that were members of the North West Counties League not many years previously. The near end had some flat open standing and then the covered terracing of The Percy Ronson Stand. Down the near side was a narrow stretch of standing in front of the Highbury Social Club and then the all seated Highbury Stand. The Memorial Stand was a covered terrace at the far end, but the crowning glory had only been completed less that a year previously. The Parkside Stand had a single tier of seating, with two layers of boxes above. The first set had the offices of Chairman Pilley's BES company inside and the upper level had a balcony of seats for patrons. The stand was covered with a striking semi circular roof.

I got chatting to a couple of the very friendly groundsmen, who were a credit to their club. They assured me that Pilley was a good guy who was football mad. They welcomed him after they had some previous men at the helm who they didn't think too much of. I asked what was next for the stadium? They just chuckled and said, "Who knows with Pilley in charge!"

I was then taken for a look behind the Highbury Stand by one of the gents. Amazingly the old wooden grandstand that was set back from the pitch when there was once a speedway track at the stadium, was still intact. I was told that the changing rooms were used by the Academy players when the had matches on the pitches behind the ground. I was also told about how the social club was now privately owned and was members only after the old club sold it off, meaning away fans have nowhere to drink at the ground because Jim's Bar is under the home end. Pilley had offered cash to buy it back, but had so far been rebuffed. I had the feeling that he'd eventually get his way so that he could extend the stand and provide extra facilities.

I said my thanks and goodbyes. I was told to return soon. It had been a lovely half hour. I chatted to a lovely lady at the bus stop, who like most people I met over my couple of days in Lancashire was a credit to the area.

The journey back to Blackpool was far quicker than the outward ride. I entered the Tower building and enquired about going up in the lift, but I thought £12 was too expensive. Instead I came across the ballroom and sat upstairs for a few minutes, marvelling at the incredible old building and the joy of the dancers of all ages down below. There was something about it that made me so proud to be British.

I walked back to the station through parts of Blackpool that were nice, and others just a few years ago that were an eyesore. The old place certainly needs some investment, but there's still nothing like seeing that wonderful magical Tower for the first time in ages.

Fleetwood Town 1 Cheltenham Town 1 (Tuesday 26th February 2013) Football League Two (att: 2,013)

I had originally thought that I was going to this game after completing my night shifts, but I had taken my eye off the ball. I had been allotted the first week of the new leave pattern, so who was I to argue? 

My room had been booked at the North Pier in Blackpool Travelodge well in advance for just £19.99, as had my rail tickets, even if the return wouldn't be used as I headed to Scarborough later in the week. My journey meant a change of trains in Preston, where I wandered to Deepdale and was treated to an impromptu stadium tour. 

After some training on the wide expanses of Blackpool beach, including bowling at the sea wall in preparation for my forthcoming cricket tour to Thailand I washed and changed before taking the tram to Fleetwood. The afternoon had been beautiful, but it was already getting cold as the night drew in.

My match ticket had been purchased in advance and cost just £12.50 for a place on the terrace behind the home goal. Once I had collected that and bought a very impressive match programme I headed for Jim's Bar underneath the home end. The facility was first class, with plasma screens everywhere as well as plentiful barstaff serving the thirsty punters. It was top class.

Before kick off I needed some food, and the excellent quick service at the kiosk meant I was soon tucking into a very good and generous portion of pie, chips and gravy. I took my place in the top corner of the stand to enjoy it.

The visitors from Gloucestershire were the better side throughout the first period. They were quicker and stronger and went into the lead with a twenty yard shot from Marlon Pack. The home keeper Scott Davies was having a good game, and he needed to. The bar had plenty of unimpressed members of the Cod Army at half time. I enjoyed a 'wee dram' for medicinal reasons as the temperatures continued to drop.

Jon Parkin came on for the second half and immediately started using his considerable physique to good effect, while using his impeccable ball control to set up his team mates. He got under the skin of the Cheltenham defenders at the same time and let them know that they were in a game.

Fellow substitute Junior Brown headed home from a corner to restore parity, and despite plenty of huffing and puffing, that was the end of the scoring. The visitors would probably feel that they should have won the game, but they failed to capitalise when well on top.

I headed for the tram, and it was greeted with great joy when it arrived to get the fans out of the bitter cold. I  called in at both Wetherspoon houses located close to my digs on my return to Blackpool; The Albert and the Lion and The Layton Rakes, playing spot the customer in one and avoiding the drunk Irishmen in the other. 

Blackpool really is tired in places, but the sight of The Tower still gets my pulse racing. I had enjoyed ticking off another venue and the sea air.

The black and white images of Highbury have been taken from text books.

Maine Road

Maine Road FC are a non league football club based in the south Manchester suburb of Whalley Range. The club were originally formed under the name of City Supporters Rusholme FC by a group of Manchester City fans in 1955.

'Road' started out playing Sunday League football. In the 1960's they moved to new headquarters at the Maine Road Social Club at the famous old stadium while changing their name to their current title. In 1972 they made the move to Saturday football, joining the Manchester League.

They won four consecutive league titles from their Brantingham Road home, which they moved into in 1980, before joining the North West Counties League in 1987 after upgrading their ground. Over the following seasons they gradually climbed the NWCL with a relegation thrown in.

The 2012-13 season saw a battle for the championship with Padiham who eventually went on to claim the title and promotion.

Maine Road FC will play in the North West Counties League Premier Division in the 2013-14 season.


My visits

Wednesday 21st July 2010

I had been in Manchester for a few days of socialising and groundhopping. On my final day after going around Bury and surrounding towns I had time for one last ground to visit. I took the bus from Piccadilly Gardens and got off near Brantingham Road after an interesting ride through several suburbs.

On arrival I was gutted that access to the ground was locked, and with it being located down an open drive I couldn't take any decent photos. I tried to find a way in from the southern end on Wilbraham Road to no avail.

I had to console myself with a look on Whitworth Street and see the new block of flats where The Hacienda once stood and have a couple of pints before my train. Well there was a sort of tenuous link - Maine Road, Oasis, Hacienda.

Thursday 2nd February 2012

I was back in Manchester after spending the night in a Travelodge by Salford Quays after attending the Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal game the previous evening. Again I had a couple of hours to kill, so once again I found myself on a bus from Piccadilly.

I got off a stop early to have a walk as my fitness campaign was in full swing. Again the gate was padlocked and I thought I was once again to be thwarted. However, I'm nothing if not determined and I saw the gate to the St Bede's School Playing Fields, which adjoins the ground was open. I walked across the frozen perimeter of the ground so I didn't attract attention and got to the fence alongside Road's home.

It had once been the headquarters of the Manchester FA, and although local finals were still played at the ground, they vacated administratively to the newly built Salford Sports Village a few years previously. It was quite a basic venue, but it ticked all the boxes required to stage Step 5 football. There was a long low cover on the far side with a mixture of standing spaces and bench seating, with another smaller stand on the near side by the dug outs. The rest of the ground consisted of flat open hard standing and grass. The changing rooms and facilities were in a seperate block near the entrance accessed from Brantingham Road.

I wasn't quite done yet. Back in the late 90's my good friend Steve Walker took me through to Manchester to visit his girlfriend Sarah. I hadn't realised at the time but the student house she lived in on Manley Road was just around the corner. I had a walk and went by to relive a few happy memories before carrying on for another twenty minutes or so to see what happened to the old Maine Road stadium in Moss Side.

It had been a very cold and clear morning, but my walk warmed me up and I left with a smile.