First Impressions -- Around the ground -- Facilities -- The Stand -- Overall -- Pictures

First Impressions

This was only my 4th away day of the season, but also the 3rd long-distance one.

I had always had this one down as a 'must visit' for the season and it was backed up by the previous friendliness with the Bristol City fans.

It was pretty odd upon arriving at the ground as the coaches had to park up in a cargo yard nearby! It did make for an interesting but short walk to the ground though. It was quite amusing when we walked past a closed pub which said 'a warm and friendly welcome' yet it was all boarded up!

We soon got to the ground and I wasn't disappointed although I wasn't quite impressed either. Our first glimpses were of the entrance to the car park, the Wedlock Stand and the nearby 'Nelson Mandela House' - the exterior of the flats for Only Fools and Horses. It looked a tidy ground but nothing more really.

Around the ground

There was plenty of time for a walk round, unlike on my previous away day.

We first walked to the club shop an had a browse round there. It seemed quite cramped inside to say the least but there was a good range of merchandise on offer.

After we exited the club shop we walked back towards the Wedlock Stand so I could purchase a couple of programmes and take some pics. The Williams Stand looked quite tidy and neat but other than that, looked quite bland. It seemed the ground was largely covered in red metal cladding most of the way round which didn't help the overall appearance.

Inside was perhaps better. Again it was tidy and neat and each stand different to each other which made it an interesting and 'different' ground.

Facilities

The facilities weren't at all great - quite poor really. The concourse area was a just a small, open area which got cramped at half time. Just lucky it wasn't raining.

The toilets were also cramped too - having one entrance/exit was annoying again too - it was a similar case to the away stands at The Valley and Loftus Road.

They didn't sell beer, but maybe this was a blessing in disguise otherwise the situation at half time could've been far worse.

The Stand

The stand was quite poor. Pillars obstructing the view, poor access to the stand - just the one entrance/exit to the left of us, and worst of all - no backs on the seats! This was especially annoying and I wouldn't be surprised if some people got bad backs because of it.

The plus points to the stand were that you can make plenty of noise and have some good banter with the City fans. Also, you are quite close to the pitch too.

I think redeveloping this stand would be a must despite the plus points, although there would be no point in this since they are planning a new ground.

Overall

Despite the result and the dreadful, lazy North End performance, it was a good day out and again I was pleased to get another ground ticked off.
The City fans were friendly and some good banter was to be had.
Although not exactly brilliant, I thought the ground was tidy and neat and is a decent ground. Just seems to lack that 'oomph' that some other grounds have.

Ratings

Appearance: 7/10
Facilities: 6/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Fans: 9/10
Away Stand: 6/10

Overall: 7/10

Pictures

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