You're Supposed to be at Home.....
Whenever I read people’s opinions I like to know what their bias is, so I can put into perspective some of their views. The same goes for radio and TV presenters. Therefore, it is only right, in the spirit of full disclosure, that we come clean on our views on our home stadium(s). As you will see, no one will ever accuse us of a bias!
The Recreation Ground Aldershot
If you have got this far you will no doubt know that we are Aldershot fans. If you were in any doubt the Rec is the ground on the banner of every page on this website, and you will find no pictures of the shrine to plastic just off the A33 in Berkshire (nor will you till we play there). Call it what you like, but a vast majority of fans feel that way over another team!
For those who have never visited, it is fair to say the Rec is unique. Three sides, entrances through lawns and flower beds, terraces mixed with seats, traditional old style floodlights and the lingering smell of stale beer and cigarettes.
Many who visit as a neutral love it’s ‘old school’ charm, those who visit as away fans bemoan the access (you really have to experience the climb down the hill to the away turnstiles), poor facilities (it’s the same for home fans unfortunately) and the locals habit of chucking just about anything they can over the segregation fence.
For those who have never visited, it is fair to say the Rec is unique. Three sides, entrances through lawns and flower beds, terraces mixed with seats, traditional old style floodlights and the lingering smell of stale beer and cigarettes.
Many who visit as a neutral love it’s ‘old school’ charm, those who visit as away fans bemoan the access (you really have to experience the climb down the hill to the away turnstiles), poor facilities (it’s the same for home fans unfortunately) and the locals habit of chucking just about anything they can over the segregation fence.
It is this part of the ground (the East Bank; I’m told the largest capacity terrace still in use in League Football) that most people like most. It is split approx 2/3 home; 1/3 away and when a good number of away fans turn up, the noise generated by both sets of fans is pretty decent for the 4th division.
But don’t let the oddities of the ground (of which it has many) cloud your judgment, it really isn’t fit for purpose. I first entered the Rec in 1973, and little has changed. Yes the club does what it can (with the odd few pennies that it has) and despite what many may think, it has been kept within the requirements of the licensing authorities (just!!). But in 2011 it is seriously outdated, and I do wonder how long it is before the league starts putting pressure on for some more radical change.
Quite what the future holds, no one really knows. Council owned, located right on the High Street and with little obvious room to develop on 3 sides. The club (be it the pre or post 1992 version) has never had any money, and on gates little over 2,000 are never likely to attract the kind of investment required for a new stadium (which will undoubtedly have to be out of town).
It’s not much, never will be, but, even for an ex-pat like myself, it’s home.
But don’t let the oddities of the ground (of which it has many) cloud your judgment, it really isn’t fit for purpose. I first entered the Rec in 1973, and little has changed. Yes the club does what it can (with the odd few pennies that it has) and despite what many may think, it has been kept within the requirements of the licensing authorities (just!!). But in 2011 it is seriously outdated, and I do wonder how long it is before the league starts putting pressure on for some more radical change.
Quite what the future holds, no one really knows. Council owned, located right on the High Street and with little obvious room to develop on 3 sides. The club (be it the pre or post 1992 version) has never had any money, and on gates little over 2,000 are never likely to attract the kind of investment required for a new stadium (which will undoubtedly have to be out of town).
It’s not much, never will be, but, even for an ex-pat like myself, it’s home.
Jan Breydelstadion Brugge
The city of Brugge is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. It is a magnet for English day trippers and weekend breaks, as well as just about every other nationality on the planet. Canals, beer, cobbled streets, lace, chocolates and mussels are all part of the tourist experience. It is an hour from Calais, yet it seems like years away.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Jan Breydelstadion. I have been visiting Brugge regularly since 1990. I have made a lot of friends there both through football and through just hanging out, and I have been a season ticket holder there for a number of years (if only to guarantee tickets for the big games!). When I first went, the ground was fairly average, two tiered stands along each side and covered terraces behind the goals. Nothing special, but reasonably typical of the stadiums being built in the mid 70’s (the East Terrace was replaced in the late 80’s with an similar stand to the West side).
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Jan Breydelstadion. I have been visiting Brugge regularly since 1990. I have made a lot of friends there both through football and through just hanging out, and I have been a season ticket holder there for a number of years (if only to guarantee tickets for the big games!). When I first went, the ground was fairly average, two tiered stands along each side and covered terraces behind the goals. Nothing special, but reasonably typical of the stadiums being built in the mid 70’s (the East Terrace was replaced in the late 80’s with an similar stand to the West side).
Then in the late 90’s the stadium was ‘renovated’ for Euro 2000. Essentially this involved replacing the end terraces (which had had seats put in by now) with two tier stands. The end result was horrific. Large parts of the upper tiers are uncovered, the lower tier in the south end looks like it is temporary, the bucket seats have never been replaced in 10 years and the leg room is non-existent. The stairs to the upper tiers are concrete black holes and the gangways so tight that just getting to your seat is an achievement in itself.
It’s a real shame. Outside the game on match days the small row of bars is a good a place for a pre match beer as any I have visited. Sure, it’s a fair bus journey out of the city to the stadium, but the buses are fast and frequent. Everything up until you get to the stadium makes you think you are in for a real treat. And then you get there.
The new 40,000 Dexia Arena has been long in the planning. To be quite honest, it’s been so long no one ever mentions it any more so I’m not sure if it has been confined to history. But one thing is for certain…..it can’t be any worse.
It’s a real shame. Outside the game on match days the small row of bars is a good a place for a pre match beer as any I have visited. Sure, it’s a fair bus journey out of the city to the stadium, but the buses are fast and frequent. Everything up until you get to the stadium makes you think you are in for a real treat. And then you get there.
The new 40,000 Dexia Arena has been long in the planning. To be quite honest, it’s been so long no one ever mentions it any more so I’m not sure if it has been confined to history. But one thing is for certain…..it can’t be any worse.
Rat Verlegh Stadion Breda
Ok it’s not Brugge, but the city centre of Breda is a pleasant enough place (may I recommend O’Meras Irish Pub for liquid refreshment?). Fortunately, the football stadium is not like it’s counterpart in Brugge either. That said it’s not exactly footballing utopia.
The hooliganism problems in the Netherlands have been well documented. As well as the dreaded bus combi for away fans (compulsory bus travel for all, that has virtually eliminated travelling support in the country), this led to the emergence of a new generation of security conscious stadiums where the focus was on eliminating the risk of fans mixing or getting on the pitch.
This is in evidence at the Rat. Out of town (a good 20 minute walk) set in a large car park, this typically Dutch box stadium comes with moat, perspex surrounded away end and raised pitch.
The hooliganism problems in the Netherlands have been well documented. As well as the dreaded bus combi for away fans (compulsory bus travel for all, that has virtually eliminated travelling support in the country), this led to the emergence of a new generation of security conscious stadiums where the focus was on eliminating the risk of fans mixing or getting on the pitch.
This is in evidence at the Rat. Out of town (a good 20 minute walk) set in a large car park, this typically Dutch box stadium comes with moat, perspex surrounded away end and raised pitch.
However, it does has a number of redeeming features; there are small sections of terracing behind each goal (that ensure a decent atmosphere; provided NAC aren’t having one of their legendary ‘off-days’) the steepness of the stands affords a good view, even at the back of these stands and the facilities are very good (including a very nice social club under the ‘B-side’).
I’m not going to sit and say that this is a must-visit stadium, but it is certainly one of the better ones in the country. That is if you can get over the biggest draw backs of visiting this place. Getting tickets is an absolute nightmare. Sure, they are something like 95% sold on season tickets, but even when walk-ups are available, failure to produce a membership card can often result in disappointment.
So there you have it. An honest opinion of the places we call home (well have season tickets). So if you think we have been tough on your home ground, it could be worse. I bet you can’t wait for the day we take that trip along the A33!
I’m not going to sit and say that this is a must-visit stadium, but it is certainly one of the better ones in the country. That is if you can get over the biggest draw backs of visiting this place. Getting tickets is an absolute nightmare. Sure, they are something like 95% sold on season tickets, but even when walk-ups are available, failure to produce a membership card can often result in disappointment.
So there you have it. An honest opinion of the places we call home (well have season tickets). So if you think we have been tough on your home ground, it could be worse. I bet you can’t wait for the day we take that trip along the A33!