Johnny D Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 (edited) I've decided this season to visit as many football grounds in Scotland as I can, starting with League Two. Has anybody got any tips? My first game will be opening day match between Stirling Albion and Queen's Park. Edit: this will all be done by public transport, no cars involved. Edited July 9, 2019 by Johnny D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Double check TV fixtures. Take a series of photographs. You outside each ground etc. Maybe you already planned that. Do some of the harder to reach journeys early. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 I dont think tv will affect my league two plans, and yes plenty of photographs will taken and I'm also contemplating doing a blog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 17 minutes ago, Johnny D said: I've decided this season to visit as many football grounds in Scotland as I can, starting with League Two. Has anybody got any tips? My first game will be opening day match between Stirling Albion and Queen's Park. Edit: this will all be done by public transport, no cars involved. Sounds great, hope you enjoy. As an aside, try to get a read of a book called ‘A season in the sun’. It’s about a chap who followed Real Madrid all over Spain in a season that Beckham was at the Bernabeu. It’s quite a good read imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 24 minutes ago, Morgan said: Sounds great, hope you enjoy. As an aside, try to get a read of a book called ‘A season in the sun’. It’s about a chap who followed Real Madrid all over Spain in a season that Beckham was at the Bernabeu. It’s quite a good read imo. I'll have a look for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
How's my driving Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Will you always be in the home end? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo dans les Pyrenees Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 58 minutes ago, Johnny D said: I dont think tv will affect my league two plans, and yes plenty of photographs will taken and I'm also contemplating doing a blog. Blog sounds great. You've mentioned about transport which I think is a good idea, but I think it would be interesting to hear about pubs etc close to ground, facilities at ground etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will-i-am-a-jambo Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 (edited) Are you trying to get round all 42 professional grounds in one season? Will be interested to see how you get on with this. It's an ambition of mine when l have the time & the money. ps it's great that you are using public transport! Edited July 9, 2019 by will-i-am-a-jambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEDNAR BOY Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Been lucky enough to visit all the Scottish League grounds. All have their own charm maybe with the exception of Albion Rovers and Edinburgh City. Great view of The Ochils at Stirling Albion but not a favourite, reasonably new but zero at either end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BM1874 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Groundhopper by Kepermat https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/groundhopper/id489247406 download this app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwigforjack Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 31 minutes ago, Queensland Jambo said: Blog sounds great. You've mentioned about transport which I think is a good idea, but I think it would be interesting to hear about pubs etc close to ground, facilities at ground etc. That will all make it into the blog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwigforjack Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 21 minutes ago, will-i-am-a-jambo said: Are you trying to get round all 42 professional grounds in one season? Will be interested to see how you get on with this. It's an ambition of mine when l have the time & the money. ps it's great that you are using public transport! No, this season I'm concentrating on leagues one and two. Next season championship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwigforjack Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 40 minutes ago, How's my driving said: Will you always be in the home end? Most likely. I may take in the odd cup game too, in which case I'll be in the away end for a different perspective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Do Servco early in the season, just in case they go tits-up again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AW1 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Used to groundhop when living down South. Visited some weird and wonderful places like Molesey and Mangotsfield United. I recommend doing the East of Scotland league grounds and also West Juniors but if your just sticking to League one and two there are some crackers, Albion Rovers is an old relic, Peterhead has a cracking clubhouse and a nice journey on the bus from Aberdeen. Stirling Albion is also a good one with the views from the stand and a top steak pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwigforjack Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Yoda said: Do Servco early in the season, just in case they go tits-up again. I won't be going to any premiership games this season, hopefully they can keep for another 2 years lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwigforjack Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 1 minute ago, AW1 said: Used to groundhop when living down South. Visited some weird and wonderful places like Molesey and Mangotsfield United. I recommend doing the East of Scotland league grounds and also West Juniors but if your just sticking to League one and two there are some crackers, Albion Rovers is an old relic, Peterhead has a cracking clubhouse and a nice journey on the bus from Aberdeen. Stirling Albion is also a good one with the views from the stand and a top steak pie I love a good steak pie , looks like I picked the right first ground to visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FWJ Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 Stranraer’s a weird one. If I remember right you had to walk through a park to get to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geomac Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Baldwigforjack said: I love a good steak pie , looks like I picked the right first ground to visit. Nice ground with some good scenery, but couldn't you go on Saturday and support them against Hibs? 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will-i-am-a-jambo Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 8 minutes ago, Baldwigforjack said: No, this season I'm concentrating on leagues one and two. Next season championship. Ah ok no worries. Good luck with it all. Will keep a look out for your blogs, l hope you will post them on here. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwigforjack Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 I've just realised I've been replying to everyone via my phone and that's linked to my old account lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 On right account now. Sorry if anyone got confused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 8 minutes ago, geomac said: Nice ground with some good scenery, but couldn't you go on Saturday and support them against Hibs? 😀 Good shout, I might just do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share Posted July 9, 2019 (edited) 24 minutes ago, BM1874 said: Groundhopper by Kepermat https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/groundhopper/id489247406 download this app Is there an android version? Edit: found it Edited July 9, 2019 by Johnny D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BM1874 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 7 minutes ago, Johnny D said: Is there an android version? Edit: found it Yes the “free” version is ok, let’s you log games that are listed from last season (or 2) and a couple of minor other things i would recommend the “paid” version (4/5.99 a year) lets you search local games as well as “check in” to games and earn badges. Now I know the later is a bit corny, but something to potentially look forward to, if you log your other 41 grounds, when you get to the 42nd and final you’ll earn your “doing the 42” badge (as well as completing leagues along the way) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 37 minutes ago, Baldwigforjack said: I won't be going to any premiership games this season, hopefully they can keep for another 2 years lol Hopefully not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dc-jambo Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 34 minutes ago, FWJ said: Stranraer’s a weird one. If I remember right you had to walk through a park to get to it. Cracking ground went to the main stand. Looked like we were in Trumpton. tremendous views up the firth of Clyde to arran and beyond. Also, hmfc won 4-0 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FWJ Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 27 minutes ago, dc-jambo said: Cracking ground went to the main stand. Looked like we were in Trumpton. tremendous views up the firth of Clyde to arran and beyond. Also, hmfc won 4-0 😀 Yup, that’s the time I was there too! I remember driving back up the road and it was the N Ireland sports programme on the radio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
braveheart Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 1 hour ago, BM1874 said: Groundhopper by Kepermat https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/groundhopper/id489247406 download this app its lost its appeal somewhat as many fans are now counting any pub team that plays on any park and counting them as "grounds" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BM1874 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 20 minutes ago, braveheart said: its lost its appeal somewhat as many fans are now counting any pub team that plays on any park and counting them as "grounds" Very true, maybe one one for the seethe thread but that’s an absolute massive ball ache on that front. id go as low as 5th tier (lowland league) registering grounds in Scotland (and probably England) but would struggle to go past top tier in mostly any other country i an a member of a group on Facebook that has similar issues, folk posting from the Belgian 10th tier, man and a dog in a field. Either that or constant “I need 12 tickets to el Classico all together can anyone help” sadly they hide quite a lot of good group posts and photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AW1 Posted July 9, 2019 Share Posted July 9, 2019 13 minutes ago, BM1874 said: Very true, maybe one one for the seethe thread but that’s an absolute massive ball ache on that front. id go as low as 5th tier (lowland league) registering grounds in Scotland (and probably England) but would struggle to go past top tier in mostly any other country i an a member of a group on Facebook that has similar issues, folk posting from the Belgian 10th tier, man and a dog in a field. Either that or constant “I need 12 tickets to el Classico all together can anyone help” sadly they hide quite a lot of good group posts and photos Football stadia and Grounds is a very good Facebook page Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcticJambo Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 14 hours ago, BEDNAR BOY said: Been lucky enough to visit all the Scottish League grounds. All have their own charm maybe with the exception of Albion Rovers and Edinburgh City. Great view of The Ochils at Stirling Albion but not a favourite, reasonably new but zero at either end. Did you mean Albion Rovers or Stirling Albion? Cliftonhill is a proper old school ground, and the main stand to me anyway seems unique when you're approaching it. Clyde's ground, Broadwood on the other hand is your bog standard lego-brick flat-pack stadium; though at least there's a bmx track out back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SE16 3LN Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 Groundhoppers are weirdos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 I started groundhopping the senior grounds (SPL/SFL) maybe 12 years ago to complete my collection. Since then I started on the junior grounds (East and West regions) and the non league seniors (LL/EOS/SOS). I've now completed all the above but there are new grounds to visit each new season, e. g. Edusport's Alliance Park at Bothwellhaugh, Lochar Thistle in Dumfries and Kilwinning have also moved for this season. I've only done a couple of the Highland League grounds though. I don't like the "community" grounds very much with their standard 3G pitches, green wire fences and little or no comforts, cover or seats. I must say that I enjoy the longer trips, leaving early, a wander round the towns and a bite to eat, sometimes a pub lunch if I'm not driving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locky Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 I hope to consider myself later in life as a bit of a groundhopper. Been to quite a lot of grounds, but nowhere near as many as I'd like to. Not many grounds in Scotland that I want to go to. Cappielow I think is the one I want to visit for an away day most. I'm going to Shielfield on Saturday for the 1st time. Would like to get to more grounds in England, but this year I visited a few stadiums abroad which is a great experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 2 hours ago, SE16 3LN said: Groundhoppers are weirdos! : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locky Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 17 hours ago, BM1874 said: Groundhopper by Kepermat https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/groundhopper/id489247406 download this app Cheers BM for bringing that to my attention. Cracking app. Signed up for Premium. Spent the last 20 minutes ticking what games I've been at. Tynie could take me a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_R Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 (edited) Not a groundhopper as such but like visiting different football grounds and especially abroad Recently visited borough Briggs (Elgin) beat a young Aberdeen side 8-1. Was great as a casual spectator. Best steak pie I've ever had at a football ground as well. Get an Instagram. Document it all there with photos. Edited July 10, 2019 by Alan_R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_R Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 (edited) Also why limit it to spfl? You'll probably find you can do lots of junior/east of Scotland teams locally very easily on public transport. Likewise with train to Gateshead, South Shields, Sunderland etc going south Edited July 10, 2019 by Alan_R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_R Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 18 hours ago, braveheart said: its lost its appeal somewhat as many fans are now counting any pub team that plays on any park and counting them as "grounds" Easy way is to have any pro/semi-pro team plus any amateur team that own their pitch or lease it exclusively. That would pretty much eliminate all pub teams but still allow for the really small clubs bobbing along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott herbertson Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 Nice idea - I used to like going to away games with Kingstonian - not travelling on the team/ supporters bus but making my own way , often by public transport. Some great grounds I enjoyed eg a cup game at Guildford Spectrum athletics and football track where the club officials had occupation of a little catering block and inside there was a big guy with a CAMRA tshirt and a keg of the local brewery (Hog's Back)'s summer ale at £2 a pint. Sitting in the sunshine on a grassy bank with a pint was a real pleasure, plus the crack from the locals A nice little book to take along with you available cheap second hand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 10, 2019 Author Share Posted July 10, 2019 I've drafted a preliminary schedule where the games fall on the weekends I get paid. I've included a "winter break" due christmas and stuff. 03 Aug Stirling Vs Queens Park 24 Aug Stenhousemuir Vs Edinburgh City 31 Aug Cowdenbeath Vs Brechin City 21 Sep Albion Rovers Vs Edinburgh City 26 Oct Edinburgh City Vs Stenhousemuir 30 Nov Annan Athletic Vs Cove Rangers 18 Jan Brechin City Vs Queens Park 15 Feb Cove Rangers Vs Edinburgh City 14 Mar Elgin City Vs Brechin City 18 Apr Queens Park Vs Brechin City resulting in seeing each side the following amount times, its just a coincidence that my most local side will be seen the joint most. 4 Edinburgh City Brechin City 3 Queens Park 2 Cove Rangers Stenhousemuir 1 Stirling Cowdenbeath Annan Athletic Elgin City Albion Rovers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 There are loads of friendlies on the go just now. They are usually good value too. Check this website for some games that might interest you. https://scottishfootballfixtures.wordpress.com/scottish-pre-season-fixtures-2019/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maroon Sailor Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 Some Lowland League grounds featured here. Gala Fairydean has an unusual looking stand https://peterrmiles.wordpress.com/tag/vale-of-leithen/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny D Posted July 11, 2019 Author Share Posted July 11, 2019 13 hours ago, Footballfirst said: There are loads of friendlies on the go just now. They are usually good value too. Check this website for some games that might interest you. https://scottishfootballfixtures.wordpress.com/scottish-pre-season-fixtures-2019/ I want to maximise my chances of being entertained, so no friendlies for me except liverpool v Napoli. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 6 hours ago, Maroon Sailor said: Some Lowland League grounds featured here. Gala Fairydean has an unusual looking stand https://peterrmiles.wordpress.com/tag/vale-of-leithen/ Gala's stand was closed for H&S reasons when I was down there last season. Don't know if it has reopened yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjack Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 15 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: Gala's stand was closed for H&S reasons when I was down there last season. Don't know if it has reopened yet. The problem. With the stand is, it is listed so can't get knocked down and rebuilt. It is the only concrete cantilever stand in Britain I think. Used to watch fairydean growing up if I couldn't get to see hearts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.