In a league of its own.
|
An update from the Smith's 2002 comprehensive guide was reprinted in June 2007 to incorporate some minor revisions. Unfortunately, this reprint doesn't incorporate the Emirates Stadium or the 'new' Wembley. It does, however, include all 323 grounds where football has been played in both the English and Scottish leagues since 1888, at least half of which most will not have even heard of.
Some delightful names from an innocent sepia age are mixed with the bland, 'revenue streams' modern stadia. The Chuckery, Muntz Street, Carolina Port, Westmarch and Raikes Hall have been overtaken by the likes of Kingston Communication Stadium, Williamson Motors Stadium, Ricoh Arena and Reebock Stadium, complete with equally inspiring North, South, East and West Stands.
Each ground is given a National Grid reference as well as a map of the location together with a brief history. (Arsenal once played a match at Priestfield Stadium in 1895 and Leyton Orient - then known as Clapton Orient - played two league games at Wembley.)
What's missing from this book is a geographical map of England and Scotland to show where the grounds are in relation to the rest of the country. Having said that, it is but one minor query which doesn't really have a bearing on how good this book is.
If you ever feel a need to visit all 323 grounds, the authors have kindly added a 'Personal Log' at the end. Many of the now defunt grounds may entail loitering by the frozen counter in a supermarket or interrupting someone's Sunday lunch if you want to get close to the centre circle.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada