Top 5 grounds and top 5 worst in League 2

[Scunny Pacifist]

I have been to them all apart from Harrogate and Sutton. My favourites in this league have to be

1 Bradford
2 Tranmere
3 Port Vale
4 Rochdale
5 Swindon

Worst. As a Scunny fan I have empathy for away fans as our ground is terrible. Very boring and anodyne like Northampton and Walsall. Give me Brisrol Rovers, Mansfield, Exeter, Carlisle and Hartlepool over our crap hole

There are worse grounds though
1 Forest Green
2 Salford
3 Crawley
4 Colchester
5 Stevenage

I like Barrow, Oldham and Newport

 

[Scunny Pacifist]

Forgot about Orient. Cracking away day.

 

[Trapdoor]

Think that's a bit harsh on FGR. It's not great, and probably one of the worst 5 but it's in an interesting place at least. How often do you go to a ground on top of a mountain surrounded by sheep?

Col U, Salford and Crawley are all up there. The mere thought of Salford sucks out what little joy I have left in life and fires it expertly into the spitoon of depression.

 

[Scunny Pacifist]

Maybe a little harsh on Forest Green as its an interesting ground. Just dont like their chairman and their surreptitious digs at the rest of the division with their decision to only sell vegan food. I dont think football is the right arena to flaunt your beliefs like that. Its very pretentious

 

[Salvador]

I always wonder why Dale feature as a good ground for a lot of fans. I can only think it’s due to us historically being god awful and many of you will have had witnessed good results.
Spotland is in a crap location. Up a hill, miles from the train and town centre. If it was a new build ground it’d get panned. The nearest pub is over priced for Dale and very Royston Vasey esque In that if you’re not a local it’s unwelcoming. Town centre pubs are spot on mind you. The ground is just bog standard lower league, nowt special, not the worst. Needs a good tart up though.

We opened the away end up for home fans in a cup game v Bromley a few years ago so I tried it out. Good view compared to my usual spot in the Sandy lane but Christ the concourse is grim.

 

[Chris FGR]

Maybe a little harsh on Forest Green as its an interesting ground. Just dont like their chairman and their surreptitious digs at the rest of the division with their decision to only sell vegan food. I dont think football is the right arena to flaunt your beliefs like that. Its very pretentious

Agreed tbh, but what can you do. He owns the club so it has to be run to reflect his beliefs apparently. Some I agree with, some I don’t but personally if I owned a club I wouldn’t see it as mine and use it to reflect all my views like that.

There are some decent pubs and takeaways in Nailsworth though.

 

[shoddycollins]

Think that's a bit harsh on FGR. It's not great, and probably one of the worst 5 but it's in an interesting place at least. How often do you go to a ground on top of a mountain surrounded by sheep?

Col U, Salford and Crawley are all up there. The mere thought of Salford sucks out what little joy I have left in life and fires it expertly into the spitoon of depression.

Mountain is surely pushing it a bit, not even sure that I'd call it a hill. Maybe an incline, or a ramp.

 

[AdamStag]

any ground that has 4 stands doesn’t count.

 

[denzel ecfc]

Crawley is ok.
Colchester probably the worst, if only for the underbelly of the stand which reminds me of an empty warehouse, serving warm Carlsberg out of plastic bottles.

 

[AdamStag]

Crawley is ok.
Colchester probably the worst, if only for the underbelly of the stand which reminds me of an empty warehouse, service Carlsberg out of plastic bottles.

I agree, layer road had some quality about it. it hosted championship games, yet the new bland dump is so boring like so many.

Many make fun of mansfield for not having a stand down the side of the pitch, we could have 2 nothing stands like colchester but instead have a 5,500 stand which can belt out some real noise, much happier with that

 

[Scunny Pacifist]

Yeah its a depressing ground. Layer Road was a lot better.

 

[Casey]

I know our ground is a soulless concrete sort of place but some older Northampton and Cheltenham fans will probably remember our old Town Mead home. That was a hovel with a pitch that made Rodney Parade's look state of the art (I know I forked it and covered it in sand enough times).

When the council redeveloped the area they gave us a home that was designed to be good enough for the conference. We had crowds of 700 or so when we moved in. This ground has allowed us to treble that. I know; laughable to most here but not to be sneezed at. Since then we've added a gazebo to give it a more homely feel but it will never be one of the top grounds in the country but its our home and it'll do.

Casey

 

[Scunny Pacifist]

I agree, layer road had some quality about it. it hosted championship games, yet the new bland dump is so boring like so many.

Many make fun of mansfield for not having a stand down the side of the pitch, we could have 2 nothing stands like colchester but instead have a 5,500 stand which can belt out some real noise, much happier with that

Always liked Field Mill. Bit of character to it. Just an archetypal lower league ground which is a compliment. Rather go to grounds like that as opposed to bland characterless grounds like Shrewsbury and Donny

 

[AdamStag]

Always liked Field Mill. Bit of character to it. Just an archetypal lower league ground which is a compliment. Rather go to grounds like that as opposed to bland characterless grounds like Shrewsbury and Donny

And yet regrettably your ground is exactly what’s wrong, you can’t create an atmosphere in that, there needs to be some thought involved.

 

[Casey]

And yet regrettably your ground is exactly what’s wrong, you can’t create an atmosphere in that, there needs to be some thought involved.

I've always wondered why, when building new grounds/stands, the architects don't add acoustic amplifying effects/ dampers such as found in theatres.

Dampers for the away end.

Casey

 

[Scunny Pacifist]

I always wonder why Dale feature as a good ground for a lot of fans. I can only think it’s due to us historically being god awful and many of you will have had witnessed good results.
Spotland is in a crap location. Up a hill, miles from the train and town centre. If it was a new build ground it’d get panned. The nearest pub is over priced for Dale and very Royston Vasey esque In that if you’re not a local it’s unwelcoming. Town centre pubs are spot on mind you. The ground is just bog standard lower league, nowt special, not the worst. Needs a good tart up though.

We opened the away end up for home fans in a cup game v Bromley a few years ago so I tried it out. Good view compared to my usual spot in the Sandy lane but Christ the concourse is grim.

We always take good support there. Great pub in the Church Inn? Good atmosphere as well. Rochdale is one of my favourite awaydays. You dont need a new build. I agree with the train aspect though.

And yet regrettably your ground is exactly what’s wrong, you can’t create an atmosphere in that, there needs to be some thought involved.

Completely agree. A joke of a stadium. I left five minutes before half time to get a pint in last Saturday. Didnt get served till 5 minutes in to the second half. Just two bar staff. Glanford Park is dull. We are pretty good away from home though.

 

[Scunny Pacifist]

I've always wondered why, when building new grounds/stands, the architects don't add acoustic amplifying effects/ dampers such as found in theatres.

Dampers for the away end.

Casey

To be fair to Crawley I did enjoy the Downsman pub. Its just a very expensive and long journey on the train and we always get best there. No beer at half time either. Need one watching the shite we call a football team now

 

[Essex2Wessex]

FGR for home fans is fine. Not brilliant (well, on a good day, in the terraces, well in the South Stand at least, it's about the atmosphere rather than comfort or brilliant view of the whole pitch), but really not bad either. Away facilities....well, yes, that's another matter.

And honestly being at Brentford the other night - that rare thing, a new stadium that isn't a soulless identikit place (and with more than decent food too, albeit no beer for away fans, and with excellent sightlines and an away end with a location and structure that lends itself to enthuisastic participation) - is making me feel jaded about even the better League Two grounds....

I've only been to 14 of the current League Two 24. Bradford might be my favourite away day of those I've done: the ground is big and busy and atmospheric, great pubs and food nearby, and I think (to visit, at least) the city is seriously underrated (wrongly maligned, even). Vale and Mansfield are decent too. And Orient do pie and mash.

While for pure atmosphere and intimidation from the home support, being at the opposite end from the kop at Prenton Park maybe has no rivals.

Worst (expecting it to be Colchester when I finally get there): maybe Walsall is the blandest I know. Identikit unappealing stadium next to a motorway in the middle of nowhere (oh the future of FGR you say....). Just a sense of decay. Not dreadful and the fans are fine, but there's a sense of decay that is out of all proportion to the club's status. Don't think much of Northampton either, for not dissimilar reasons. Albeit not decay but lack of completion, and an even worse location. Salford's ground (as distinct from the club itself) is so insubstantial as not to provoke any feelings in me. Bristol Rovers' Mem has character, but that is definitely a euphemism

 

[Chris FGR]

I really like Vale Park tbh, good ground decent pubs (Bulls Head especially) locals all seemed friendly enough. Had a nice pre game fry up in the Vale Cafe before too. Orient’s a good away day too what with location lots of good pubs plus enjoyed their pie and mash with a pint, perfect pre game warm up. Tranmere is quality too.

Worst ground Salford.

 

[Salvador]

I really like Vale Park tbh, good ground decent pubs (Bulls Head especially) locals all seemed friendly enough. Had a nice pre game fry up in the Vale Cafe before too.

Vale is great. Oatcakes for lunch. Decent beer from local breweries in the Bulls Head in Burslem and the Glebe in Stoke centre. Glad to be playing them again next Saturday.

 

[Kauto Star]

FGR for home fans is fine. Not brilliant (well, on a good day, in the terraces, well in the South Stand at least, it's about the atmosphere rather than comfort or brilliant view of the whole pitch), but really not bad either. Away facilities....well, yes, that's another matter.

And honestly being at Brentford the other night - that rare thing, a new stadium that isn't a soulless identikit place (and with more than decent food too, albeit no beer for away fans, and with excellent sightlines and an away end with a location and structure that lends itself to enthuisastic participation) - is making me feel jaded about even the better League Two grounds....

I've only been to 14 of the current League Two 24. Bradford might be my favourite away day of those I've done: the ground is big and busy and atmospheric, great pubs and food nearby, and I think (to visit, at least) the city is seriously underrated (wrongly maligned, even). Vale and Mansfield are decent too. And Orient do pie and mash.

While for pure atmosphere and intimidation from the home support, being at the opposite end from the kop at Prenton Park maybe has no rivals.

Worst (expecting it to be Colchester when I finally get there): maybe Walsall is the blandest I know. Identikit unappealing stadium next to a motorway in the middle of nowhere (oh the future of FGR you say....). Just a sense of decay. Not dreadful and the fans are fine, but there's a sense of decay that is out of all proportion to the club's status. Don't think much of Northampton either, for not dissimilar reasons. Albeit not decay but lack of completion, and an even worse location. Salford's ground (as distinct from the club itself) is so insubstantial as not to provoke any feelings in me. Bristol Rovers' Mem has character, but that is definitely a euphemism

Thanks for your comments about Bradford as a city.

Whilst we have plenty of gems and interesting places to visit on the outskirts of our city, and nice places to live, sadly the city centre and inner city areas have been dumps for many years now. However, there are some good quirky bars near the ground on North Parade, which I presume you allude to?

 

[Salvador]

We always take good support there. Great pub in the Church Inn? Good atmosphere as well. Rochdale is one of my favourite awaydays. You dont need a new build. I agree with the train aspect though.

I’ve just realised you’re a Scunny fan so most grounds will seem better! No offence meant there. It’s just not great… still, I’ll be there this season.
The Church is long gone. I reckon 10+ years. There are bars on the ground , Dale & Ratcliffe bars. Tbf they’re ok, friendly and a decent atmosphere but like any ground the beer is pricey.
New build isn’t needed or wanted but a re decoration in many parts is. Most of the externals haven’t been touched in 25-30 years and it shows.

 

[Salvador]

Thanks for your comments about Bradford as a city.

Whilst we have plenty of gems and interesting places to visit on the outskirts of our city, and nice places to live, sadly the city centre has been a dump for many years now. However, there are some good quirky bars near the ground on North Parade, which I presume you allude to?

He’s not wrong though. Bradford and it’s surrounding towns like Saltaire, Haworth and the countryside around it are well worth a visit. One of my favourite things about following football is it’s taken me all over this country to places I might not usually visit. Bradford aside as it’s fairly close to what was home. Trips as a kid to ice skating and the film museum stick in my mind.
But there’s a lot of good, interesting things to see and do in all of our towns and cities. Yeah, a lot of the places will have some sketchy areas but so do any large conurbations.

 

[Essex2Wessex]

Thanks for your comments about Bradford as a city.

Whilst we have plenty of gems and interesting places to visit on the outskirts of our city, and nice places to live, sadly the city centre and inner city areas have been dumps for many years now. However, there are some good quirky bars near the ground on North Parade, which I presume you allude to?

Yeah, North Parade, mostly, you got it, but we found some other, as you say, "quirky' places elsewhere in the city centre too, someway down towards the city hall area, I think.

While I presume that places like Saltaire (or further out, Ilkley, say) are much nicer places to live in than the city centre, or nearer neighbourhoods, another thing Bradford has is in its favour is its fantastic architecture, in the city centre, anyway. Really one of the best cityscapes in Britain IMO, up there with Bath or Edinburgh. Probably the fact that it's been neglected (and overshadowed by Leeds) for a long time is part of the story. And obviously that's anything but the whole or even a majority of the city...

 

[Moomin]

Probably a biased point of view from me as an ECFC fan, but I’d put SJP high up the list now we’ve upgraded our disgrace of an away end. We’ve got the biggest terrace (I think) in the EFL and our ground is central to the city rather than being well outside on some industrial estate. Never want us to move.

 

[northstandexile]

Agree Exeter is one of my favourites even though it is a long way away, perhaps because we always seem to win there in my half a dozen so visits.

 

[WilsdenBantam]

He’s not wrong though. Bradford and it’s surrounding towns like Saltaire, Haworth and the countryside around it are well worth a visit. One of my favourite things about following football is it’s taken me all over this country to places I might not usually visit. Bradford aside as it’s fairly close to what was home. Trips as a kid to ice skating and the film museum stick in my mind.
But there’s a lot of good, interesting things to see and do in all of our towns and cities. Yeah, a lot of the places will have some sketchy areas but so do any large conurbations.

I don’t even think any of Bradford is particularly sketchy, just really run down. But I’ve been out at 2/3 in the morning on a night out and never felt at risk. Where as there are some places in the bigger cities like Leeds and Manchester where you think if you drive through them you won’t have car tires by the other side. There’s nothing like that here just neglect. Although we specialise in uninsured drivers and Arson but it’s not a violent or scary place. Thankfully Wilsden is a village near Haworth so there’s plenty of nice walks and scenery around where I live.

 

[FGR Stroud]

The New Lawn or whatever the new name of ground has become is the WORST ground for away supporters in entire Football League. It is a disgraceful embarrassment.
Pity because club have so much going right such as the organic pitch, which yearly wins awards.
BUT the truth is that FGR don't appear to care about away support [and even sometimes their own supporters].
In the Conference away fans watched game under cover in North Stand.
Now they must watch game in the open on the highest ground in the country. I have seen adults weep with cold after getting soaked to the skin in the bitter driving wind.
Reasons for moving away fans to uncovered stand are baffling. What was good enough for Conference fans is apparently not fit for EFL fans !!!!! Apparently those in North Stand must use same WC as for home fans in East Stand. F#ck sake, it's easy enough to cordon off one set of WCs and allow home fans sole use of other WC.

During a cold wet storm a couple of years ago fans from, I think, Crewe organised a mass invasion into the half empty North Stand and the stewards could do nothing about it. If that should happen more than a few times it will make FGR think hard and start consider away supporters, who have paid good money to watch game. The bus shelter FGR built only has 100 seats.
The club is expected to remain in Nailsworth for next four years.

 

[F!RTHY]

If I’m being completely honest, I usually get a little offended when people suggest Bradford (as a City) is a shithole. I have a BD postcode and I can safely say, with confidence, that my area is far from a shithole - in fact, I just wouldn’t reside here if it was.

The City centre and surrounding areas are the primary reason for its shithole label. I think those visiting the City are simply unaware of just how big of an area Bradford is, so to imply the whole City is to be tarred by its Centre and surrounding areas, is slightly naive IMO.

Back on topic:

1. Rochdale
2. Tranmere
3.) Oldham
4.) Mansfield
5.) Harrogate

 

[AR27]

Although we specialise in uninsured drivers and Arson but it’s not a violent or scary place.

That has to be the best description of Bradford I've ever read