.jpg)
Swindon Town
Swindon are, of course, a massive club. Strange therefore that not much over a thousand visitors from The Shire should cause such apparent chaos at the turnstiles when we arrived at The County Ground the season before last. Maybe they should take some lessons from Forest Green on how to cope with our travelling throng or, perhaps, hope that some of the "magic" from the nearby roundabout will rub off onto their stewards and gate operators. The appointed visitors Pub was fine and the chip shop on the way back to the ground was very good. Perhaps the local Plod will frogmarch us to the ground in time for the kick-off this year? One thing's for certain, I don't want to be sat out on the Stratton Bank in mid-March!
Tranmere Rovers
Prenton Park is another of the stadiums that has seen The Bulls earn praise for their Cup exploits in recent years. The draw there before the win in the replay at Edgar Street last season certainly ranked as one of the better days out in 07/08. Rovers reported a visiting attendance of 1643 excluding a number who failed to make it into the ground due to being under the care the local constabulary. So, a word of warning, go to Tranmere, but behave because the Plod do not take kindly to those who indulge to excess. The visitors end is seated and offers a great view of the proceedings as well as providing a bar and the usual food and soft drinks.
Walsall
The Bescot is now officially The Banks's Stadium. If nothing else, it has the honour of being named after probably the finest pint of mild in the country. This, again, is one that I will look forward to as the previous visit was by rail and included a "full English" just outside New Street station and a protracted visit to one of Birmingham’s finest Real Ale houses before the onward journey to the ground. I fully expect to follow a similar course this year. Once again, visitors are accommodated in a seated end stand which provides a good view of the game despite a few supporting pillars. The club at the ground usually allows in visitors although it can fill up well before kick-off time.
Yeovil Town
Well, what can one say? Village team, over blown Conference team or simply the ones who "stole" our players when we were skint? However you measure it, there is certainly a bit of "history" between the two clubs going way back. The excellent Ciderspace site gives us plenty of stick including the claim that we have never won anything. They must have missed the League Championship win in 75/76 that took us to the second tier of English football. Still, it's easy to understand how the local inferior cider could blur their vision. I may be mistaken but I think this is our 28th season as a League team whereas our West Country friends are just about to start their 6th! The truth is, there are many similarities between the clubs. Proud non-league histories, both renowned giantkillers and both now in League 1. I've not been to Yeovil since the days of the slope at The Huish so this will be another box-ticking for me. The stadium looks to be along the lines of what could be needed at Edgar Street although one end is still uncovered. Unfortunately, this is the end that is allocated to visiting fans so our early March visit had better be dry!
So, plenty to look forward to. Enjoy 08/09.
