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Crewe Alexandra
For donkey's years, Gresty Road was the sole stamping ground of a certain Dario Gradi but recent times have seen a "change at Crewe" as their head train spotter has taken a somewhat removed position as Technical Director. It is uncertain at this stage if they will continue the tradition of producing such talents as David Platt, Geoff Thomas and Matt Bailey. The drive to Crewe provides the delight of knowing that we pass through Shrewsbury safe in the knowledge that, this season, we don't have to stop to watch a match. The all-seated stadium holds around 10,000 of which 7000 are in the recently built Air Products Stand. You can therefore imagine that the remaining parts of the ground are best described as "homely".
Hartlepool United (The other HUFC)
As far as I'm aware, there is no zoo in Hartlepool, which is a great shame as I'd be interested to inquire after the well being of their monkeys. This is another long trip and fans are to be reminded of the old saying "when the north wind doth blow, wear two coats"...it is ALWAYS cold at Victoria Park and I wonder if housing visiting fans in The Rink End is a warning? Having said that, the atmosphere is generally good, their fans are welcoming and the view is good. The seafront provides a good range of alehouses and food outlets while the Corner Flag Club at the ground allows visitors for 50p.
Huddersfield Town
Now then, this is a stadium that will bring out the looks of envy! Relatively close to the site of their old Leeds Road ground, it is a million miles away in design. It's one of the few new facilities that I actually like. Originally named the Alfred MacAlpine Stadium, it was renamed The Galpharm in 2004 after the new sponsors and offers the finest facilities we are likely to come across this season. Take your cameras and send the photos to our local council.
Leeds United
The scene of last season's stroll through the FA Cup 1st round, Elland Road is due for re-visiting in late September. They will be one of the bookies pre-season favourites and doubtless, by the time we arrive, their ever tolerant fans will have expected them to have won the League. Whilst I'm no Leeds hater, I would take great pleasure in witnessing another Lionelesque victory just to hear the lame excuses from "Revenue expert" Bates (how the hell do you lose £35m of debt and then carry on as if nothing was wrong?). However, it was nice of them to name a Stand after our former Player Manager. Those of us who missed the start (and goal) at last year's event will be taking care to allow more than sufficient time for the journey.
Leicester City
The Walker Stadium is home to another fallen giant and will evoke memories of "that day". Ten thousand travelling support this time? I think not. However, after a couple of days of eating, drinking and smiling at the mother-in-law, this could be the perfect post Christmas escape as we travel to our Resurrection home on the last weekend of 2008. For all the fond memories, "The Walkers" is actually a boring, characterless superstructure that should be launched into the Atlantic at the first opportunity. Personally, I shall be taking several varieties of Tyrrells to enjoy and will leave the empty packets in clear view in the hope that they learn from their mistakes. Just think, they probably paid some fat Architect a fortune to design it!
