Peterborough United
Not a pie to be seen...Barry Fry, Barry Fry! What a character that man is. N€ver short of something to say and always in the headlines. £ove him or hate him, football would be a far le$$ interesting place without him. Doshborough is one of my favourite away days simply because of Charters, the former Dutch barge that is moored on the canal/river (?) close to the London Road ground. There are several other "special places" that I shall be boring you with nearer the time but for any fans who have not been before; this is definitely a box to tick. Whilst the stadium is not the best, it does have the redeeming feature of a traditional terrace for visiting fans and a more than decent atmosphere. Enjoy.
Scunthorpe United
Glanford Park has been the home of The Iron since 1988 following their move from The Old Showground and this will be a first visit for myself. Apart from a brief spell in the late fifties/early sixties, they have spent their entire history in the lower leagues. Naturally, their time has been hampered by the usual financial ups and downs but the last couple of years has seen them earn £600k for Andy Keogh (Wolves), £1m for Martin Patterson (Burnley) and £2m for Billy Sharp (Sheff. Utd). The ground is said to be totally enclosed with the corners filled by advertising boards. I shall look forward to this one.
Shrewsbury Town
Ooooops!
Southend United
Roots Hall is another of those grounds that has an air of "properness" about it. However, there is a scheme afoot to re-locate to a new 22,000 all-seated affair within the next year or two so long as the usual planning arguments can be resolved. A visit to Saafend is generally considered to be without hassle and enjoyable. HUFC fans will find themselves in the North Stand which seats up to 2000 supporters. The acoustics are very good so it's possible to create some serious volume with even a small travelling army and there is a good selection of welcoming alehouse around the ground.
Stockport County
We have to wait until the end of January before collecting our now traditional three points at Edgeley Park. The uncovered visitors end is close to appalling offering barely enough legroom for a dwarf frog but this is tempered by a day on the Robinsons Best and the rolls in the Labour Club next to the visitor's entrance. There is a rumour that if it pours with rain, they may allow us into part of the Popular Stand. Care will need to be taken to avoid being above them in the League otherwise manager Gannon might be tempted to suggest that "the pressure is on us". I shall miss booing Anthony Elding.