Saltergate for the last time.

Chesterfield v Hereford United
Football League 2
Saturday 27th March 2010 KO 3.00pm
Recreation Ground
Saltergate
Chesterfield
S40 4SX
Phone 01246 209765

With The Spireites due to move to a new ground next season, this will be the last chance for Bulls fans to visit this classic lower league stadium. “The Rec” or Saltergate as it is more often known has been the home of Chesterfield since 1871 when their first visitors were Rotherham. Because of the impending move, little has been spent on new paintwork, repairs and home comforts in recent years so Bulls fans will feel at home in these familiar surroundings.

The visitors end is an open terrace, which can be a bit bleak on a cold March afternoon, but they’re a friendly lot in Chesterfield and usually provide ample seats in the end of the main stand. The good news about the new stadium is that it is still in an area served by decent Pubs and chip shops (Slops take note). Interestingly, Chesterfield have already sold every seat in the stadium for their final home game before their move. Admission is believed to be £16 for adults, £10 for concessions (Over 65’s and U18’s) and £7 for juniors (U14’s). Seats are £18, £13 and £12. Chesterfield is a good day out although their “finest” do have a reputation for videoing everything that moves.

HUISA – Departs from Radford’s at 09.30 with a fare of £17 (Members £16). Bookings through Club Office (08442 761939).

CAR – To Worcester then M5, M42, A42 and M1. Leave the M1 at Junction 29 and take the A617 towards Chesterfield. On reaching the edge of the town centre go straight across the first roundabout and then the next, passing the famous Chesterfield Church with the crooked spire on your left. As the road divides, keep to your left, going around an open car park. This road leads into Saltergate, where you will pass the Barley Mow pub on your left and the Town Hall car park, before reaching the ground on your right. Parking is available in the Town Hall car park (£2.40 for 4 hours) with plenty of other parking in the streets around the ground. Distance is around 135 and you should allow 2 hours 45 minutes. Postcode S40 4SX.


ALEHOUSES – Chesterfield boasts two Wetherspoons with the easiest reached being on West Bars. From Saltergate, walk down Clarence Road (Opposite the ground) and turn left onto West Bars where you will find The Portland Hotel on your left. In Saltergate you will find The County and The Barley Mow with the latter being not for the feint-hearted as the barmaids are reportedly often not overdressed. Walking down Queen Street from the back of the away end, you will find The Industry and a little further by turning into Newbold Road, The Chesterfield Arms. Both are understood to accept visiting fans. These Pubs all come recommended by other visiting fans but personally, I shall be attending The Rutland at 23 Stephenson Place (in the shadow of the famous Twisted Spire) where I expect to find a fine selection of real ale and good food. Shall I just say…Brampton’s Golden Bud, Titanic Anchor, Thornbridge Jaipur, Abbot, (minimum of eight in all) and Weston’s Old Rosie…nuff said.

Enjoy

---