Vintage Structure at Edgar Street

Of all the stands in the Football League, the Len Weston, sorry Cargill, Stand at Edgar Street ranks as one of the best according to Rich Prew from theseventytwo.com.

He says he doesn't like many of the new stadia with very similar architecture and when in nostalgic mood he looks back to where one can enjoy the experience as well as the game.

Below is his choice from League Two, a stand 'where you can wallow away, safe in the football supporters’ masochistic knowledge that if a goal is scored, you just might miss it.'

The Cargill Stand at Edgar Street, Hereford United

Sadly the seminal Hereford experience for the away supporter, standing on the curved Blackfriars end, is no more following a failed safety inspection last year but Hereford United still gives something completely different. The Cargill stand, opened in 1974, that runs down Edgar Street is a real experience. Two tier, and standing on the lower tier with pillars around you is enjoyable. Right up close to pitch level. However for real fun sit in the top tier, which overhangs the lower section.

Extraordinarily steep in rake, and only ten or so rows deep, reached only by stairs at the side of the ground it offers a fantastic bird-eye view, but not of your near touchline unless you are in the first two rows. Look back when you climb the stairs and there a few feet away is Edgar Road and passing traffic. Last time I was there I looked wistfully at the home terrace too, a partly covered classic terrace semi-circular in shape that almost encases that end of the pitch, small in stature but big in character.

Take note Hythe supporters.

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