Adams - Football Grounds: A Fans Guide 2017-18

Livingstone Road, Accrington, BB5 5BX

What is the ground like?

Although the Wham Stadium is on the smallish side, it is set in a picturesque area, with views over fields and hills behind the Coppice Terrace at one end. On one side of the ground is the Main Stand, which in fact is comprised of two small stands; the Main and Thwaites Stands. They sit on either side of the half way line, with an open gap between the two. Both are all seated covered stands and have an unusual array of tubular steelwork, running across the top of them.

Opposite is a very small covered seated area, called the Whinney Hill side. This former terrace had seating installed before the start of the 2009/10 season. Both ends are fairly new looking affairs, of which the home end, the William Dyer Electrical Stand covered, whilst the Coppice Terrace opposite is open to the elements. The William Dyer Electrical Stand looks a little odd, with a terracing at the rear, but with seating at the front, especially when you consider that the stand is quite a small structure. Another unusual aspect of the ground is that it has a total of eight floodlight pylons, with three on either side of the ground and another being located at one end.

What is it like for visiting supporters?

Away fans are mostly housed in the Coppice Terrace at one end of the ground, where up to 1,800 fans can be accommodated. If demand requires it then part of the Whinney Hill side can also be allocated. This small stand has a mixture of seating and terrace and has the benefit of some cover, unlike the Coppice Terrace which is open to the elements.

Adam Hodson a visiting Stockport County fan adds; As it was raining I decided to head for one of the 200 or so seats in the Whinney Hill stand. I found that there is very little leg room between the rows of seats, of which there are only four. I was though located very close to the playing action as I sat in the front row.

Whilst Shirley Lawrence a visiting Swindon Town supporter tells me; We had a pleasant day at the Crown Ground. Before the game we went to the Crown Pub which was crowded, but as they had six staff serving, we were able to get our drinks relatively quickly. Inside the ground there was not much atmosphere due to the away end being uncovered. Although we had over 800 supporters who were in good voice, the noise just wasnt carried around the ground.

Club nickname:
The Reds, Stanley

Ground name:
Wham Stadium

Capacity:
5,057

Opened:
1968

Pitch size:
111 x 72 yards

Undersoil heating:
No

Record attendance:
4,386 v Stevenage League Two May 7th 2016

Home kit:
Red and White Stripes

Telephone:
01254 356 950

Website:
accringt onstanley.co.uk

Programme:
3

Pubs for away fans

The nearest pub is the Crown, which is just behind the ground on the main Whalley Road and welcomes all supporters. A little further down Whalley Road (five minutes walk in the direction of the motorway), is the Greyhound pub, which is a Sam Smiths house.

John Schmidt a visiting Darlington fan adds; If you go from the ground to the main road and head towards the town centre, then five a minute walk away, down on the right is the Grey Horse pub, It is only a small pub but served decent real ale. This area also seemed to be good for street parking.

If you arrive early and have a bit of time on your hands then you may consider visiting the Peel Park Hotel in Turkey Street. This pub serves food and is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It also overlooks Peel Park, the site of Accrington Stanleys old ground. It is around a 25 minute walk away from the Wham Stadium.

Directions & Car Parking

Leave the M65 at Junction 7 and take the left hand exit at the roundabout onto the A6185 towards Clitheroe (this is in the opposite direction to Accrington). At the first set of traffic lights turn right onto the A678, towards Padiham, and then at the next traffic lights, turn right onto the A680 towards Accrington. After about half a mile along the A680 you will pass the Crown pub on your left. Take the next left into Livingstone Road and then left again for the Club car park, which costs 5, otherwise street parking.

By train

Accrington Railway Station is about a mile away. Exit the station and walk down the slope towards the large viaduct roundabout. Take the Milnshaw Lane exit at the opposite side of the roundabout. After 100m this road then joins Whalley Road. Follow this for about a mile, passing the hospital, traffic lights and then a mini roundabout. Take the next right after the mini roundabout junction into Livingstone Road for the ground.

Jack Goodchild Way, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 3PB

What is the ground like?

The Cherry Red Records Stadium is a small but tidy ground, that is shared with Kingstonian FC. On one side is the Paul Strank Stand. This covered, all seated Main Stand looks fairly modern, having recently been extended. It accommodates 1,265 spectators and although only eight rows high, it is free of supporting pillars, resulting in uninterrupted views of the pitch. Surprisingly the team dugouts are not located in front of this Main Stand, but opposite in front of the Rygas Stand, which leads to a procession of players and club officials, at half and at full time. This terrace is partly covered to the rear and has open flanks to either side.

At one end is the Chemflow Terrace (aka the Athletics End, from the Athletics Stadium that sits behind), where the majority of the home supporters stand. This newish looking covered terrace is located quite close to the edge of the playing area, giving a reasonable view of the game. Opposite is the John Green Stand (Kingston Road End). This smart looking stand was opened in September 2012. It is covered having a raised roof and has an all seated capacity of 1,000.

What is it like for visiting supporters?

Away fans are housed in the Rygas Stand Terrace at one side of the pitch. If the away following is expected to be less than 600, then one side (towards the John Green Stand) is allocated and hence the terrace is shared with home supporters, although adequately separated. For larger followings then more of the terrace can be allocated, with the maximum allocation being 700.

This small shallow terrace is partly covered to the rear, with open standing areas on each side. In addition a number of seats are made available in the new John Green Stand, adjacent to the East Terrace.