How to get there? What about a nice pair of Bristols?The next destination for what looks like a whistle-stop tour of the Championship takes Newcastle to the city of Bristol for the Saturday evening encounter with Bristol City at Ashton Gate. A kick off of 5:20pm should keep fans without tickets, or those who choose not to do the 600 mile round trip happy as it means TV coverage is available for the clash with the managerless Robins.
As ever, we’ll leave the Toon down the usual A1(M) route and join onto the M1 where you should continue south until leaving at J23a (A42/M42). Follow the A42 then M42 right to the end where you’ll meet the M5. Head south down the M5 and leave at J18. Follow the A4 (Bristol Airport/Taunton) along the river and eventually you’ll go over a swing bridge. Bear left after that and you should be able to see the ground on the left.
Those opting to travel by train will probably end up at the main Temple Meads train station which is either a taxi ride or 45 minute walk away from the ground. (more…)
Middlesbrough, on a clear day.Not much of a guide is needed for the 40 mile trip straight down the A19 to Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. Viewed by us as the poor relation of the Tyne/Wear derby, it doesn’t mean that the Tyne/Tees derby should be taken any more lightly this time around as we go in search of 3 points to add to our tally.
As I said, straight down the A19 will do for you, and if your making your own way there you should be aware that you’ll be lucky to get any parking near the ground. There is some wasteland near to the Riverside that gets opened up for parking, other than that just park in the city centre and walk out to the ground.
Obviously, keep your colours covered if your walking to the ground on your own or if there are just a couple of you, or you could walk down to the train station and join in the police escort those travelling by train will receive and enjoy the sing song on the way. Same applies should you choose to go into the city centre for a drink. (more…)
Vicarage Road: The Hornets' nest.Our next on the road encounter takes us to Vicarage Road and a clash with Watford. Vicarage Road is expected to be close to a sell out for this match as fans flock to see the possibilty of their team taking the scalp of the famous Newcastle United.
It’s been about 5 years since I was last at Vicarage Road but since then I hear that the ground is under redevelopment. I’m unsure whether this has been competed yet but it shouldn’t pose an issue for the travelling fans.
How to get there.
We’ll begin the 260 mile trip by heading south down the A1, joining the M1 and continue heading south all the way down to J5 (A4008). Leave at J5 and head towards the town centre. If you can’t see the ground then just follow signs for ‘Watford General Hospital’ as the gorund is pretty much right next to it. (more…)
Your destination - Swansea City's Liberty Stadium.Next up on the road for The Toon is a potentially tricky trip to Swansea for our Saturday lunchtime match against The Swans. Newcastle will undoubtedly be wanting to bounce back after Tuesdays 3-0 defeat at Derby County, and what better way to do it than winning away at a promotion chasing team in front of live Sky TV cameras!
The Liberty Stadium is a new ground, opened within the last 5 years. It’s a ground I’ve yet to visit, although I do know where it is, so some parts of this won’t be from personal experience but will be from people I know that have been there for the football.
The journey.
Before I start I must warn that potentially there could be a lot of problems travelling down, particularly around Cardiff as there is a Rugby match on at the Millenium Stadium that kicks off at 2pm. Add to that several strecthes of notoriously bad roadworks and some bad weather forecasts and those who do travel could be in for some long waits. I’d advise setting out earlier to give you some breathing space time-wise! (more…)
Pride Park: The home of Derby County.Next up on the road for The Toon is a trip to the East Midlands. More specifically, Derby County and their ground, Pride Park. A full house will surely be guaranteed as The Rams have the 2nd highest average attendance, 2nd highest only to us, and that’s despite the fact their team has been struggling this season.
I’ve never heard of any real trouble involving Derby fans, a bit of banter and some handbags maybe but that’s about it. Just remember that they, like us, are very passionate about their team and can make a lot of noise, It’s up to you guys to match them as, unfortunately, I can’t make it due to work commitments.
It’s a Tuesday evening so you may want to leave some extra travel time as your bound to hit some rush hour traffic during the 160 mile journey. We’ll begin, as always, by leaving Newcastle down the A1 and joining the M1 at Leeds. (more…)
