Walsall 11.03.12

HOW TO GET THERE

CAR
The ground is right next to the M6, in fact you can see it from the motorway just north of the RAC Control Centre. Unfortunately, this stretch of motorway normally has a large traffic jam on both Saturday lunchtimes and early weekday evenings, so allow extra time.

From M6 South:
Leave the M6 at Junction 7 and take the A34 towards Walsall. At the end of the dual carriageway turn left at the Bell Inn public house into Walstead Road (sign posted Bescot Stadium, Bescot Station Park & Ride). Continue straight on this road for two miles, passing another pub called the Tiger on your left. You will come to Bescot Stadium and entrance to the away end on your right.

From The M6 North:
Leave the M6 at Junction 9 and take the A461 towards Walsall. Bear right on to the A4148 (Wallowes Lane) and turn right at the second set of traffic lights. You will see the ground on your left.

PARKING
There is a good sized car park located at the ground (cost £3) and behind the away stand, which lends itself to a quick getaway after the match. Bescot Railway Station also offers car parking for £2. Alternatively there is some street parking to be had off Wallowes Lane.

TRAIN
The Bescot Stadium has its own Train Station, located right next to the ground, well just under the M6! It gets regular trains from Birmingham New Street Station and is roughly a 20 minute journey, passing Villa Park on the way. This service only costs a few pounds and allows for a few drinks in the City Centre.

PUBS
The area around the ground is not overlyu blessed with drinking options but does have a few chain food restaurants that may appeal to families. Some drinking venues are as follows;

Saddlers Club- This is an excellent Supporters Club at the ground, which is a fair size. This can get busy from about 1.30 and will start letting in members only when it does. Previously they have allowed a 1-for-1 system for away fans when people are leaving, but this can mean a long wait. The club serves decent, cheap food and has a relaxed atmosphere.

The King George V- A large pub located on Willows Lane that is ok, but nothing more. It is about a 15 minute walk, turn right as you leave the away end. Follow this road until you get to Willows Lane, then turn left and follow this until you come across the pub. This place is normally quite popular amongst away fans and has a decent beer garden.

BESCOT STADIUM- Capacity 11,300 ALL SEATED
The ground is........ Different! It was built in 1990 and was an early design for new stadiums. Its very box like, but functional. The away fans are located in the M6 End, called the Daines Stand and this houses 2,000 seated away fans, allowing for a great atmosphere. The catering facilities are located in the corners and there is no bar due to the fact that they are in full view of the pitch.

Opposite is the home end caled the Floors 2 Go Stand. This is a large 2 tiered stand with posh boxes running across the middle. The stand simply dominates the ground and surrounding area and hangs over the rest of the stadium. For clubs of 'our' size, this stand is very impressive but is spoilt somewhat by the large number of empty seats.

The 2 side stands are the same size as they away end and are rather bland looking. Despite its grim appearence the ground offers good parking, an excellent supporters club, nearby station and friendly home fans.

SAFETY
There are no safety issues between Pools and Walsall fans. You should have no problems here and will find that the home fans are a friendly bunch as long as you don't call them Brummies!!!

PRICE-