THE RECKLESS GUIDE TO SWINDON
Stadium The County Ground, County Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 2ED
Telephone 0870 443 1969
Club Colours Red & White
Nickname The Robins
Official Club Website www.swindontownfc.premiumtv.co.uk
Key Personnel Manager Caretaker David Bryne
Brief Directions By Road From the M4 come off at Junction 15 and head for Swindon on the A419 (dual carriageway). At the first roundabout turn left onto the A4259 Marlborough Road still signposted Swindon. You will begin to see signs for the ground from this point. At the next roundabout take the second exit into Queens Drive. At the next roundabout (see below) effectively turn right for the ground.
Beware the phenomenon that is the Magic Roundabout!In my day you would pay3/- to go on something similar at Finchley Carnival. There is also one of these so called innovations in Hemel Hempstead and whoever invented them should be given a season ticket at Stevenage.
Car Parking No parking at the stadium but there are pay and displays in the town centre ½ mile away or limited street parking and local designated matchday parking areas for a small charge. St Josephs school, less than 5 minute walk to the ground have traditionally offered convenient parking at a small charge. There is plenty of space and convenient for getting back onto the M4
Directions By Train A mid morning train from Paddington takes just on an hour to reach Swindon with no changes required. Only a 15 minute walk awaits - Turn left into Station Road and then into Corporation Street (by the White House pub). At the traffic lights turn left into Manchester Road and then right into County Road and second left will find the stadium
Supporters Coaches Coach travel to away fixtures this season is being organised by the Barnet Football Club Supporters Association. For further details about Supporters coach travel and how to book check out the BFCSA website at www.bfcsa.co.uk.
There is also a FREE coach being run by each away club in the third round, for more details, click HERE
Eating And Drinking Locally The best pubs and eating-houses are 10-15 minutes walk away in the town centre. The pubs close to the ground are mostly designated home fans only although The Merlin on Drove Road welcomes visiting fans. Another option is the Cricket Club bar behind the Arkells Stand according to visiting supporters this season, "A friendly welcome awaits" allegedly.
The Social Club The clubhouse is for home fans only I'm afraid but alcohol is served in the concourses inside the ground.
Ground Description The ground is as functional as any in the lower leagues mainly due to the two large side stands the older of which, the North or Arkells Stand, was built in 1971. Opposite is the Nationwide Stand quite obviously the latest addition to the ground, which has room for around 5,000.
The neat Town End is an ex terrace that has been around since I believe 1938 although extensively modernised and seated since. Behind the East goal you will find the Stratton Bank which is simply the old open terrace with the seats bolted onto the risers. It is allocated to away fans only if more than 1,000 visiting fans are expected, which may be the case for this game in which case scarves, coats, hats, thermals and extra socks will be required. That not being the case it remains unused.
The normal away area is a section of 1,000 seats in the Arkell stand. The stand is shared with home supporters and has room for around 6,000
Rivals Oxford Utd and the teams from Bristol plus in recent years Yeovil Town.
Admission Prices Arkells Stand (touchline seating) Adults £20.00, Concessions £15.00 Juniors £9.00. Stratton Bank (behind goal seating if required) Adults £15.00, Concessions £12.00, Juniors £7.00.
The County Ground has superb facilities for disabled fans - call Brian Powell 0870 4431894
Our Last Meeting& Memories We have met Swindon only twice in our history- a 2-1 defeat at The County ground in August 2006 including a Nicky Bailey goal was avenged by a 1-0 victory at Underhill in February 2007 thanks to an Oliver Allen goal.
Celebrity Watch Voluptuous blondes Diana Dors and Melinda Messinger come from these parts as does actress and singer Billie Piper plus rock and pop know it all Mark Lamarr (originally Jones). Camp TV celeb Julian Clary (who probably wishes he was voluptuous and blonde) has a pad in the area, or maybe that is just a rumour! On a musical note Ray O'Sullivan, better known to us oldies as Gilbert, Justin Haywood, the frontman of the Moody Blues and composer of the beautiful "Nights In White Satin" and the band XTC also hail from Swindon.
