Blog Archives
Burnley
From a town of 73,000, with a ground that mixes old and new, Burnley was for years a model for a gritty club from a gritty town hanging on in the Premier League. But now, they’ve shifted to become more of a Championship regular. LOCATION: An hour north by train from Victoria station in Manchester…
Bolton Wanderers
After a spectacular rise and fall over 10 years, Bolton nearly went out of business in 2019 and are currently stuck in League One, far too low for these former European competitors. LOCATION: Forty minutes by train northwest of Manchester Piccadilly station CONTACT: bwfc.co.uk, 01204 673 673, #BWFC NICKNAMES: The Trotters, which has a couple…
Blackpool
A proper big historic club in a historic city, The ‘Pool is well worth a visit. LOCATION: Blackpool is on the North West Coast, around two hours by train from Manchester. CONTACT: blackpool.co.uk, 01253 599344, #UTMP NICKNAMES: The ‘Pool, Seasiders, or Tangerines for their colors
Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers is a truly traditional club in a classic northern town, with an old-school ground and great uniforms. LOCATION: Blackburn, Lancashire, an hour north of Manchester’s Victoria station CONTACT: rovers.co.uk NICKNAMES: The Riversiders or just Rovers
Swindon Town
A club that has twice tasted big-time success, in a town that is almost certainly prettier and more interesting than you, or most British people, would realize. LOCATION: Swindon is about one train hour west of London’s Paddington Station. CONTACT: swindontownfc.co.uk, 0330 002 1879 , #STFC NICKNAMES: The Robins
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday is one of two great, old-school, and well-supported clubs in the very cool city of Sheffield. Right now, though, they are a cautionary tale. LOCATION: In Sheffield, South Yorkshire, just over two hours north of London and around one hour east of Manchester by train CONTACT: swfc.co.uk, 03700 20 1867, #SWFC NICKNAMES: The…
Sheffield United
The red half of England’s Steel City boasts a long history, passionate support, and one of our favorite grounds in the country. LOCATION: In South Yorkshire, just over two hours north of London and around one hour east of Manchester by train CONTACT: sufc.co.uk, 0114 253 7200, #SUFC NICKNAMES: The Blades, as in swords, because…
Leeds United
Once a dominant force in English football—and once known as “Dirty Leeds” for their rough style of play—Leeds wasn’t relevant nationally for more than 20 years. Now, after a brief stint in the Premier League, they are back in The Championship, with a hardcore loyal following making lots of noise in a grand old ground.…
Doncaster Rovers
A midsized club in a midsized town in Yorkshire, pretty much in the middle of the country. Rovers are safely one of the best clubs in the history of the third and fourth tiers. LOCATION: Doncaster, South Yorkshire, about 90 minutes from London’s Kings Cross and also from Manchester CONTACT: doncasterroversfc.co.uk, 01302 764664, #DRFC NICKNAMES:…
Barnsley
Barnsley has mainly been a second-tier club in a town whose citizens will be surprised but delighted you’ve showed up for a visit. LOCATION: In Yorkshire, 90 minutes east of Manchester by train and 30 minutes north of Sheffield CONTACT: barnsleyfc.co.uk, 01226 211211, #BarnsleyFC NICKNAMES: The Tykes, the Reds, or (more in the past) the…
