LEAGUE TABLE FOR FACILITIES (Issue 1 August 1989)
We thought we would give our opinion on the stadiums in the Premier League. You may not agree with our comments but we think they are a fair comment on what we see. We appreciate that clubs may have carried out major improvements during the close season and we intend to update our comments and league table when we have visited all the grounds this season.
1) IBROX - In a class of it's own, probably the best in Britain and thats before the new improvements are carried out. The design of the stadium combined with a capacity attendance creates a very intimidating (dont mention tims here) atmosphere and some teams, including ours, are beat before they start. My only complaint rests with the snack bars which are pretty poor.
2) PITTODRIE - Aberdeen had a stroke of luck a number of years ago when fire partially destroyed the main stand. This enabled the Dons to rebuild the stand and give them the impetus to carry on improving the rest of the stadium. Now all seated and all covered it is an example to other clubs of what can be achieved with a bit of planning.
3) PARKHEAD - In my opinion it comes in for a lot of unfair criticism, probably because it is judged against Ibrox. Parkhead is all covered and according to Celtic has adequate seating. The toilet facilities are reasonable, at least you do not get pee all over your shoes. My main complaint is that the terracing is so far from the pitch you almost need binoculars to follow the play from behind the goals. Also, who was the idiot responsible for the so-called security screen which divides the east terracing in two? It is an absolute abortion and while I appreciate that some segregation is necessary surely it does not need to be like that!
4) EAST END PARK - When you consider that this ground has had no major improvements made to it since it was reconstructed in the 60's then you should be surprised by how good it looks. An excellent stand with the terracing covered on three sides makes it one of the best in the Premier league. Now that Dunfermline are back in the top flight with increased attendances they could, if the cash is made available develop East End into an excellent compact Stadium.
5) TYNECASTLE - It pains me to say this but I would imagine that most away supporters think Tynecastle is a tip, and it is difficult to argue against it. Any improvements in recent years have taken place in the stand and the formation of a family enclosure, while we boast of excellent facilities for companies and businessmen, the ordinary fan on the terracing is almost forgotten. The toilets for home and away fans are a disgrace. At least we now have a half decent tannoy system but it is small consolation when the rain is pouring down on your head and the urine is lapping round your ankles. Wake up Wallace, take a walk round the terracing and see for yourself. Best pies in the Premier League, though.
6) FIR PARK - A reasonable stadium, good stand (but it definately faces the wrong way round). The extra piece of steelwork sticking out where the stand should extend to looks a bit daft though. Adequate covered terracing considering their average home support. In the past 2 seasons they have improved the toilet and the snack bar facilities no end. Access to the terracing leaves a bit to be desired, and is generally a sea of mud anytime I have been there.
7) TANNADICE - A ground which looks like it was designed by a child playing with a meccano set. Half a stand, and a terracing so steep a mountain goat would have difficulty staying upright. Having said that it is a reasonable place to watch a game and with a half decent away support, a good atmosphere can be created. Do not expect the United fans to join in though, as Jim McLean does not allow such exuberance.
8) LOVE STREET - Although improvements have been carried out, it it is still not very impressive. The area for away fans behind one-goal suffers from the Parkhead syndrome in that it is miles from the pitch. Toiles facilities are pretty good, though and covered terracing is adequate for the average crowd.
9) EASTER ROAD - For years I though the proper name for Hibs park was "Easter Road's a piggery". Quite honestly , although improvements have take place, it is still a tip. How there has never been a major incident while fans are departing this ground is beyond met The lane from the top of the terracing to the exit is a nightmare, and whoever inspects this section on behalf of the licensing authorities must be blind. It contains enough potential missiles to start World War 3. Watching games from the terracing here is bad enough but the enclosure is ten times worse, for all you can see of the game you would be as well wearing a bucket over your head.
10)DENS PARK - A tip. In our climate, what sort of idiot puts seating on an uncovered terracing. Toilet facilities are grim and the stand is a relic. The worst in the Premier League for away supporters.
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