SeasideEssexXile has his latest look at League One stadia, this time The Galpharm stadium, home of Huddersfield Town.
Huddersfield Town
No doubt the afflicted amongst us will be wearing their Yarkshire Seasiders t`shirts (available for £10 in Latvian maroon) in a proud display of the fact that they are Lancastrians living in t`white rose, t`white rose, county come Saturday.
However here`s hoping by 5pm they can show t`faces in t`street when they have t`return t`home.
Huddersfield away wasn`t the easiest of cup draws. With only a handful of names still in the hat I was desperately trying to wish for a non-league team at home, but, it wasn`t to be, and with the Bloomfield league game the following Saturday, the worse case scenario could be that a draw this weekend would mean 3 games against Udders in 10 days.
Not that a trip to the Galpharm is an unpleasant experience. A fantastic stadium used to hold international rugby league matches amongst others the view and atmosphere that can be generated by away fans is superb.
I believe we hold a unique place in their Yarkshire hearts. Pool were the last team to play on the Leeds Rd ground, and the first to play in the newly built McAlpine stadium. Now renamed the Galpharm I can`t wait to see what Arsenal are going to rename theirs in the year 2080 or whenever the sponsorship deal runs out.
The cup may yet prove to be an unwelcome distraction from the league. Having gone out of two cup competitions on penalties so far lady lucks been against us, that said there`s no better feeling than waiting for our name to come out of the hat in the 3rd round draw of this trophy, which highlights us in a national spotlight every year for having won the greatest final of them all.
How To Get There
By car – J25 of the M62 leads you onto the A62 (signposted Huddersfield). The stadium is visible from this rd. From the South not quite as easy – M1 J38, A637 then the A642. Heading towards the town centre the stadium is signposted but you will be looking out on the right hand side for Leeds Rd.
Train – the stadiums a 15-20 minute walk from the station.
Parking is available around the ground in numerous locations and prices will range from £3-£5.
Where To Drink
Too many to mention. When I was a youth I used to spend some social time in Huddersfield with a work colleague who lived there. Johnny`s night club and Sly McFly`s pub bring back some good memories, both have probably been knocked down or renamed into ‘0` or ‘the` or some other fancy dan named drinking place. Enough reminiscing, there is the Head of Steam at the train station. In the town there is the Varsity, Blob shop (do they still do the winter warmer?) the Gas Club appears to be a Pool favourite and unlike the last couple of away games ale is also available in the ground, along with a bookmakers. nb Please remember that you never see a bookie on a bike.
The Ground
As I mentioned earlier the Galpharm is a fantastic stadium. Holding up to 24000+ it has stands that remind you of the Reebok, or vice versa, but compare it to the purpose built Sixfields last weekend and you`ll realise what a football club + town can achieve when building a purpose built stadium. Located behind a goal up to 4000 away fans can be accommodated.
Plod And Stewards
Now you`ll no doubt be a Lancastrian in Yarkshire is that enough said?
Fear Factor!!!
The fear factor rating at The Galpharm is 5.
The Footy!
Hopefully the unbeaten run will continue. Huddersfield recently lost 3-0 at home to what we believed to be a poor Brighton side. They have however achieved some great results this season – notably taking wins from Swansea and Port Vale add to that a draw at the bin dippers. Sat just above us in the league, with a even goal difference, Saturday will be a close game and a good predictor of what to expect the following week.
