DATES VISITED THIS GROUND : 21/1/2003, 3/4/2004, 12/2/2005, 29/10/2005
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE VISIT DATED: 3/4/2004
Rochdale, the most
unsuccessful league club in history has a rather nice ground with an odd name of Spotland, makes it sound like a large collection
of spotty people but oh well. Getting to Rochdale is a decent enough trip, no real problems getting there although once
inside Rochdale, it is a bit of a farce. However, after you've gone through the maze that is Rochdale, you finally arrive
at Spotland. The outside of the ground is populaed with a mixed variety of things including a pub right on the corner
of the ground which amazingly for me, I've been in. It was alright, bit too blue for my tastes but oh well.
Once you're inside
the away end you are greeted with a very nice ground and arguably, the best in the division for overall quality. The
away end is also suprising because not only is it all seated, not only is it at the side of the pitch but you
get it all to yourself which is incredibly suprising because you'd think away fans would have been given the
terrace behind the goal to the right. This stand is an extremely good stand with an excellent view of the action
and great leg space although the stewarding is something that can definatly be debateable.
The stand to the left
of away fans is an excellent end and is a large seated area with "DALE" written across it and this seems to
be the most popular stand with the home fans. The stand opposite away fans is another pitch length seating area with the executive
boxes above them, however, the quality of this stand isn't as good as that one containing away fans. The final stand is an
average sized terrace.
Atmosphere wise,
you could do better in the division with only a small amount of fans in the "DALE" stand making any noise at all and even
that isn't great and only comes when they're winning.
I would recommend a
trip to Rochdale to anyone because it is a thoroughly enjoyable trip to make and there are very few negative comments
I can make about it.
SCORES
Overall Ground Quality : 8
Ease of getting there : 7
Atmosphere : 3
Programme : 5
View of Action : 10
Leg Space : 7
The "football" feeling : 6
Friendliness of Home Supporters : 9
Quality of the game : 8
Chances of Coming Here For a Random Game
: 9
Overall : 71/100