Have laptop, will travel: Our top Wanderers League One away trips this season
LET'S get one thing out of the way right off the bat, ranking football grounds as a journalist as opposed to a paying supporter is a very different thing.
I can hear the sound of teeth grinding now, and yes, I don't pay for a ticket, I'm there on a matchday to jobs" target="_blank">work. And yes, in some places I even get fed, although not as often as some people seem to think, and certainly not in any great luxury.
My ethos has always been that if you can see the pitch, plug in your laptop and file your copy, that's an acceptable start, a solid five out of 10. If you happen to get a voucher entitling you to a free pie and/or hot drink, then happy days indeed.
I am extremely lucky to have covered this great club in all four divisions. As the late, great Dusty Rhodes said: 'I've wined and dined with kings and queens and slept in the alley eating pork and beans.'
In this analogy, pork and beans was the curious cabbage soup served up at Crystal Palace several years ago in the Championship. Eating it felt like a dare on Jackass.
If Wanderers' four years at League One level has taught me anything, it is to be thankful that the Toughsheet is a lovely place to work. The staff look after the media suite well, and aside from complaints about the number of steps up to the press box, opposition journalists are usually very complimentary.
There have been more austere times – occasions where me and the other local press clubbed together to buy the tea, coffee and milk so that everyone could at least have a brew, but those stories are for another time.
Following Bolton away from home is always an adventure and with all the content we put together on a matchday, I always try and bring something of the flavour of the stadium and the atmosphere. And, yes, I am aware that I spend far too much time talking about the matchday music.
The sights and sounds of a ground do add to the enjoyment, and so does the football, believe it or not. I have to write the same number of words about a 0-0 draw on a Tuesday night in Crawley as I do about a 4-3 thriller, but it does help if there's a bit of colour and excitement to throw in there. These days, I'm also recording the Last Word podcast right after the game, so if nothing has happened, that can be quite the chore at 2am, I assure you.
I decided to rank all 23 'other' grounds in League One based on my experience this season. I scored them out of 10 on four criteria – the standard of the game, the atmosphere, how easy/difficult the place was to work within, and lastly, the welcome and general helpfulness of folk at the ground.
Will Forrester just fails to convert a chance at Bristol Rovers - but then it's not an easy place to work (Image: CameraSport - Ian Cook)
23. Bristol Rovers – Apologies to the Gasheads but the Memorial Ground is an awkward place to work, not least because there is no boundary between the home fans and the working press box. Can get really awkward at times.
22. Shrewsbury – A neat little ground smartened up by UEFA after they hosted European football for Welsh club TNS Solutions but a tepid atmosphere and a health and safety nightmare in the press box, which really needs a rethink on layout.
21. Mansfield – A dire game spoiled the trip to Field Mill so they have been done a little with the scoring system. Pretty basic place to work, although they did manage to furnish me with the best parking spot I've had this season.
20. Cambridge – Much older ground than Shrewsbury, so you can forgive some of the cramped conditions. Didn't see some of the friendly faces this season that we had in the past, which coupled with the football made for a disappointing day.
19. Crawley – A really tight little press box and troublesome wi-fi kept me on my toes with this season's visit and even though Wanderers came up with a 2-0 win, this ended up being really long day thanks to technology.
18. Leyton Orient – Quirky, but for some reason the club chose to put anti-pigeon netting across the press balcony, high up on the third floor. Quite a stale game too but three points, nonetheless.
Bolton Wanderers fans celebrate a goal at Northampton Town (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)
17. Northampton – Shout out to one of the friendliest stewards on the gate, who always creates a good impression of the club. Poor press box, though, needs an update.
16. Peterborough – Ordinarily one of my favourite places away from football but not an especially glamorous ground to work within. Sam Inwood's performance on the day earns Posh an extra point.
15. Barnsley – Oakwell, I know you so well. Spent a lot of time in that part of South Yorkshire, and the facilities are miles better than they used to be, even if the view is a bit dodgy and Wanderers were dreadful on the day.
14. Exeter City – A long, long way to go. A unique ground and always a good atmosphere, with a bit of drama thrown in by Aaron Morley this season. Spoiled a bit by the fact I tripped on some netting after the final whistle and did my shoulder!
13. Charlton – A press box borrowed from the 1980 Moscow Olympics and steel folding tables that have claimed many a finger, laptop wire or radio cable. There is something nice about The Valley, though, and the folk there are ace.
12. Reading – Clearly the club has fallen on hard times but still a smart place to work and a great atmosphere in the away end for Steven Schumacher's first game, even if the scoreline somehow ended up 1-0 to the Royals.
11. Rotherham – Would be in my top five places to work in League One, and it's always nice to see old mates in the small, busy press room next to the tunnel. Wanderers were awful that cold January day, though, and the fans were rightly unamused.
Great scenes at Huddersfield as Julian Darby claimed a win as interim boss (Image: CameraSport - Alex Dodd)
10. Huddersfield – Some wonderful scenes after the game with Julian Darby and his grandson, and a cracking match. A proper battle against the wi-fi and the glaring sunshine, though, which made the job of match reporting tougher.
9. Stockport – Considering this was Bolton's worst away performance of the season, it speaks volumes for the atmosphere and welcome you get at County these days that they are in my top 10. Great place to work, and one I know well.
8. Wycombe – A smart ground these days and though a goalless draw in December wasn't the prettiest game to watch, there was a great Friday night atmosphere. A good cup of tea there too.
7. Stevenage – Yes, they got a couple of extra marks because Bolton turned up on the night and scored four goals but, all in all, a friendly club who have always made us welcome.
6. Blackpool – A graveyard for Bolton Wanderers results down the years and has never previously been one of my favourites but this year things were much improved, at least off the pitch. The football was still dire but it felt safer to work.
Wanderers fans doing the thunderclap for Jon Dadi Bodvarsson at Burton (Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)
5. Burton – Another ground we are getting to know quite well and one which has always been neat, tidy and well-run. Bolton rolled up their sleeves for three points and I was delighted to see the Brewers fight on after that to clinch survival for Gary Bowyer.
4. Birmingham – Lots of happy memories at St Andrew's, if not necessarily this season, where Wanderers rather surrendered with their line-up. Still a marvellous atmosphere when the old place is pumped up.
3. Wrexham – Despite a curious low position which means fans obscure your view if they nip down early for a half-time pint, they have put some classy touches to the old Racecourse and the staff were first class.
2. Lincoln – If Sincil Bank were closer, it would be my favourite away ground at this level of football. Same guys have been running the show for years, everything works, and even a woeful Wanderers performance couldn't spoil our day this time around.
Wanderers fans celebrate the win against Wigan Athletic (Image: CameraSport - Alex Dodd)
How my ratings stacked up in the end... (Image: NQ)
1. Wigan – Yep, you read that right. A rare occasion where everything went right against the Latics, even in the press box. A decade of hurt ended on the pitch, a sold-out away end that was in scintillating form and a last-minute winner, sparking a furious re-write. Even the pre-match entertainment put an Ozone Bounce in my step, with hindsight. Cheers MC Finchy!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
County 'fell short' and will suffer 'financial hit'
Chief executive Steven Ferguson admits Ross County "fell short" this season and concedes the Highland club will take a "financial hit" as a result. County finished the season with a dismal run of 11 matches without a win, culminating in a dramatic play-off decider where a rampant Livingston side came back to win 5-3 on aggregate and snatch the final Premiership slot from their grip. It is a result which ends the Dingwall side's six-year stay in Scotland's top flight. "There's no excuses from anybody at Ross County – we fell short," said Ferguson. "But it's a collective we. It doesn't just fall on the manager, it doesn't just fall on the players, we need to look at the whole club and everybody that's involved and we need to take responsibility for it and we will do that." Martindale's belief rewarded as Livingston roar back to Premiership in play-off Visit our Ross County page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Get Ross County news notifications in the BBC Sport app Ferguson insists "it's very early" when asked about manager Don Cowie's future, but that he "is in all the discussions we're having just now". "First and foremost we'll need to look at the playing squad and guys that are out of contract will need to be spoken to so they know exactly where they stand," he added. In March, County were one of several contenders vying for a final top-six berth, a battle that quickly turned into a slide towards the Championship. "We have underachieved this season and that's not something that happens too often," Ferguson said. "In my time at Ross County we've always managed to get to where we want to be. "We'll look at it, honestly appraise it, see how we can pick the bones out of it and move forward." As jubilant Livingston supporters engulfed the Dingwall pitch, there was no hiding the sorrow on the faces of their dejected hosts. The hurt was visible on local boy Cowie's face as he watched the elated visitors celebrate on their turf, a pain according to Ferguson that will be felt throughout the club and wider community. "We aren't a big staff up here," he said. "Everybody feels it and it has a ripple effect. "What we need to realise as well is that it's not just on the pitch. "To not have any representation for this area has a real knock-on effect for everybody, not just the supporters, but the local business and the revenue that comes into the Highlands because of Premiership football." And like most clubs who suffer demotion, Ferguson said County will pay the price, although he hinted chairman Roy MacGregor will provide funds in an attempt to bounce straight back up. "There will be a financial hit, you can't hide the financial hit from dropping out of the Premiership," he said, explaining they will look to minimise the "pain regarding people's livelihoods". "To be successful in the Championship there needs to be investment. You also need to be really smart about how you go about your business as it's an extremely difficult league with clubs that deserve a lot of respect, big fan bases and city clubs in there as well." Ferguson has been here before, of course. He was part of the management duo that achieved that very task in 2019, when he and Stuart Kettlewell navigated County back to the Premiership in one season. Something they are obviously hoping to replicate again. "That goes without saying," he said. "The clubs in the Championship are big clubs and they are clubs with ambition and we'll need to match and better that if we want to be successful. That's something we'll need to work out how we do. "At the moment it's obviously really raw, Monday's result, and we'll need to let the dust settle. "We need to be really honest about what happened this season and we need to find a solution and find how we can do it better." Stephen: Got what we deserved and saw it coming weeks ago. Martyn: Abysmal form, overreliance on loan players. Aside from Josh Nisbet, Ronan Hale and Jordan White there was a lack of fight across the team in our most important game of the season. We deserved to be relegated unfortunately. Sadly we'll need to cash in on Hale as well. If Don Cowie goes, hard to see who would want the job. Eilidh: No less than we deserve. Our defence is shocking. It's the fact we were 2-0 up which makes it painful. It's a loss for Highland football in general. Rick: Being 2-0 up before half an hour, then losing 4-2 at home tells you all you need to know about County. We've been circling the drain for months. Dozens of 'must-win' games prior to this loss. Nothing more than we deserve. Sean: Hope County do not follow in footsteps of ICT. Looks like they will have to improve drastically to bounce back up but a harder league to do that. Don Cowie is just too nice, they need a manager who says what it is. Ronny: For the best part of three months, we have been rancid. Three relegation play-offs in a row suggests there's something broken in the football side of things. This has to be the worst one yet, given we were in the hunt for the top six until the final game before the split. Hale aside, we have been so, so poor from back to front and it's finally caught up with us. Alistair: I thoroughly disagree with Don Cowie. He most definitely is not the right man for the job. I do not have any belief in him as manager at all and it appears neither do the players. He must surely be sacked now after this. He should have gone weeks ago. There is no place for schoolboy kick and rush football at this level. Livingston, well done. You thoroughly deserve to be promoted. County could not lay a glove on you.
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'This is why great sport is irresistible'
Arguably the most dramatic moment involving the Premier League at the weekend, happened in the Championship playoffs when Sunderland magically gained promotion in the 95th-minute of the final at Wembley. Tom Watson's fabulous goal may be one of the most lucrative strikes in football history considering the money Sunderland will now bank. Tom could just as likely have seen the keeper read the shot a mere millisecond quicker and Michael Cooper would have tipped it round the post, but the keeper was short by a centimetre. Luck and skill together determining all in an instant. Another Tom Watson, this time the golfer, holed a chip on the 17th at Pebble beach in the 1982 US Open and it was just as iconic. Had Tom's chip been a centimetre to the left or right and not hit the flag then dropped in, a two putt was almost certain. Jack Nicklaus would have caught him, he might not have become champion and history would have changed. This is why great sport is irresistible. The skill, the luck and the tiny margins change life courses and produce memories and passions never to be forgotten. Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Newcastle United Have ‘Held Talks' with £30million Premier League Forward
Newcastle United Eyeing Premier League Strikers to Strengthen Attack In what promises to be a pivotal summer for Newcastle United, the club is set to bolster its squad with a fresh focus on attacking reinforcements. Manager Eddie Howe, who has guided the Magpies into the Champions League, is eyeing two Premier League strikers, Joao Pedro of Brighton and Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, according to a report from iNews. With a £250m transfer budget, Newcastle is in a strong position to refresh a squad that overperformed in the 2024-2025 season. Advertisement As the Magpies prepare for their return to Europe's elite competition, it's clear that Howe is looking to evolve his side's tactical approach. While Alexander Isak has flourished as a lone striker, Howe recognises the need for versatility in attack. This shift in strategy signals that Howe isn't simply focusing on quality, but on diversifying his attacking options to cope with the demands of a Champions League campaign. Newcastle's Strategic Focus on Youth and Potential A key element of Newcastle's recruitment strategy is to target younger players with room to develop, rather than opting for ready-made superstars. This method, rooted in the club's financial constraints, has been one of the defining aspects of Howe's tenure. 'As much as we would want, and it's much easier for me to bring in a ready-made world-class player, I don't think we have done that since I came here because we haven't been able to financially,' Howe acknowledged. Photo IMAGO Instead, the club's management has embraced a philosophy of signing players who can be nurtured and developed. This has allowed the club to invest in players who might not yet be household names but possess the potential to thrive at the highest level. Advertisement The pursuit of Joao Pedro is a prime example of this strategy. A talented Brazil international with a proven Premier League pedigree, Pedro could add both depth and flair to Howe's attack. Meanwhile, Ipswich's Delap, who has impressed in the Championship, represents another signing that aligns with the club's long-term vision. These moves indicate that Newcastle is prioritising potential over immediate star power, creating a future-proof squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe. Photo IMAGO Managing Expectations Amid Financial Regulations Although Newcastle's financial situation has improved, thanks in part to the easing of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club remains cautious in its approach. With around £100m in PSR headroom available, Howe has made it clear that the club must move quickly in the transfer market to secure their targets. Advertisement 'In the next 10 days, we need to get some business done,' Howe stated. It's clear that Newcastle's ambition is to act decisively and efficiently, with a plan to add key players before the window opens in June. This is crucial for Howe, whose squad was stretched by the end of the season due to the physical demands of a Champions League campaign and a challenging Premier League schedule. While the club remains realistic about its spending power compared to the traditional top-six clubs, it's also evident that their strategy is working. Newcastle's upward trajectory under Howe is a testament to the effectiveness of their model, and the future looks bright. The Departure of Key Players and the Road Ahead As the club moves forward, there are bound to be some difficult decisions regarding outgoing players. One such case is Callum Wilson, whose future at St James' Park remains uncertain. After a highly emotional farewell following Newcastle's defeat to Everton, it seems likely that the club will part ways with the striker, although Howe praised Wilson's contribution to the club's success. Advertisement 'Callum Wilson is and has been an incredible footballer for Newcastle,' Howe said. 'He's someone who epitomises the spirit that's got us to where we are.' Photo IMAGO Wilson's departure, should it occur, will create space for new faces in the squad, and the funds raised from potential sales could further enhance the club's spending power. The next few months are crucial for Newcastle as they aim to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. Our View – EPL Index Analysis As a passionate Newcastle United supporter, this transfer strategy is undoubtedly an exciting prospect. With a budget of £250m and a clear direction under Eddie Howe, it feels like the Magpies are on the cusp of becoming a genuine force in English football once again. The addition of young, talented strikers such as Joao Pedro and Liam Delap would be a shrewd move, not just to provide competition for Alexander Isak but also to give the team fresh dynamism in attack. Advertisement The focus on youth and potential is an intelligent one, especially given the club's previous struggles in the transfer market. By investing in players who can grow into top-level talent, Newcastle is building a sustainable future. As a fan, it's exciting to see the club prioritising quality and strategic thinking over splashy, big-money signings. The smart, calculated approach that Howe has implemented gives me confidence that we can push on to greater heights next season. As for Callum Wilson, I personally think it will be a sad moment if he does indeed leave. Wilson has been a reliable figure for Newcastle during some of our most difficult times, and his commitment to the club will always be remembered. However, with the ambitions of the club growing, it seems that Howe is ready to make tough decisions to build a squad capable of challenging at the highest level. Newcastle's future looks incredibly bright, and with the right additions to the squad this summer, we could soon be competing not only in the Premier League but also in European competitions on a regular basis.
