Saltergate was the home of Chesterfield for 139 years.
The Recreation Ground, or Saltergate as it was more commonly called, dated back to 1871 and was one of the oldest grounds in England when it closed in 2010.
It consisted mainly of terracing, with the Main Stand that ran the length of the pitch being the only seated area of the ground. At one end was the Cross Street Terrace, which was an open standing area, usually allocated to away fans. Away fans were also allocated a few seats in the Main Stand.
Opposite this and behind the other goal was the Spion Kop, which was a covered terrace and a popular place for Chesterfield’s more vocal fans to gather.
Opposite the Main Stand was the Compton Street Stand, which was a long terrace running the length of the pitch and a small covered area at the top of it. Towards the end of Saltergate’s lifespan, seats were added to this stand.
The record attendance at Saltergate was set when Chesterfield met Tottenham Hostpur in the FA Cup 5th Round on 12th February 1938. The game was watched by 30,561 and resulted in a 2-2 draw. Spurs won the replay 2-1 just four days later. Both teams were in Division Two at the time!
The last game was played at Saltergate on 8th May 2010 in a League Two contest against AFC Bournemouth. The home team won the game 2-1 and I have heard a story about a wheelchair flying onto the pitch amongst the celebrations.
I would love someone to confirm that for us!
Saltergate was demolished in 2012.