Class of ’92 – A ’25 Update
This week saw us heading to Greater Manchester for a League Two game between Salford City and Accrington Stanley.
Think of Salford City and you inevitably think about United’s ‘Class of ’92’ and their takeover in ownership of the club.
Brothers Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Nicky Butt bought the club in 2014, and though ownership has changed since, all of them remain involved to a greater or lesser degree.
I was interested to see what the guys have done at Salford, compared to how football is run elsewhere.
What better day to do it than for a Lancashire derby against Stanley, who we have already visited for Hopper Tales #82.
Making this even better for me personally was the fact that Salford City became the first EFL club to follow us on Twitter/X.
Out of the blue on Friday afternoon, I received a message from the club in response to a tweet asking Salford fans for tips on pubs, etc.
This resulted in a lengthy answer about Moor Lane (or the Peninsula Stadium, to give it its sponsored name) facilities.
I have included the message, as there is plenty of useful information for others.
This is the first time I have had a league club go to these efforts to answer my questions, and I would like to thank their Twitter admin for doing so. You are a credit to Salford City.
So, now we know what we are doing, let’s get on with it, shall we?
Salford – The Journey
The distance involved necessitated an early start to the day, never a good thing for me!
Rousted out of bed by the ever-vigilant and patient Mrs Ex-Hopper, I clumsily bumbled around before leaving the house in time to catch the 07:38 #65 bus to Durham.
At least it was a nice morning, with the sun already out and quite warm, too. With only a 5% threat of rain forecast, the day looked promising.
I arrived in Durham at 08:02 and wandered off to grab a pastry-based breakfast from the Gregory and Gregory delicatessen (Greggs to you lot).
After scaling the first two stages of the east face of Mount Durham, I sat eating my breakfast, looking out over the cathedral and castle.
After swishing the last crumbs off me, and refreshed, I tackled the last stage of Mount Durham and on to the summit, where the train station cruelly lies.
The 08:54 Cross Country train to Penzance arrived on schedule, and I climbed aboard.
We arrived in Leeds at 10:05, where I had 13 minutes to find the platform for my connection to Manchester Victoria.
Public Transport Rant
It turns out I had much longer than that.
Trains heading west were in a state of chaos, with delays and cancellations all over the departures board.
After a lot of confusion, I eventually boarded the Chester-bound train at 10:58. This train, too, was 15 minutes late. Only 5 minutes earlier, it had been scheduled to terminate at Todmorden, with buses laid on to complete the journey.
Public transport in the United Kingdom is a national disgrace!
Overpriced, understaffed and generally not fit for purpose. Passengers are not reaching their destinations, and schedules are thrown out of the window.
The poor staff are left to deal with disgruntled passengers in the aftermath of delays and cancellations.
It’s just not good enough, I’m afraid!
The Department for Transport needs to re-nationalise our trains and get rid of these profit-mongering companies.
Anyway, rant over, I arrived at Manchester Victoria an hour later than scheduled, at 12:50.
I managed to catch the 12:56 #93 bus to Moor Lane. Due to diversions that have been in place for weeks, according to the driver, he dropped off myself and a couple of Irish lads who were over to visit, at the stop before Moor Lane.
This meant we had to walk over half a mile uphill, and it was quite a stiff and sweaty Hopper that finally approached Salford City’s stadium.
While I finish the walk, why not have a read about the town of Salford?
Salford
Salford is a city in Greater Manchester, lying on the western bank of the River Irwell.
It lies 2 miles west of Manchester city centre, 9 miles southeast of Bolton, 11.5 miles southwest of Rochdale, and 8.5 miles northwest of Stockport. It is 135 miles southwest of Hetton-Le-Hole, where I live, and 64 miles northwest of Uttoxeter, my home town.
At the 2021 census, Salford and its surrounding boroughs had a population of 269,923, 1.4% higher than in 2011
Early History
There is evidence of human settlement in the area from as early as the Neolithic Period (10,000-2,200 BC).
The etymology of the city’s name comes from the Old English word ‘Sealhford‘, meaning ‘ford by the willows‘.
Roman general, Agricola, ordered a fort built in the area to protect the routes between Chester and York from raids by the local tribe (Brigantes). Upon its completion in AD 79, the settlement of Salford was established.
When the Romans left, the area fell first under the control of the Saxons and then the Viking Danes, and finally the Norman invaders from France.
Salford was granted a market charter in 1230, giving it much influence in the area.
In the English Civil War, Salford was on the side of the Royalists, while neighbouring Manchester favoured Cromwell’s Parliamentarians.
Then still a town, it was overtaken in importance by neighbouring Manchester during the Industrial Revolution. However, it still gained city status in 1926.
During the Industrial Revolution, Salford had many factories and mills, producing cotton and silk, and was an important inland port with the opening of the Salford Docks in 1894.
Cheap imports collapsed the textiles industry, and Salford became run-down and beset with significant anti-social and organised criminal activities.
The Present
Now, Salford is starting to overcome these problems and is a major hub for media companies and home to the University of Salford. Project Gulf is a big part of the answer to this problem.
Salford is home to The Lowry Centre, Ordsall Hall, the Bridgewater Canal and MediaCity at Salford Quays.
Government and local authority money is being invested in a regeneration of the area, and it is hoped that Salford will once again become a prosperous and thriving city.
Aside from Salford City, another well-known sporting team hails from the city. Salford Red Devils rugby league club, who play in the Super League.
Notable People from Salford
Salford has a host of celebrities hailing from its midst over the years.
These include:
Actors: Adam Thomas, Albert Finney, Andrew Knott, Andy Whyment, Ayub Khan-Din, Chelsee Healey, Christopher Eccleston, Gordon Wharmby, James Hazeldine, Joanne Whalley, Joe Gladwin, Justin Chadwick, Kate Ford, Lewis Tan, Pearce Quigley, Rebecca Atkinson, Robert James-Collier, Robert Powell, Steve Evets, and Stephen Lord.
Musicians: Allan Clarke (The Hollies), Elkie Brooks, Gary Whelan (Happy Mondays), Graham Gouldman (10cc), Mark ‘Bez’ Berry (Happy Mondays), Mark Day (Happy Mondays), Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order), Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays), and folk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl.
Children’s TV presenter, Andy Crane – comedians, Freddie ‘Parrot Face’ Davies and Jason Manford.
Sporting stars from Salford include:
The inventor of rugby, William Webb Ellis – England and Great Britain rugby players, Adrian Morley and Denis Betts and snooker star, John Virgo.
Footballers include Eddie Colman and Geoff Bent, who both perished in the Munich Air Disaster, Mick Kennedy, Paul Scholes, and Phil Bardsley. Referee, Neil Midgley, and legendary commentator, John Motson.
Club Shop/Ticket Office
After arriving at Moor Lane, I made my way to the club shop, which doubles up as the ticket office.
The queue was slow-moving, with everyone buying tickets.
I asked a couple of people around me if they minded me jumping ahead to get a pin badge. I said if it were all a single queue, I would get back in line, and nobody minded.
My question paid off, as it seems there is a separate member of staff to serve people in the club shop.
None of this is apparent to people who don’t already know, including the regulars in the queue.
I got my pin badge, which cost me £4, before thanking the folk who had let me through, and leaving.
A Little Humour
Back outside, a club official was patiently explaining to an Accies supporter that away tickets are collected and bought from the away stand turnstiles, not the club shop. He explained the directions twice before the guy wandered off.
Before I could question the official, the fan returned, explaining he had already paid in advance for his ticket. “Can I not get it from in there?” he asked, pointing at the club shop for a second time.
Again, he was told “No, away tickets are at the away turnstiles”, and again gave directions.
He and I exchanged glances before I smirked and asked him where the West Stand turnstiles were.
He pointed back the way I had come and told me to turn left, then left again.
I said, “Where, in there?” and pointed at the club shop. He looked at me with a sceptical face before I slapped his shoulder and told him I was only joking.
He laughed and shouted after me, “I’m watching you!”
A little humour never hurts anyone and cheers folks up. 😂
Salford City – Moor Lane
Getting In
After walking around the other side of the ground, I came across the turnstiles, where I had my ‘man-bag’ searched for the first time.
Yes, I’ve unashamedly joined the man-bag brigade, and I’m loving the functionality of it. It holds my charger, phone, wallet, pen, torch, inhaler, pin badge, programme (when available), and numerous other useful objects.
It’s like having Mrs Hopper and her handbag back with me! 😂
Once searched, I presented my digital ticket to the gateman, who scanned it before waving me through.
I bought my ticket online via the Salford City website, costing me £21.00.
Once inside, I found myself in the southwest corner, between the Fireball Fanzone, the stalls littered along the rear of the West Stand, and Buck’s Bar to my right.
Hot and sweaty from the walk and the warm weather, I headed into Buck’s Bar for a cold pint.
Buck’s Bar
The bar is on the left-hand side of a single, large room.
There are plenty of tables for people to lean on and place their drinks. TV screens adorned the walls and were showing an early kick-off game, but I didn’t check who was on.
I bought a pint of Carlsberg, costing £4.80.
I took my pint outside and asked if I could share a table with a couple of gentlemen sitting there.
It was a warm day, and I was glad to be under the shade of the canopy.
I noticed one of them reading a fanzine, and because I know Salford don’t produce a programme, I asked where he’d bought it.
Between Buck’s Bar and the outer fence, a gentleman was selling them. I asked how much it cost, and was told £3.00. I asked if he could change a £20 note, as I only had £2.50 in change.
Amazingly, the guy who was talking to the seller said he would give him the other 50p. Despite my protests, he was determined that I should accept it.
It never ceases to amaze me how many kind people I run into during my football travels.
Football fans have earned themselves a bad name over the years, but despite the occasional dickhead, most football fans are great people.
Thanking them both, I headed back to the table to continue our conversation about Salford City, Manchester United (disillusioned ex-United supporters), and football in general.
Old Dead Tree Fanzine
Food
Whilst I didn’t purchase any food at the ground, I’m reliably informed that the scran at Moor Lane is above average for both price and variety.
The most recent one I could find on @footyscran, was this dirty dog and chips from March 2022.
I would…
Pint finished, I left my seat to make way for friends of the guys I’d been speaking to, and made my way inside the ground.
North Stand
I was in the West Stand, but we will start with the North Stand, which was to my left.
This backs onto the club shop and the ticket office, which you can just make out through the meshwork in the photo below.
Like the rest of the stadium, the West Stand is covered. However, I’m not sure everyone would be protected in a Manchester downpour. The roof projects over most of the seats and is uniform all the way around.
There is also a mesh fence between the roof and the lower part of the stand, which I’m sure would let the wind whistle around on colder winter days.
The eastern end of this stand also accommodates some away fans.
The 92 Bar is located behind the North Stand.
East Stand
The East Stand is where away fans are located, behind the goal at the far end.
There appeared to be approximately half of this open to the 314 Stanley fans who had made the journey, all of whom were on the northern side of the goal.
It is a terraced stand, and looks similar to the one I was located in at the opposite end.
South Stand
The South Stand is the main stand at Moor Lane and contains the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, technical dugouts, etc.
In the southeast corner is a blue, box-type structure, which serves as a security hut.
In the southwest corner is another construction, serving as a hospitality lounge.
A digital scoreboard is attached to this, although, unless you are at the southern end of the West Stand, it is mostly obscured from view.
In fact, it’s best seen from the North Stand and may be visible for away supporters in the East Stand.
West Stand
The West Stand was my chosen spot for todays game.
A covered 12-step metal terrace behind the goal, and where the Ammies’ more vociferous fans choose to congregate.
A few banners lined the back wall, which you can see in the pictures below.
The first one isn’t strictly true. I don’t love or hate Salford City. If I were that way inclined, I guess I would say, they are Meh-mite… 👀 (Sorry!)
Salford has some pretty iconic floodlights in an age where porn-worthy floodlights are fast disappearing.
Shaped in the same design as the club’s crest, these four floodlights appear in each corner. They have an outer rim that lights up in the club colours when switched on.
Moor Lane/Peninsula Stadium
Moor Lane was built in 1978, currently boasting a capacity of 5,108, of which 2,246 are seated.
There are a number of spaces for the disabled around the stadium, two of which you can see in the photograph below.
The pitch on the day was immaculate. So much so that I struggled to make out if it was an artificial surface. Major respect to the groundsman for producing that surface. Artificial turf surrounds the playing area, and it’s difficult to see where one begins and the other ends.
Renovations on the Moor Lane ground brought it to its current design in 2016-17. This resulted in a capacity increase from 1,600 to the current 5,108.
Upon completion, the stadium was reopened by Sir Alex Ferguson and given its sponsored name, the Peninsula Stadium.
The record attendance at Moor Lane came on 3rd February 2024. It resulted in a 3-1 win over (to be promoted) Wrexham, in a League Two fixture.
Manchester United U21s play their home games at Moor Lane.
The Peninsula Stadium is a cash-free zone. The only time you will need cash is to purchase a fanzine.
Salford City – Moor Lane Gallery
Salford City Tidbits
The Salford City Football Club was formed in 1940 as Salford Central.
In 1963, the club changed its name to Salford Amateurs. This gave rise to the club’s current nickname of ‘the Ammies’.
They played in the local leagues, winning the Lancashire Cup in 1971,1973 and 1975.
Between 1974 and 1979, the Ammies won the Manchester League Premier Division four times.
1978 saw Salford drop the ‘Amateurs’ tag from their name and move into their Moor Lane home.
In 1980, they joined the Cheshire County League, which in turn merged with the Lancashire Combination to become the North West Counties Football League two years later. Also in 1980, Salford merged with Anson Villa, retaining the Salford name.
Salford was placed in the Second Division; however, a league restructure saw them elevated to the First Division in 1986.
Salford City is Born
In their 50th anniversary year, the club adopted its current name, Salford City, with floodlights being installed at Moor Lane. This allowed entry into the FA Cup, where they played and lost to Warrington Town in the Preliminary Round.
The next sixteen years saw an unbroken period in the NWCFL Division One, with third being their best finish in 2001/02.
Under the management of Gary Fellows, City won their first silverware since 1979 by winning the NWCFL Challenge Cup.
They finally exited the NWCFL Division One in 2007/08, promoted to the Northern Premier League, as runners-up to Trafford.
They retained their place in the NPL Division One against all the odds the following season.
After a disastrous campaign had left them with three ex-managers and just nine points from 26 games. They managed to win 7 of their remaining 10 games under Paul Wright’s management, and retained their league status with another victory on the final day of the season.
The Class of ’92
In the 2013/14 season, a consortium of ex-Manchester United stars who had all progressed into the first team together took ownership of Salford City.
Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes were the familiar names in an unfamiliar role. Singapore businessman Peter Lim acquired 50% of the ownership later in the year.
The club changed their kit colours from tangerine shirts and black shorts to the now familiar red shirts and white shorts.
2014/15 saw Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley guide the team to promotion from the NPL Division One, pipping Darlington 1883 to the title.
Now into the seventh tier of English football, the club was geared up for further success. They defeated Whitby Town, Curzon Ashton, Bradford Park Avenue and Southport to reach the FA Cup 1st Round Proper for the first time in club history.
Amazingly, they beat League Two side Notts County 2-0, before failing at the next hurdle against another League Two side, Hartlepool United. However, they took the game to a replay at Victoria Park and were eventually beaten by two extra-time goals.
In the league, the Ammies finished 3rd and entered the playoffs. After beating Ashton United in the semi-final, a late winner gave them a 3-2 win over Workington in the final. This meant back-to-back promotions for City and entry into the National League North.
Onwards and Upwards
During 2016 and 2017, renovations to Moor Park resulted in the current Peninsula Stadium’s birth.
Their first season in the NLN almost resulted in a hat-trick of promotions, ultimately falling to a play-off semi-final defeat to FC Halifax Town on penalties. In July 2017, Salford City gave all its players full-time contracts on professional terms.
No such problem in the following season, with City promoted as champions, ahead of Harrogate Town.
Despite three promotions in four years, Morley and Johnson were replaced by Graham Alexander in the summer of 2018. The gamble paid off, as Salford City completed their amazing rise to the EFL with a third-place finish in the National League.
This gave them entry into the play-offs, where victory over Eastleigh in the semi-final gave them a first-ever trip to Wembley Stadium. Here, they defeated AFC Fylde 3-0, securing four promotions in five seasons.
The EFL
On August 3rd 2019, Salford City’s first game in the Football League gave them a 2-0 victory over Stevenage, sparking hopes of further success. Eventually, the season ended with the Ammies in 11th place.
During the Covid-19-hit season of 2020/21, Salford won their first EFL trophy, defeating Portsmouth in the Football League Trophy at an empty Wembley Stadium. After playing out a goalless draw over 120 minutes, City won the resulting penalty shootout 4-2.
Inconsistency plagued Salford in its second season in the EFL. Alexander was replaced by Richie Wellens, who was replaced by Paul Scholes as interim manager. Eventually, under Gary Bowyer, the club finished in 8th place. One highlight for them was conceding the fewest goals in the league.
After a 10th-place finish the following season, Bowyer left, and Neil Wood came in. After briefly topping the table for the first time, City had to settle for a playoff spot at the end of the 2022/23 season. Unfortunately for them, they lost on penalties in the semi-final to local rivals Stockport County.
Last season saw Salford reach the 3rd Round of the FA Cup, where they suffered a club record defeat of 8-0 at the hands of Premier League giants, Manchester City. They just missed out on the playoffs, finishing one point behind Chesterfield in 8th place.
Karl Robinson is the current man in the hot seat, hired in January 2024. He will look to take Salford City to their next promotion.
History tells us he will need to deliver…
New Ownership
On 8th May 2025, it was announced that a new ownership group was taking control of the club. The change wasn’t too drastic, though. The familiar faces of Gary Neville and David Beckham, along with US-based businessman Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies would now own the club.
Butt, Giggs, Phil Neville and Scholes will continue to help out and have roles within different facets of the club.
Gary Neville said upon completion of the deal, “I am passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise, held together by a love of football. Football will come first; however, it’s critical that we drive the Club towards sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I can’t wait for the next part of this journey.”
David Beckham said, “I grew up in Salford… I have such fond memories of my time living there, and the place and its people played such an important part in my early life in football. Salford City is at the heart of its community… it has a rich history and I am delighted to be a part of the next chapter.”
Will this new ownership and investment help spur the Ammies further up the leagues? I will be watching with interest.
They Played for Salford City
Louie Barry – Di’Shon Bernard – George Boyd – Cameron Burgess – Tom Clarke – Craig Conway – Paul Coutts – Tom Elliott – Tyrese Fornah – Ethan Galbraith – Billy Garton – Darron Gibson – Jorge Grant – Kadeem Harris – Ian Henderson – Callum Hendry – Václav Hladký – Mark Howard – Jake Jervis – Jason Lowe – Stevie Mallan – Connor McLennan – David Norris – Dennis Politic – Neil Redfearn – Matt Smith – George Tanner – Jon Taylor – Brandon Thomas-Asante – Ibou Touray – Ollie Turton – Danny Webber – Richie Wellens and Ben Woodburn.
I always look for a Stoke City connection, and with Salford City, that comes in the form of James Chester, Tom Edwards, Frank Fielding, Mike Flynn and Adam Rooney. Also, ex-Stoke players Mick Kennedy and Phil Bardsley were born in Salford.
Salford City – Pre-Game View of Moor Lane
Salford City v Accrington Stanley – The Game
Form
Coming into today’s game, Salford City have won one and lost one of their opening league fixtures.
They have also been knocked out of the League Cup by League One Rotherham United, though they did push the tie to a penalty shootout.
In those two league games, they have scored three, while conceding four.
Last time out, they picked up the first three points of the season with an excellent 2-1 victory at Notts County.
Meanwhile, the Accies have drawn one and lost one of their opening two fixtures.
A 1-1 draw with Gillingham on the opening day was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Crewe last time out.
They have managed two League Cup victories, though, with a preliminary round win against Oldham Athletic, and a 2-1 victory over League One’s Peterborough United in the 1st Round.
I foresee a tough game for both teams, with Salford edging it.
Pre-Match Prediction:
Salford City 2 Accrington Stanley 1 (Great success!)
Kick-Off
Summary
As this article is already very long, I will leave the Match Report to the people who do it best, via the Accrington Stanley website.
Suffice to say, it was a decent game and one I felt Salford deserved the three points from, despite Accrington’s late fightback.
Half-Time Salford City 2 Accrington Stanley 0
At the interval, I got out my phone to see how Stoke were getting on at Sheffield Wednesday.
It’s awful to see what’s going on at Hillsborough under the destructive regime of Chansiri. However, I was delighted to see us winning 1-0 at half-time. We compounded that lead in the second half, with two more unanswered goals.
I wish Wednesday much luck in getting their owner out of the club, but I can only foresee relegation looming for them this season, unless things change quickly.
Seeing Stoke atop the table is quite a spectacle after years of disappointment since our PL relegation in 2018.
We may only be two games into the season, but things feel different under Mark Robins. A new transfer team seem to know what they are about, too. Some fantastic additions have already come in, with a couple more to come.
Tomáš Rigo, Banik Ostrava’s Slovakian international midfielder, is expected to sign sometime this week.
Exciting times!
Second Half
I have to comment on Luke Garbutt’s disallowed ‘goal’. He scored directly from a corner-kick, only to see the referee disallow it.
Someone tell me why?
Of course, there was the usual pushing and shoving from players on both teams. It feels like defenders are treated leniently compared to attackers committing the same offence.
It’s yet another element of the modern game that drives me crazy. I’d like to see penalties awarded for every shirt-pull and sneaky shove. Until such time, set pieces will remain mostly pointless.
It’s ironic, considering free-kicks and corner-kicks are awarded to give teams an advantage… This can never ring true when officials almost always give fouls against the attacking side in a 50-50 infringement.
Dirty Old Town
At the end of games, Salford City play a song that is known and loved by many, Dirty Old Town, by The Pogues.
Written by Salford-born (Broughton district) Ewan McColl in 1949, the song was revamped by the Celtic punk band in 1985. It fits in perfectly with Salford’s industrial history and Salfordians’ love of their ‘dirty old town’.
The best version of it that I could find on YouTube came in 2016, before Moor Lane became the brand-new Peninsula Stadium.
A derby game against FC United of Manchester was the setting, and although I believe it’s the FCUM fans singing it, the version (and setting) is too good not to use.
Full-time – Salford City 2 Accrington Stanley 1
Attendance – 2,943
Entrance Fee – £21.00
Programme – N/A (Free team sheet only)
Salford City v Accrington Stanley – Match Highlights
League Table After Today’s Game
Up Next
Next up for the Ammies is a trip down to South Wales, where they will face Newport County at Rodney Parade on August 19th.
Another away trip awaits them on the 23rd, with a visit to Walsall’s Bescot Stadium.
They return to Moor Lane to face Cheltenham on 29th August and Tranmere to open up September (6th).
A League Cup game at Wigan Athletic is sandwiched between those two league games (Sept 2nd).
Meanwhile, Stanley will try to get their season on track with a home game against Grimsby Town on August 23rd.
Their game against Tranmere in midweek (19th) has been postponed, due to Tranmere playing a rescheduled League Cup 1st Round game.
The Accies will themselves be back in League Cup action on the 26th, as they host Doncaster Rovers in Round Two.
They end the month with a trip to Shrewsbury’s New Meadow on August 30th.
Salford City Thoughts
Salford City have their critics and are generally disliked by football fans because of a perceived ‘buying success’ attitude.
However, I can only say good things about my trip to Moor Lane, from the Twitter conversation with the club on Friday afternoon, to the club official saying goodbye and thank you as I exited.
Between times, I sat and enjoyed a conversation with two of the locals, had a nice cold pint in the shaded fan zone, and bought a fanzine, which, like the printed programme, is a dying breed.
Despite not producing a programme, Salford do at least offer a free team sheet at the turnstiles. This should be the minimum offering for fans, especially when you don’t have a clue who the players are as a neutral. Even home and away fans would like to know who is playing.
I love the quirky floodlights in the shape of the club crest, the pitch is in fantastic shape, and food choices and prices are decent.
Another point of note is the pre-match and half-time music.
All the music played today came from Manchester-based bands. The likes of the Inspiral Carpets, Oasis, The Smiths, etc. make for a nice local touch!
If you have great music, why not show it off? Clubs should always promote local goods, in my opinion, even musically.
Negatives?
Not much, to be honest.
The club shop and ticket office need to be separated. This would only need to be an extra repurposed shipping container or Portakabin at a minimal cost to the club.
I would move the digital scoreboard to somewhere where the majority of the home fans can see it. On the roof of the East Stand?
One last dislike I have is, unfortunately, not particularly rare in modern football. Different ticket prices for different opposition.
They divide matches into Categories A, B and C with ticket prices varying accordingly.
For me, the ticket price should be the same, whether it be for Accrington Stanley, Barrow AFC, or Chesterfield.
A uniform price of £19.00 is a fairer system, in my opinion. If the club then wish to discount ticket prices for the Football League Trophy, then good on them.
Salford – After the Game
I exited the ground from the northwest corner and walked down Moor Lane, to the bus stop on Bury New Road.
A short wait later. I climbed aboard the X43 bus back into Manchester. Dropped off outside the National Football Museum, it was just a short walk to Victoria Station.
Arriving at the station at 17:30, it was still early, and I had quite a wait for my train, due at 18:21.
Looking at the departures board made me decidedly nervous, still showing numerous delays and cancellations.
Happily, I worried for nothing, and the train arrived just three minutes late.
I sat next to a Leeds fan who had been to watch Brighouse Town playing at West Didsbury & Chorlton. This passed the time quickly, and we arrived in Leeds at 20:00, a few minutes behind schedule.
I made an ageing jog/dash/stumble to Platform 9 and was just in time to catch the 20:05 Cross Country train to Edinburgh.
Again, I got lucky with my seat neighbours. A group of Newcastle United fans who had been to watch the Toon play at Villa Park.
Conversation once more made the journey go swiftly, and we arrived in Durham at 21:10.
A steady slide down Mount Durham later, I was at the bus station to catch the 21:35 X20A to Houghton.
After a short wait in Houghton, I caught the X1 home and was back through the front door at 22:20, another successful Hop in the books.
Next Up for Hoppers Guide
Next up for us, is a return to Scotland!
I always look forward to a trip over the border, and this is another step closer to completing the 42 grounds of the SPFL.
Montrose will be the 36th Scottish League ground that we will have visited.
However, due to Queen’s Park relocating to Lesser Hampden, and crisis club Hamilton Academical switching to the Broadwood Stadium near Cumbernauld, this number has dropped by two.
Not a bad thing, as it gives me more excuses to revisit Scotland more!
The visitors to Links Park will be Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who, despite being docked five points ahead of the season, remain many people’s favourites to win the league.
As always, I am looking forward to it.
Onto the next!
