Dispassionate view on the Ealing experience after my visit yesterday. On the whole it was a completely miserable day weather wise only lightened by the fact there were 10+ Broncos fans there. Add to this some of the issues CN brought up, that I am sure we all realised existed, were reinforced,
The journey by public transport for me was convoluted but I expected that. I guess driving will be the norm. I decided to walk from Ealing Broadway as it was clear but it soon started to hammer down. 297 and E10 buses passed me but I was always not at a stop, still 2 decent pubs en route, still got very wet. I guess on a clear day, 15/20mins undulating walk.
The entry was awful and I will be detailing this to the club. Cars were backed up right along Vallis Way and fans on foot expected to stand out in the rain whilst cars were dealt with. They couldn't take plastic so I was snookered but they felt sorry for me and let me in. They were using the minibus as the 'back office', taking money and selling programmes, so scuppers that as a means of transport. There has to be a better way of managing car and foot traffic and have all means of payment available. Imagine Leigh and Bradford fans on masse it will be chaos.
The general bar was not dissimilar to the Hive similar size and number of folk as at our last game. Service was very slow but the room was warm and dry. It boasted a huge screen which live fed the game outside so a lot of folk hung out there. Atmosphere was good, food on sale. Popped my head upstairs and the bar didn’t seem to be open. Talking to one Ealing fan at the bar, he was mildly interested in our arrival, another bloke turned out was a Bronco fan from old and will be back and a further chap Ealing fan said he would be definitely down – doesn’t mean much but ...
The toilet shared between players and fans. Took a half time leak then shook hands with Sir Kev as he queued up for his turn. He looked generally quite perplexed by it all. Frankly this is unacceptable and this again needs addressing. Far too close engagement with player’s toilets physio room changing room all rather odd.
I sat at the end as the main stand was full. Decent view. If there were 621 there pigs can fly but puts into perspective the whole operational challenge. The game was the game, pitched played well, and the scoreboard and floodlights pretty decent. Can’t comment on the tannoy and there didn’t appear to be any pre match entertainment – but it was hosing down.
I am sure in time I will grow to like this ground although there needs to be much improvement on what I saw/experienced yesterday.
