djcool wrote:
I think its strange on these smaller grounds when the 10 metres lines are not 10 metres apart, should be banned, mind you wouldn't that ban most football grounds too?
Isn't it because a rule was introduced that the dead-ball line has to be a certain distance from the hoardings, for safety reasons, meaning that an old ground like Wheldon Road that probably once had the dead-ball line right up against the fences had to squish the main playing area a bit in order to accommodate the rule?
From a spectator standpoint, I think the Warrington ground gets it right. The playing action is right by the pitch, and even when only 8,000 are on there is still a good atmosphere. 8,000 at Wigan or Huddersfield feels empty and devoid of any atmosphere.
Of the new grounds, I'm not a fan of the Saints ground. I was a big fan of Knowsley Road. So intimidating and the new one doesn't have the same feel at all. I get the economic arguments for a bigger ground, but I don't find the atmosphere as good.
Because of the footprint, however, if we ever get a redeveloped Belle Vue, there is a chance of a better experience without sacrificing the atmosphere.
but, it's a horrible ground when it's empty
