On A Mission to Church Road. (Hayes F.C.)

Member Name: Botmission

Product:	Hayes F.C.
Date:	14/01/01 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Plenty of room, a good view of the pitch

Disadvantages: Basic facilities

Church Road, Hayes. An Away Fan's Perspective.

Ok this is my club, but I've taken a step back and had a look at what our visitors see.

The ground is situated in what was the old village of Hayes, which is now in the middle of a West London suburb. It has been here about eighty years, and until recently, it looked like it. Promotion to the Conference prompted an update, which is how you'll find it today. Still obviously old but with a few modern touches.

The car park is adequate for all but the very big games and costs £1 to use. It is not secure however, and precautions to protect the car and it's contents are advisable. The single entrance to the car park ensures a long wait after the game when there is a crowd of 1000+.

The club bar is fine for a pre match drink, and the Royal Oak is just outside the ground, although since a recent Doncaster Rovers visit, it may not be open on match days.

The Hayes experience depends on who you support. Many games are now segregated if a large away support is expected. If this is the case, you have the choice of a partially covered terrace alongside the pitch, or the uncovered terrace behind the goal. The terrace is steep enough to give a reasonable view, unless it's a full house (3500+). The facilities are basic, but a mobile caterer is provided, and is pretty good. No seats are available unless previously arranged.

When it's not segregated, then you have the whole ground to choose from. For a £1 transfer you can sit in the main stand if you choose. This is an old structure, with recently installed plastic seating. The deep terrace surrounds 80% of the pitch of which a third is covered with room for 1500 at a squeeze. If you are lucky, the mobile caterer will make an appearance, but if not, the permanent tea hut will provide adequate if uninspiring refreshments.

Stewarding is patchy to say the least, although this changes from match to match. <
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Church Road is a basic, open stadium which once held nearly 16,000 people! The facilities are only fair, but the view is excellent. I can think of worse places to watch a game of football.

Church Road may not be here for too much longer. Go there while you can.

Summary: