Chelsea FC v West Ham United
Sunday 17/03/13
Kick Off: 4.00pm
West Ham United Ticket Office can now confirm that all Standard/Disabled Match Tickets for the above Chelsea Away fixture have now SOLD OUT.
Chelsea FC
Nickname The Blues
Founded 1905
Ground Stamford Bridge, London (capacity: 41,837)
Chairman Bruce Buck
Manager Rafael Benitez
2011–12 Premier League, 6th
http://www.footballgroundguide.com/chelsea/
Stamford Bridge
The ground is quite impressive looking, having had three new stands built since the mid-1990's. The developers have taken advantage of the fact that the 'old' Stamford Bridge was oval shaped and have stretched the new stands right around the ground 'filling in' the corners, so that the stadium is totally enclosed. The latest addition to the stadium is the attractive looking West Stand, which was opened in 2001. Located on one side of the pitch, it is a superb three tiered affair having a row of executive boxes running across its middle, the type of which you are able to sit outside. Its roof is virtually transparent, allowing more light to reach the pitch and gives it a unique look. Opposite is the older East Stand. Opened in 1973 this towering stand is also three tiered and has the team dugouts situated at its front.
Both ends are smaller being two-tiered. One of these is the Matthew Harding Stand, named in memory of the man who did so much to transform the club. Opposite is the Shed End which has a Police Control Box suspended below its roof. There are two large video screens located in opposite corners of the stadium. Outside the ground, behind the West Stand is a statue of former playing legend, Peter Osgood.
The Club recently lost out on their bid to takeover the site of the Batteresa Power Station and build upon it a new 60,000 capacity stadium. It remains to be seen now whether the Club continue look for an alternative site for a new stadium or whether they try to further expand the capacity of Stamford Bridge.
Away fans are located on one side of the Shed End lower tier (towards the East Stand side), where the normal allocation for league games is 3,000 tickets. For cup games the whole of the Shed End can be allocated. The view from this area of the ground is pretty good and the refreshment areas are modern looking. There are televisions on the concourses, showing amongst other things at half time, highlights from the first half. A range of pies and pasties are on offer, including the Chicken Balti Pie (£3) and roll over hot dogs (£3.50). Alcohol is also available with Heineken & Guinness on offer at £3.50 a pint. There is also a 'meal deal' available for a pie and a pint (£6).
On the whole I found Stamford Bridge a pleasurable day out. There was a good atmosphere within the ground and even though there wasn't a lot of space between the home and away fan sections, in didn't feel intimidating. The stewards were also pretty laid back. I was seated in the Shed End and I did find a little difficult to go up and down the steps of the stand, due to the stand itself being quite steep and the steps between rows quite small. The only ‘real hassle' I had was trying to get through the lines of stewards situated outside the stadium at the entrance to the away section. They seemed to assume that I was a Chelsea fan and kept ushering me towards the home end. Only after showing my ticket for the visiting section for a third time did I finally make it inside.
The pubs near the ground can be quite partisan, so I would recommend getting a drink somewhere on the journey there. A number of away fans drink in the pubs around the Earl's Court area, which is only a couple of tube stops away from Fulham Broadway station. The Courtfield Tavern, which is almost opposite the main entrance to Earl's Court Tube Station, is a particular favourite with away supporters. This pubs serves real ale, offers hot food, but both at what can be described as 'London prices'. Gordon a visiting Newcastle fan adds 'there are quite a few pubs on the Kings Road that are okay as long as you don't break into a chorus about your team!'. Alcohol is available inside the stadium, however for certain fixtures the Club opt not to sell any to away supporters, so don't bank on it!
Leave the M25 at Junction 15 and take the M4 towards London, which then becomes the A4 up to Hammersmith. Carry on over the Hammersmith flyover and after a further one and half miles, take the turning Earls Court. Continue past Earls Court station and down the one way system until you reach the junction with Fulham Road. At this junction, turn right at the traffic lights and after about half a mile, you will see the ground on your right.
A number of local resident schemes are in operation around the stadium, so you may well end up having to park some way from the ground itself. Thanks to Andy Harris for providing the directions.
The nearest tube station is Fulham Broadway which is on the District Line. Take a tube to Earls Court and if necessary, change for a Wimbledon bound tube. The nearest over ground train station is West Brompton, which is served by trains from Clapham Junction (which is in turn served by trains from London Waterloo and Victoria stations). It is around a 15 minute walk to the ground from West Brompton station.
As you come out of the station turn right and proceed along Old Brompton Road, passing the Tournament Pub on your left. You will soon see the Brompton Cemetery immediately on your right and further along set back from the road is its impressive looking entrance. Turn right through the entrance into the cemetery (there are normally a number of other supporters doing the same) and as you walk on through the cemetery you will soon see the tops of the stands of Stamford Bridge.
If it is a night game then do not go into the cemetery, but take the next right after the cemetery into Finborough Road. After a half-mile, turn right onto the Fulham Road and the stadium is located down on the right.
Previous Encounter
West Ham 3 - 1 Chelsea
1st December 2012
Rafael Benitez's troubled start to life at Chelsea plumbed new depths at Upton Park, as West Ham produced an incredible second-half comeback to snatch a memorable victory.
Chants of "sacked in the morning" and "one Di Matteo" rang out as Chelsea allowed a 1-0 half-time lead to slip, with West Ham roaring back thanks to goals from Carlton Cole, Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga.
Stats
Previews and more will be added in the match update.
Hated then since I was in short trousers at school !!!!!!!!!!!
