Football Ground Guide: Fans Ground Review, Deepdale, Preston North End FC

Preston North End - Deepdale
Pre-season friendly v Everton
Saturday, July 24th 2010, 3pm
Bobby Rooney

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):

If I'm being honest, I didn't even know I was going to the match until about Midday, when I got shuffled in a car and down to the local Train Station. I was looking forward to going to Deepdale as I enjoyed going last time I went in 2001, and hadn't been since it's completion of the new 'Invincibles' Stand. So it was a game I was looking forward to!

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Oh it was really easy, As I live a mere 45 minute train journey away, I got the train to Preston for Ł3.55 (as a student, Ł5.10 for an Adult) which was a real bargain and it took 35 minutes or so.

When I went to Preston last time, we drove and were fairly close to the stadium using street parking for free, but this time I had gone from the station and I asked the Police officer at the station for directions, which made it straight forward; on leaving the station, turn right and stay straight until reaching the prison, and then turn right and the stadium was straight ahead. The journey took about 25 minutes, so if your a bit lazy or simply can't do it cabs and buses regularly run to near the stadium.

There seemed to be a lot of street parking, and having walked 25 minutes to the station, I saw a few car parks charging Ł3-5.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

I just stopped at the Subway in the town centre, but I walked past plenty of pubs, although some weren't away friendly. There were plenty of food outlets too. The Home fans were really friendly actually, really helpful so was a pleasant change.

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

Same old Deedale really. Looks like a typical Modern North West Stadium, with the exception of the Football Museum, which I would recommend visiting, as I think it's brilliant (Ed - unfortunately the museum has now closed). The Concourse I felt was a little compact, and with only half an end given most of the time, I could see it becoming quite congested down there for a team who are well supported. I like the stadium, I like the features in it, and due to the steep shape, seeing the match is no problem at all and offers great views, even if a little high, not one for the weak legged!

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..

I must admit, I actually did enjoy the game, Everton walked the game and probably deserved more than a 3-0 win. Preston looked poor, but a pre-season game means nothing really! Had a good bit of banter with the small group of about 40-100 Preston fans in the corner of their stand. Stewards seemed fairly good, they stopped a few idiots running on the pitch and were generally jokey and relaxed. I didn't use the toilets or make use of the food either, but I was told pints of lager were Ł2.80, so not all bad.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Really easy, as I was walking so there was no queues for me, there were traffic jams around the stadium though. Due to it being just a single carriageway, it's understandable, I'd recommend, parking just a bit further down from the stadium, and it'll ensure an easy get away.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

I enjoyed it! Saw a promising performance for the new season and got to see the Blues win, always a good thing. I liked Deepdale, but fans who aren't fans of stadiums like Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan, mightn't quite like it, a good touch with their heroes faces in the stand, I think that's great! I look forward to returning next year!

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