sufc.co.uk brings you the fourth and final part of the guide to the stadiums we are set to visit in 2011/12.
Notts County
Stadium details
Meadow Lane
Nottingham
NG2 3HJ
Visitors guide
20,300 (all seated)
After a campaign by Notts County fans, the Club have decided to move fans out of the Kop End at one end of the stadium and instead house them in part of the Jimmy Sirrel Stand, located on one side of the ground. The normal allocation for away fans in this area will be around 1,300, although this can be increased.
Distance from the Lane (round trip) - 78
The Magpies in 2010/11
The oldest club in the Football League completed their 122nd year with a 19th place finish in League One last term. Last season saw the Magpies have three different permanent bosses as a lack of consistency ensured they flirted with relegation right to the death. After Steve Cotterill left to join Portsmouth in the summer, former Blade Craig Short took over, but he only lasted until late October before being shown the door. Paul Ince filled the void and started well, but a downturn in results saw him replaced by Martin Allen in April, after he controversially left Barnet, where he had just been appointed as Paul Fairclough's successor.
Hartlepool United
Stadium details
Victoria Park
Clarence Road
Hartlepool
TS24 8BZ
Visitors guide
7,787 (4,180 seated)
The wind whipping the North Sea goes right through you, so wrap up well unless there is a heat wave. Away fans are in the Rink End Stand at one end of the ground, where up to 967 can be seated. Unfortunately there are a few supporting pillars in this stand, which may hinder your view, especially if there is a large away following.
Distance from the Lane (round trip) - 217
The Pool in 2010/11
Despite finishing 16th in League One last term, Pool were never in danger of relegation as they continued to defy their critics. Under Yorkshireman Mick Wadsworth, who was appointed as Caretaker Manager following the resignation of Director of Sport, Chris Turner, in August 2010, Pool battled gamely throughout despite many tipping them to be relegated, their home form was particularly impressive and Victoria Park is considered by some as one of the toughest places to visit at this level. Last month Wadsworth was rewarded with an extension to his contract, becoming Hartlepool's first permanent boss in 920 days.
Rochdale
Stadium details
Spotland
Sandy Lane
Rochdale
OL11 5DR
Visitors guide
10,249
Away supporters are housed in the Willbutts Lane Stand (recently renamed the Westrose Leisure Stand), where the view of the action and the facilities are pretty good. Up to 3,650 supporters can be accommodated in it and normally away fans are confined to the centre of the stand.
Distance from the Lane (round trip) - 96
Dale in 2010/11
Dale finished last season in 9th position in League One with 68 points, equalling their highest league finish since 1969/70. After that, though, manager Keith Hill left to join Barnsley following Mark Robins's resignation and assistant boss David Flitcroft followed Hill to Oakwell. The Spotland based outfit moved quickly to appoint former Manchester City apprentice and youth coach Steve Eyre as new boss and he has been busy in the transfer market. After losing Matt Done and Scott Wiseman to the Tykes, Eyre has brought in striker Ashley Grimes on a free from Millwall and Liverpool full-back Stephen Darby on a season-long loan, in addition to Andrew Tuttle and Simon Hackney. They have also been boosted by the news skipper Gary Jones has committed his future to the club, signing a new two-year contract.
MK Dons
Stadium details
Stadium:mk
Denbigh
Milton Keynes
MK1 1ST
Visitors guide
22,000 (all seated)
Away supporters are located in the North East corner of the stadium where around 3,000 fans can be accommodated.
Distance from the Lane (round trip) - 230
The Dons in 2010/11
Under the Football League's youngest boss, Karl Robinson, MK Dons will count themselves pretty unfortunate last season after losing 4-3 on aggregate to eventual play-off winners Peterborough United over a two-legged semi-final. After something of an inconsistent first-half of the season which saw the Dons enter 2011 in 12th place in League One, Robinson masterminded a radical improvement and after going through March unbeaten they didn't really look back in their quest for a top six finish which duly obliged. The summer has seen Peter Leven replaced by Darren Potter from Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Sam Baldock has reportedly rejected a switch to Peterborough.
Exeter City
Stadium details
St James' Park
Stadium Way
Exeter
Devon
EX4 6PX
Visitors guide
8,830 (3,800 seated)
The St James terrace at one end of the ground houses 1,053 fans and is open to the elements. It may be advisable (especially if the weather is not great) to try and get one of the 150 seats made available to away supporters in the old, but at least covered Stagecoach Grandstand.
Distance from the Lane (round trip) - 488
The Grecians in 2010/11
Paul Tisdale has made something of a name for himself since getting Exeter promoted to League One and the stylish boss would have been delighted with the Grecians 8th place finish last term, although probably disappointed to only miss out on the play-off places by a single point. St James' Park was something of a fortress last term, although Tisdale will have to replace top scorer Jamie Cureton who has left to join Leyton Orient and goalscoring midfielder Ryan Harley who has moved to Swansea. Arriving in Devon over the summer has been defender Danny Coles, midfielder Guillem Bauza and goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley.
