Fitness First!

SeasideEssexXile has a look at the home of AFC Bournemouth, The Fitness First Stadium.

When the FA computer produces the fixtures does anybody official actually look at them and say "We`d better change that"? We all know that we`ll be playing Forrest on Tuesday nights for the foreseeable future but surely some one could have thought that this fixture was a bit misplaced.
The last game before Xmas and a long trip to the south coast means that not too many Pool fans will be there to witness will be hopefully our position in the play off places cemented before the festivities really begin.
Taking into account exiles I`ll anticipate a following of between 200-300 maximum, which is a pity really. Our best performance of the season at Scunthorpe was seen by less than 400 Pool fans and the current performances deserve better than that.
So to the FFS....

The Ground
Dean Court has been totally redeveloped. There are now 3 permanent stands and 1 temporary stand (at the south end of the ground). The 3 stands are all similar in design and height. Each is single tiered and covered. Guess where the away fans are located. That`s right -it`s the Gene Kelly for us. It can hold 1100 - plenty of open air leg room and a red nose guaranteed for the faithful travelling on Saturday.

How To Get There
Are you ready for this? It`s as long as the stocking you`ll be putting out for Santa to fill.
M6 to J4a then the M42.Leave the 42 at J3a and join the M40 heading towards London. Leave the 40 at J9 to join the Wendlebury interchange. Leave this after 400 yards to join the A34. Leave the 34 to join the M3. After 8 miles on the 3 join the M27, leave the 27 at J1 and head onto the A31. The 31 leads on to the A338.
Follow the A338 towards Bournemouth. The ground is situated on the left of the A338 in the outskirts of Bournemouth. If you keep looking up to the left as you go into Bournemouth you will eventually see the tops of the ground floodlights. At this point take the next exit off the A338 and turn left towards the ground. There is a large car park located at the ground.
Alternatively take the train. The nearest station is Pokesdown. Bournemouth Central is a half hr walk from the ground.

Where to drink?
At the end of the dual carriageway there is a pub called the Queens Park. Popular with both home + away fans it has Sky Sports on show, however if you make your way to Pokesdown Station at the station entrance is Bournemouth Fans Club, who have kindly offered an invite to Pool fans.
Eat drink and be merry………

Plod + Stewards
The weather won`t be warm but the welcome to the south coast should be.

Fear Factor Rating - 2

Not the most popular of journeys for both fans & players on the 23rd December. No doubt Mr. Gillett will have briefed his temporary employers of the Pools strengths, one of which is going to be missed on Saturday. I expect Hoolahoop to be replaced by (Santa) Claus on the left and most of us will be expecting a return of at least a point. Bournemouth are an up and down team. Beating Forrest at home 2-0 then losing 0-4 to Vale recently, let`s hope we catch them on a down day and we can make the journey up North with a decent result to soften the blow of this lengthy trek.

Onwards + Upwards

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