Welcome to Volume Two of my blog which covers all clubs and stadiums outside the English League System along with the wonderful people responsible for their maintenance and keeping clubs going.

Since I was a little lad, I've been fascinated in football and more so where games are played. With my love of travel and curiosity of the game I wanted to visit as many grounds as possible and see games where I can. I was fortunate that my dad also loved the game and spent so much of his spare time taking me to matches.

As I got older the boundaries widened owing to my location and increased wages to Europe and indeed the world. The sight of a stand or a floodlight pylon in the distance immediately heightens my senses and eagerness for a closer look. I hope that this site gives you the chance to share in my pleasure and experiences and set you on the road to adventure.

"If you get half as much out of the hobby as I've done, I can guarantee some great memories, good friends, and stories to pass on to future generations. Give your local club a try today. They'll be delighted to see you!

Everlasting thanks primarily to my late and very much missed and dearly loved parents; my dad Bob Bernard and my mum; Ann, who put up with endless years of football chat and my brothers Nick and Paul who gave me the chance and to do what I have. Thanks to all my friends who offer encouragement along with my wonderful wife Taew who must be confused as to why I go to what she must consider meaningless matches.

Please feel free to post any comments (please use sensible language - I want everyone to be able to enjoy reading) or ask any questions relating to visiting grounds or events. Make sure you keep having a look as the site is continually updated. If you click on a lot of the pictures, you will get a larger version on your screen. I have also added links to video clips on YouTube where appropriate for those of you who are bored of reading or are filling in time at work. I haven't always gone for the most obvious choices, but items that will be in some cases unusual but always historically interesting.

https://worldgroundhop.blogspot.com/ leads to see volume one of HAOTW for everything in the English League System.

Rob Bernard, Sisaket, Thailand, May 2024

Wednesday 13 May 2020

Blantyre Victoria (Scotland)



Blantyre Victoria hail from the town of the same name a couple of miles north of Hamilton and a few more south of Glasgow in Lanarkshire. "The Vics were formed in 1890 and compete in the West Region of Scottish Junior Football (non-league). 











The club formerly had a healthy rivalry with Blantyre Celtic before they became defunct in the 1990's. They lifted the Scottish Junior Cup in 1950, 1970 and 1982, as well as being crowned champions of various leagues.

Famous ex Vics players include Billy McNeil, Jock Stein and Joe Jordan as well as both grandfathers of both Jonathan Gould and Stuart McCall.













Vics were relegated at the end of the 2011-12 season after finishing second bottom of the league. David Greig was appointed as manager in August 2012 and after a couple of seasons at the helm he led the side to a league title and promotion in 2013-14.

 Blantyre Victoria FC will play in the SJFA Central District First Division in season 2014-15.



My visit

Tuesday 26 January 2010

My final port of call on my minor groundhop on a dark winters day was Blantyre Victoria FC, who are based just north of Hamilton. The ground was further away than from the station than I thought, although my pre planning came in handy as I took a short cut across a public park. 

 I found the entrance to Castle Park on Forrest Street. The first signs for me gaining admission did not look promising as the imposing turnstile block was all locked up. As usual I wasn’t about to give up, so I walked down the road which mainly consisted of light industry opposite.











I found an open gate and ventured inside. It looked as though Vics had honoured their former famous names by refusing to update the ground since their departures. The terracing was crumbling and the covered roofs on the far side contained more holes than a colander.

 If I hadn’t done advance research, I would have had to flip a coin as to whether the ground was still in use or not. It was homely enough but it did need serious remedial work. Maybe my review is unfair? I would have liked to see it in its prime.

There was the rare sight of a few seats, albeit in a ropy condition in the open in front of the changing rooms.




















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