White-ball captain extends stay at Grace Road despite disappointing season for club
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2019
Colin Ackermann appeals for a leg-before shout•Getty Images
Colin Ackermann, Leicestershire’s white-ball captain, has signed a new three-year deal that will keep him at Grace Road until at least the end of the 2023 season.Ackermann’s new deal followed an impressive 2019 season, the improbable highlight of which was his world-record T20 return of 7 for 18 against Birmingham Bears.”I am very pleased to have extended my contract by another three years,” Ackermann said. “I have really enjoyed my time here at the Fischer County Ground over the last three years so long may that continue.”It was a tough season for Leicestershire, who finished bottom of their respective tables in each of the three county competitions. However, Ackermann is adamant that better things are in prospect for the club.”There have been quite a few [personal highlights] in the T20 side of things, and we have had a few good victories over Notts [Outlaws] in the last few years,” he said. “We have definitely shown that we can beat the top teams in our North Group, which is fantastic to see.”We are a young squad and it is fantastic to see the local and younger guys to have that opportunity to make a name for themselves.”Ackermann is the fifth Leicestershire player to sign a new deal in the off-season, after Dieter Klein, Harry Swindells, Sam Evans and Harry Dearden. “It shows that the club is putting a lot of faith in the younger group of lads, which is fantastic,” he said.”It is obviously not all going to come together right now but, in a year, or two’s time with the likes of Harry Dearden and Sam Evans having another year under their belt – it bodes well for the future.”Ackermann made 675 runs at 35.52, and took 12 wickets in the County Championship. He also made 428 runs at 61.14 and took five wickets in the Royal London One-Day Cup, as well as 342 runs at 28.50 and 12 wickets at 6.04 in the Vitality Blast.
The veteran wants to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan bowlers before his final bow in international cricket
Daniel Brettig in Adelaide26-Oct-2019A coach not quite sacked, a raft of player withdrawals, a typically chaotic nexus between cricket administration and government: all scenarios not uncommon when it comes to the endlessly fascinating story of Sri Lankan cricket. And yet amid all these 2019 misadventures there have been remarkable, even transcendent moments: A Test series win in South Africa, a stunning World Cup match win over England at Headingley, and then an even more stupefying Twenty20 clean sweep of Pakistan in Pakistan even after the aforementioned pull out of senior players.Now, with their resilience so vividly demonstrated, the Sri Lankans have arrived in Australia and linked back with their captain. Lasith Malinga added his own personal contribution to a year of memorable moments by not only defending a mere eight runs in the IPL final, but going on to take four wickets in four balls as against New Zealand in Kandy, the second such achievement of his dizzying international career.Malinga’s experience, drawn from well over a decade in the game, will be a more than useful addition to the group, alongside the strong credentials of Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella, to name three. “It’s a good opportunity for me to share my knowledge and experience with the young players,” Malinga said.”I can’t play much more cricket, the next few months and maybe in the World Cup. I want to give my best for the young players because they don’t have much experience like me, playing franchise cricket, IPL, Big Bash, everything else. Sri Lanka also are regenerating our cricket team, the young players need experience, they need guidance so that’s why it is important to play this tournament.Recalling his successful shut out of Chennai Super Kings for Mumbai Indians in the IPL final, Malinga said a sequence of five balls slung down at better than 140kph, followed by a closing slower ball to nail an lbw and seal a one-run win, was a good example of the sorts of stratagems he can either deliver himself or advise his team about.”Any bowler who has played 10-15 years they have experience,” he said. “According to that we can use our variation and tactical part, that’s more important than the power. These days I try to use my tactical and variations according to the game situation. In pressure situations we have to get the correct decision and decide what we want to do. That’s the thing with gaining experience over my career.”Asked about Steve Smith and David Warner, returning to international cricket on home soil for the first time since their Newlands bans, Malinga suggested contrasting approaches – patience against Smith, but a more aggressive search for Warner’s wicket. “No particular plan but we know how good he is. I’ve played with him in the IPL and against him,” Malinga said of Smith. “We want to stick with our basics, not think much about the opposition, stick to our basic cricket and that’s very important I feel in the T20 game.”In the IPL, [Warner] was the highest run-getter in thus tournament. We know how good the T20 format is for him and we know in the last couple of months he didn’t get much runs, but still we know he can damage the opposition in any situation. That’s why we are looking forward to him – if we can bowl one good ball for him, that’s the challenge for all our bowlers to get him.”Having been on the losing end of a Sri Lankan steal of a T20I against Australia at Geelong in 2017, Australia’s captain Aaron Finch was wary. “They’ve got some seriously dangerous players. I think when you look at Kusal Perera, Dickwella, these guys, they hit all around the ground and they’re aggressive, they take the game on, so you have to be at your best,” he said. “When you set out you have your really clear plans, but that can change so quick.”Because they’re so inventive, they move around the crease a lot, you have to really think on your feet as a bowler and as a captain. That’s going to be really important in this series to hopefully get some wickets in the Power Play and try to put some pressure on the middle order that probably isn’t as experienced as their top couple. they’re a very dangerous side and they’ve shown they can beat anyone in any conditions when they get it right.”They’re a world class side, and led by Malinga as well, who’s played so much T20 cricket. He’s really structured in the way he wants his bowlers to bowl and brings all his experience and all his guidance to their young tearaway quick attack as well. So it’s going to be an exciting series. Their spinners posed problems to us in the past, particularly in the subcontinent, so hopefully we can start the series off really well.”
Nova parceria surgindo. O Botafogo anunciou, na tarde desta sexta-feira, o patrocínio com o Cartão de TODOS, empresa do ramo de cartões de desconto. O contrato foi assinado até o final de 2022 e a marca da companhia ficará estampada na parte do meião no uniforme alvinegro.
+ Flamengo, Santos, Brasileirão e Vasco: nova parceira do Botafogo, FENG tem atuação nas redes sociais
A estreia do Cartão de TODOS já será neste domingo, diante do Nova Iguaçu, no jogo de volta da semifinal da Taça Rio.
– O nosso torcedor terá acesso a uma extensa rede de benefícios de uma empresa líder do segmento. É com grande prazer que anunciamos o patrocínio com a Cartão de TODOS. Esperamos que seja o início de uma parceria de muito sucesso e que tende a crescer cada vez mais – comemorou Durcesio Mello, presidente do Botafogo.
+ Em dia: Botafogo paga salários de abril a jogadores e funcionários
Além do patrocínio, a empresa lança para a torcida o produto licenciado e customizado Cartão de TODOS Botafogo, uma forma de oferecer ao “torcedor de carteirinha” do time o mesmo atendimento de excelência com descontos já garantidos pela versão oficial do cartão em áreas como saúde, lazer, educação, farmácias, academias e outras.
RelacionadasBotafogoInspiração em 1995, marca d’água com bandeira e detalhes: a nova camisa do BotafogoBotafogo06/05/2021BotafogoBoletim Médico do Botafogo: Guilherme Santos apresenta sintomas no trato respiratórioBotafogo06/05/2021BotafogoValorizado, Paulo Victor ganha moral e se consolida como revelação do BotafogoBotafogo06/05/2021
Vice-captain says Archer’s fifth spell in the first innings was “one of the best” spells of fast bowling he has seen as a player
Andrew Miller19-Aug-2019
Ben Stokes chats to Jofra Archer during England’s nets session•Getty Images
Ben Stokes believes that “the sky is the limit” for Jofra Archer after his remarkable display on Test debut at Lord’s, but admitted that the aftermath of his thunderous bouncer to Steven Smith caused “a pretty scary few minutes” as the medical teams assessed Smith for concussion following a direct hit to the side of the neck during his innings of 92.Stokes, whose reduced workload with the ball played a part in his promotion to No. 5 in England’s second innings – from where he scored a hard-earned seventh Test century – also confirmed that Smith had been in good spirits since the incident, with the pair and Archer all knowing each other well from their time together at Rajasthan Royals.”I messaged him last night [Saturday] to see how everything was,” Stokes said. “We’ve got a good relationship from playing together at Rajasthan and so does Jofra. I had a little giggle with him, which was good, saying Jofra’s a good shot to hit that pea-head!”I think he was as in good a fettle as he could have been but yeah it was good to see him get back up and walk of the pitch.”ALSO READ: Miller: Archer evokes Jonah Lomu on ‘frightening’ debutThe incident occurred during a remarkable eight-over spell from Archer in which he exceeded 90mph with 16 consecutive deliveries, and also struck Smith a painful blow on the left forearm which later required a scan to rule out a fracture. With England on the attack, Stokes had been posted at leg gully so was at close quarters to witness and hear the impact.”It just hit flesh,” he said. “[It was] not one of the nicest things to see on a cricket field, seeing someone go straight down like that was a pretty scary couple of minutes for everyone out there, but it was great seeing him get back up.”Marnus [Labuschagne] took a heavy blow [in the second innings] but the difference was he got straight back up and was ready for the next ball. In that moment it’s never nice but you look for the reaction – Steve stayed down so that was the scary thing, he laid flat and we weren’t quite sure where everything was out there.”Despite the unease in the moment, Stokes has no doubt that Archer’s use of the short ball had not crossed any line, and that England wouldn’t hesitate to unleash him again at Headingley next week, where Australia could be without Smith once again as he recovers from delayed concussion.”It’s part of the game and a big part of Jofra’s game, being aggressive, not letting batsmen settle,” said Stokes. “That bouncer of his is a huge asset and he’s going to keep on doing it. When someone takes a nasty blow, no bowler is going to say ‘I’m not going to bowl that again because I don’t want to hit them again’ – the concern is always there when someone takes it but next ball, when you get back to the mark, it’s ‘I’m going to keep doing it’.”Stokes and Archer know each other well from their time playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL•BCCI
Despite watching Archer at close quarters both with England and at Rajasthan, Stokes admitted he too struggles to pick up the short ball, because, he says, Archer’s rhythmical approach to the crease gives no hint of what’s to come.”He doesn’t have any tells,” said Stokes. “Some bowlers you get a tell when they’re going to bowl a bouncer or a different ball, but because everything is so rhythmical with Jofra it is tough to see when that bouncer is coming. He’s very tight to the stumps as well. Everything looks just so languid, you wonder if he’s loose and then he fires one … watching he ball fly through, it was very impressive to watch.”He gives another dimension to our bowling attack and what we are able to do. The first innings he bowled 29 maybe 30 overs, but his last spell of eight overs was one of the best out-and-out fast bowling spells I have seen since I started playing.”We’ve seen Mitchell Johnson do it to us, especially in 2013, but Jofra just makes it look so easy … like he’s walking in to bowl. And I’d rather have him on my team than have to face him. He’s a frightening talent and he’s announced himself on the world stage, just in a different format again this year. Literally the sky is the limit for him and he’s a great addition to our Test team.”One area of concern, however, revolved around Archer’s workload in his maiden Test, which his match tally of 44 overs being exactly twice as many as that of Chris Woakes, and four times as many as Stokes was called upon to deliver. Stokes, however, insisted that the rain-reduced nature of the contest – as well as England’s desire to claw back their 1-0 deficit – played a part in Joe Root’s tactics.”A lot played into the fact we lost two days to rain,” he said. “Jofra was the biggest threat and you’re going to throw the ball to your biggest threat, and that’s Jofra and Stuart [Broad]. I’m easy whether I’m not bowling or bowling long spells. I just do whatever Joe says to be honest.”
O trabalho de Abel Ferreira no Palmeiras é baseado no “todos somos um”, no qual o protagonismo da equipe é maior do que as individualidades e, quando o assunto é final, isso se faz presente no elenco. O Alviverde disputa a Supercopa do Brasil contra o Flamengo neste domingo (11), às 11h (horário de Brasília) no Mané Garrincha.
Em competições decisivas, somente atletas diferentes marcaram em finais. Ainda com Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Luiz Adriano marcou no 1 a 1 contra o Corinthians, na volta da final do Paulista. Nos pênaltis, Weverton e Patrick de Paula garantiram a conquista depois de 12 anos.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasEXCLUSIVO: Gabriel Menino fala sobre temporada, futuro e pressão de ser um dos melhores do PalmeirasPalmeiras10/04/2021PalmeirasAbel Ferreira, sobre escalação do Palmeiras contra Flamengo: ‘Uma equipe personalizada, de caráter’Palmeiras10/04/2021PalmeirasFelipe Melo nega rivalidade entre Palmeiras e Flamengo: ‘Os nossos estão em São Paulo’Palmeiras10/04/2021
>> Sorteio dos grupos da Libertadores rende memes na web; Corinthians e Flu foram os principais alvos
Já com o comandante português, o Palmeiras teve um herói improvável no bicampeonato da Copa Libertadores. Breno Lopes entrou no segundo tempo e, nos acréscimos, garantiu a vitória no estádio do Maracanã. O atacante tinha recém-chegado ao clube após negociação com o Juventude.
Na Copa do Brasil, outros três atletas diferentes marcaram nos triunfos em Porto Alegre e Allianz Parque. Na Arena do Grêmio, Gustavo Gómez usou a cabeça para garantir a vantagem pelo placar mínimo. Na volta, as Crias da Academia ratificaram o quarto título da competição com os gols de Wesley e Gabriel Menino.
Na última quarta-feira (7), dois novos jogadores apareceram para garantir a vitória no jogo de ida da Recopa Sul-Americana contra o Defensa y Justicia, na Argentina: Rony e Gustavo Scarpa. O segundo confronto acontece também em Brasília, no próximo dia 14 (quarta-feira).
Com a mentalidade do “todos somos um”, o Palmeiras está na Capital Federal para buscar dois títulos inéditos e o caminho das decisões está aberto para novas histórias.
With Newcastle United currently on a run of four successive defeats in the Premier League, it is clear to see that there is still a real need for improvement at St James' Park, with the Magpies having failed to build on last season's top-four finish.
Currently languishing in mid-table, one particular issue for Eddie Howe's side has been the lack of depth in key positions, with quality options limited outside of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at the heart of the defence.
jean-clair-todibo-sven-botman-newcastle-opinion
With Schar – and club captain Jamaal Lascelles – also now into their 30's – a more youthful partner for Botman may be required before too long, hence the club's interest in a promising talent who is currently shining in Portugal.
Newcastle eyeing move for centre-back starlet
According to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, Newcastle are believed to be one of several clubs who have sent scouts to watch Sporting CP defender, Ousmane Diomande in action at AFCON this month, ahead of a potential swoop.
The report suggests that while striking a deal for the Ivory Coast sensation is likely to be 'impossible' before the close of the winter window, a summer departure from the Lisbon side cannot be ruled out, raising hopes for Howe and co.
Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
That being said, the piece does claim that a move could be agreed this month if any suitor is to meet the 20-year-old's €80m (£69m) release clause, with it yet to been whether the northeast side would be willing or able to sump up the required cash over the coming days.
How Ousmande Diomande would fit in at Newcastle
Not only would the former Midtjylland man be able to offer a long-term partner to the "incredible" talent this is Botman, as described by pundit Leon Osman, but he could also prove hugely beneficial to influential right-back, Kieran Trippier, amid the Englishman's woes of late.
With Trippier looking set to stay put at St James' despite hefty interest from Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, the focus for Howe will be on getting the best out of the 33-year-old once again, amid a "disastrous" run for the defender in recent times – as per journalist Harry De Cosmo.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man was notably at fault for two late goals in the defeat to Everton last month after being caught in possession, having also gifted the ball to Mykhaylo Mudryk in the Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea.
It was also the veteran defender who failed to prevent Oscar Bobb from prodding him at the back post as Manchester City snatched victory at the death just a few weeks ago, with such errors proving rather costly amid the club's dire run.
The addition of Diomande, therefore, could be just the solution at right centre-back, with the "rapid" youngster – as hailed by writer Zach Lowy – possessing remarkable recovery speed to be able to bail the full-back out when required.
Also dubbed "physically imposing and aerially dominant" by Lowy, the 6 foot 3 menace's defensive prowess could allow Trippier the chance to focus on his primary strengths of running the show in the final third, with the Three Lions star having created ten 'big chances' this season – the joint-fifth most of any player in the division.
Having also been described as "cool and collected carrying the ball out of pressure" – as per Lowy – Diomande is unlikely to play those around him into trouble, instead feeding Trippier et al at any opportunity, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% among his peers in league's comparable to the Primeira Liga for progressive passes per 90.
Newcastle could make "monster" signing to be their new Cabaye
Newcastle could welcome their next version of Yohan Cabaye to the club this year.
ByMatt Dawson Jan 28, 2024
To have such an all-round "elite talent" – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – alongside him could be just what Trippier needs to shake off this recent poor run.
Scotland left-arm spinner Con de Lange passed away on Thursday, aged 38. It was revealed last year that de Lange, who also played for Northamptonshire, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.In October 2018, Cricket Scotland had launched a fund-raising appeal for de Lange, who had undergone many forms of medical treatment, including an operation, radiation and chemotherapy, in an effort to battle the illness.His last appearance for Scotland came in 2017, in an ODI series against Papua New Guinea in the UAE, when he was also the vice-captain of the squad. Overall, de Lange, who was born in Cape Province in South Africa, played 13 ODIs and eight T20Is between June 2015 and November 2017. His only five-for in ODIs came in a memorable win for Scotland against Zimbabwe, the side’s first ODI victory against a Full Member.Prior to playing for Scotland, de Lange played first-class cricket for Boland, Cape Cobras, Eagles and Free State in the South African domestic circuit, before a short county stint with Northamptonshire in 2012, where he played 22 games across formats and took 23 wickets.Tony Brian, Chairman of Cricket Scotland, said in a statement that de Lange had been a great servant to cricket in Scotland as well as South Africa. “Con’s death at such an early age is a tragedy. He was a great servant to cricket in Scotland as well as South Africa and elsewhere, not just in the national team but also at regional and club level with his infectious and inspirational commitment, both as player and coach.”But above all, we will remember Con the man – competitive, committed and the ultimate team player, someone with unshakeable principles and integrity. He will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered by many throughout the world of cricket.”Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald and current England international David Willey were among those who paid tribute to de Lange on Twitter.
Manchester United are expected to bring in new players this month and are now reportedly in the hunt for a midfielder who has earned some fairly lofty comparisons, according to a new report.
Manchester United's January plans
In what will be a major relief to most supporters, the transfer window is now firmly underway and Manchester United will have the opportunity to tool up with new additions as they aim to improve on their indifferent Premier League campaign so far under Erik ten Hag.
Back in December, the Dutchman indicated that his squad would be stronger after the window once several players return from injury and arrivals come through the door, as he stated: "The current squad I am happy, as we get our players back, we have a good squad. A lot of the way it went in the first season, the reasons behind because many players were not available. I am sure when all players on board it looks different, Casemiro, [Lisandro] Martinez, [Mason] Mount, we will be much stronger after the window."
Premier League Table: Latest EPL standings for 2024/25 season
Stay up to date with the English Premier League standings after matchday 33.
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025
Midfield has been earmarked as an area that the Red Devils could look to strengthen and it is believed that a potential deal for Atalanta's Ederson could now ramp up over the next few days, as per latest reports. Contact has already been made with the Brazilian's entourage to discuss the conditions of a deal and he is seen as a 'promising name' within the walls of Old Trafford as the Red Devils aim to add to their options in the engine room.
Now, a lesser-known player has appeared as a target for Manchester United as they begin to ramp up their transfer activity under Ten Hag's leadership.
Manchester United want Oscar Zambrano
According to Ecuadorian outlet El Futbolero, Manchester United are keen on LDU Quito star Oscar Zambrano, who has been heralded inside Old Trafford as someone with similarities to Chelsea Moises Caicedo.
Oscar Zambrano key statistics in 2023 – LigaPro Serie A (Sofascore)
Accurate passes per game
37.2 (91%)
Accurate passes per game in own half
14.8 (94%)
Tackles per game
1.2
Balls recovered per game
4.3
Average match rating
6.93/10
Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion are also believed to be interested in the 19-year-old gem; however, the Red Devils do not want to repeat their previous mistake of failing to sign up his Ecuadorian counterpart Caidedo after they failed to bring the enforcer to Old Trafford earlier in his career.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
Rob Edwards' Hatters looked to previously be leading the chase for his signature and had even brought in a top agency to try and seal a deal; however, the Red Devils will now provide some stiff competition in the hunt for the ex-Ajax trialist.
United have lacked drive in midfield this term and Zambrano could offer some dynamism in the middle of the park should he end up moving to Old Trafford.
There aren’t many better feelings than watching your team home and away.
Win, lose or draw, we’re there to support our beloved clubs whether it be at the home ground or as part of a tiny away section.
League One in particular is as competitive as ever, containing some historic names of English football, and so with that comes a number of must-visit grounds.
Focusing on the third tier, Football FanCast has ranked the top ten away days in League One which you should be looking to embark on if your team ever gets the chance.
For this list, we've considered the area, affordability, potential nearby activities and the stadiums themselves when coming up with the best away trips League One has to offer.
10 The Valley – Charlton Athletic
We are kicking things off in the capital, in particular Greenwich, where we have The Valley.
This is the home of Charlton Athletic, who were playing Premier League football as recently as 2007, but have since hit a bump in the road.
Fans of the Addicks currently find themselves struggling to get out of League One, but they do have an excellent stadium to show off with a capacity of over 27,000.
Visiting such a big stadium at this level of course means that a sizeable away allocation comes with it as well – a couple of thousand are able to attend.
Given that Charlton is London, it is easy enough to make a weekend out of a clash with this team, as there is no shortage of activities and pubs and whatnot in the surrounding area.
One slight downfall, though, is that with the location comes more expensive drinks than fans from further afield may be used to.
Away day rating: 6/10
9 Memorial Stadium – Bristol Rovers
Travelling further west to Bristol now, which is a two-team city.
Bristol Rovers and Bristol City divide the land in blue and red and it is the latter who are the more established, having been in the Championship consistently for nearly a decade now.
Rovers are the team going under our microscope with their ground, the Memorial Stadium.
The stadium itself has a capacity of just over 12,000, so whilst it may not be competing with the venues that have graced the top flight, it is still very impressive.
Rovers originally spent 89 years at Eastville Stadium but left there in 1986 and then moved to the Mem ten years later.
Away day rating: 6/10
8 Weston Homes Stadium – Peterborough United
Iconic stadiums losing their names to sponsors is a plight that is working its way through the EFL.
Peterborough United’s London Road is the first victim on this list, but the Weston Homes Stadium is certainly not as bad as another that will feature later on.
The Posh is a highly regarded club, this reputation being boosted by the openness shown by owner and chairman Darragh MacAnthony when it comes to the dealings in the transfer windows.
Peterborough has a historic cathedral if that is something that piques your interest before or after your team goes to battle with the Cambridgeshire side. Beyond that, there is a fair amount of general history on show and as the location suggests – Cambridge isn’t far away at all, either.
London Road is another stadium that holds a very respectable capacity, which is in excess of 15,000, with the possibility of a great atmosphere from home and away supporters.
Away day rating: 6/10
7 Pride Park – Derby County
Derby County are the first club to creep beyond the 6/10 mark and hit the heights of a very respectable seven.
They are another team who have played top-flight football in the Premier League era, although they do of course hold that haunting record for the lowest points tally.
Pride Park is where they call home, and according to BetVictor, this is the best ground in all of League One.
GiveMeSport states that season ticket price, price per game, stadium utilisation, total mileage, number of votes, atmosphere, location, stadium view, infrastructure and food were the various criteria that were assessed in BetVictor’s study.
Back in 1888, Derby were one of the 12 founding members of the Football League, showing just how steeped in history they are, making them a shoo-in for this list.
Away day rating: 7/10
6 St James’ Park – Exeter City
St James’ Park is a famous location up in Newcastle but also down south as well, with Exeter City having a ground of their very own going by the same name as the Magpies’.
Exeter are very proud of their reputation of being a fan-run club and so that quickly endears them to the football purists who come to visit in Devon.
The Grecians are a loud and proud group of supporters, with their clashes against local rivals Plymouth Argyle always being extremely fierce whether it's at Home Park or St James’.
There is a standing area and a seated area for away fans at Exeter, which is a nice touch, and with a fine city just minutes away from the ground, the stadium itself is worth a visit.
Away day rating: 7/10
5 Bloomfield Road – Blackpool
Returning to the trend of former Premier League teams, Blackpool reached those particular heights with Charlie Adam as captain and Rob Edwards and Ian Evatt also featuring – a pair who now manage Luton Town and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
Blackpool is known for having its infamous tower, the Pleasure Beach, waterparks and a zoo.
Once again, this is a location which would be suitable for the family, so a weekend getaway could be arranged around the main event of a football match.
Bloomfield Road has a capacity of 17,625, with the figures for away fans able to creep into four figures once again.
The presence of plentiful empty seats does lead to Blackpool being marked down, but it remains a desirable location for away fans, for sure.
Away day rating: 7/10
4 Kassam Stadium – Oxford United
Peterborough United affords you the chance of visiting Cambridge, while the other famous university city can be attended when your team goes toe-to-toe with Oxford United.
People of an older generation may know Oxford’s home as Grenoble Road, but it is now known as the Kassam Stadium in honour of Firoz Kassam, who owned the club between 1999 and 2006 as well as having a stint as chairman.
Kassam paid just £1 for the club due to the financial difficulties they were enduring at the time.
Oxford is considered to be a great place to visit, while as of 2021, it was named as the eighth-most expensive area in the country to buy a pint, so visiting fans will have to be wary when they flock to the nearby pubs.
Away day rating: 8/10
3 Toughsheet Community Stadium – Bolton Wanderers
Weston Homes Stadium isn’t the best name around, but that is nothing compared to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
There have been a lot of changes to the name of Bolton Wanderers’ home, from the Reebok Stadium to the University of Bolton Stadium and now to this.
But this name is one of very few blemishes on an away day to Bolton, in truth, with the size of the stadium certainly working in their favour.
Referring back to BetVictor’s research, Bolton ranked 14th in the entire Football League. This put the Trotters ahead of Premier League grounds such as Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United to name just a few.
Away day rating: 9/10
Newcastle fans against Arsenal at home
The top ten away days in the Premier League – ranked
An away day is one of the best parts of being a football fan, but which is the best in the Premier League? Football FanCast has taken a look.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 22, 2023 2 Oakwell – Barnsley
Barnsley join Bolton at an away day rating of 9/10, but the former gets the slight edge, and finishes second on the list as a result.
Oakwell is an old-school, classic ground for football and Barnsley in general are a club with a lot of history.
They are firmly ingrained in the landscape of England from a football perspective which makes it a worthwhile away day instantly.
The club doesn’t own the stadium anymore, with the council having to take over to save the club from facing extinction, and whilst they have gone from the Championship play-offs to League One in just a couple of years, Barnsley remains a massive club that deserves a lot of respect and admiration.
Away day rating: 9/10
1 Fratton Park – Portsmouth
There aren’t many better grounds that one can visit in the EFL than Fratton Park.
The University of Portsmouth labels itself as “one of the most affordable UK cities for university students”, and why can’t that carry over to football fans wanting to frequent the pubs, particularly when “the cost of a pint [is] averaged at £4.51, one pound cheaper than London.”
We have no notes for Pompey, it is a club with a great following in a nice area and Fratton Park is the best stadium in League One, all things considered.