"A worthy home for the other United"

If been to see FC several times at their rented home at gigg lane and been bowled over both by the atmosphere and the pre-match entertainment put on by their supporters with the 'course you can malcolm' event. That said, it wasn't theirs and no club can feel truly content without a home of their own. Those cherished ambitions were finally realised in the summer of 2015, ten years after the club phoenixed from the flames of the glazer takeover. It's a fantastic ground and a worthy home.

Location

Moston is a working class residential district several miles north east of the city centre. It's easily accessed by either tram (get off at the Newton Heath and Moston stop on the Rochdale line and then grab the free shuttle bus to broadhurst from the railway pub), train, and the club also runs special buses from Stevenson square in the city for just £1.50, which is a great touch. The club has tried to make it as convenient as possible for fans to get to without bringing their cars, thereby minimising disruption for the local residents who were a bit iffy about FC moving in. They should be commended for that. To be honest the area hasn't too much going for it in terms of local attractions, a few pubs, but the miners arts and culture centre right beside the ground is an exception. What an absolute gem, full of great beer, great food, great company, and memorabilia of various working class struggles down the years. It even has its own cinema. For a cynical old leftie like me it was heaven.

View

Unrestricted views all over the ground, but I can appreciate it may not be great for the away supporters in the bus stop end behind the other goal. Love the standing paddocks in the main stand, and as for the st Mary's road end, well, it's a classic old school terrace. All it's missing is the piss running down your leg

Facilities

The portaloos let the place down but it's clearly a work in progress. A lot of work still needs to be done, if and when finances allow.

Food & Drink

Fantastic. You won't find better grub at a football match anywhere. When I visited there was chilli and rice on in the main stand, very reasonably priced and delicious. Treated myself to a cheese and onion pie at half time and a lovely warming cup of bovril too. The pies, at £2.75 each have divided opinion with FC fans who think they should be cheaper. Hot vimto was also available and I'll definitely be trying that on my next visit. In the corner of the stand there's Fat Annies stall which do gourmet hot dogs including a much loved vegan option. In terms of beer your best bet is to head below the smre where FC volunteers have created their own makeshift bar. It's far more atmospheric than the rather bland main stand bar and serves broadhurst ale, Brewed by one of their supporters

Police & Stewards

All stewards were friendly and helpful. Couldn't do more for me.

Atmosphere

I was expecting big things from the atmosphere, it's always been one of FCs biggest selling points. It certainly didn't disappoint but it did seem a bit quieter than the relentless banging noise at gigg lane. It was a miserable wet day and the team underperformed in a 2-1 defeat. I'm also aware that the demographics of the support has started to change, with many of the original founders being replaced by new fans who maybe don't have that connection to the clubs past and it's MUFC heritage. There has also been a number of boardroom controversies lately which haven't helped. That said, the atmosphere is still far and away the best in non league football. Stand on the smre and its like being transported back 30 years to the grittier earthier and far more enjoyable match day experience pre sky and premier league.

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