Post by romfordkev on Jun 29, 2009 17:26:42 GMT
Whilst returning from a trip to South Queensferry, to take in the fantastic Forth Bridge, I decided to swing into EAST END PARK - the home of DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC FC, or to call them by their nickname, "THE PARS."
Situated alongside the busy Halbeath Road, the ground is nothing to really look at from the outside - however, on entering, it really is quite impressive (by Scottish standards). Capacity is 12,500, and is all seated.
Here are my snaps of the one-time home of former Torquay favourite David Graham.
WITH ALL ENTRANCES SEEMINGLY CLOSED, I MANAGED TO SNEAK INTO EAST END PARK VIA A "SIDE SERVICE GATE" IN ONE CORNER OF THE GROUND.
THIS IS THE INITIAL VIEW I HAD - LOOKING ACROSS THE PITCH TOWARDS THE "NORRIE McCATHIE" (OR WEST) STAND, FROM THE CORNER OF THE MAIN AND EAST STANDS.
THIS IS THE EAST STAND - A STEEP, ONE TIERED, ALL COVERED STAND WHICH IS NORMALLY USED TO HOUSE UP TO 3000 AWAY FANS.
HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF "OLD FIRM" FIXTURES, AN ADDITIONAL 3000+ CAN BE ACCOMODATED IN THE MAIN AND NORTH STANDS.
AT PITCH LEVEL, LOOKING ALONG THE 2 TIERED MAIN STAND.
THIS WAS BUILT IN THE 1960'S.
ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE GROUND, THE NORTH STAND.
VIEW FROM BEHIND THE EAST STAND GOAL TOWARDS THE IMPRESSIVE MAIN STAND.
......AND THE NORTH STAND, FROM THE SAME SPOT!
THE MAIN STAND AND THE "NORRIE McCATHIE."
NOTE TO THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THE LATTER, WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SMALL GARAGE. THIS IN FACT, HOUSES THE PITCH MAINTENANCE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.
THE TEAM DUGOUTS, AND BEHIND THEM, VARIOUS CORPORATE FACILITIES.
I ALWAYS TRY TO SIT IN THE DUGOUTS - DON'T ASK ME WHY!!
VIEW OF THE WEST STAND.
....AND THE EAST STAND WITH (IN THE FOREGROUND) EVIDENCE THAT THE SPRINKLERS HAD BEEN ON EARLIER THAT DAY!
THESE ARE THE LUXURIOUS DUGOUTS AT EAST END PARK - NO LEATHER RECARO SEATS HERE I'm AFRAID, JUST WOODEN BENCHES.
INCIDENTLY, I SAT THERE FOR A GOOD 10 MINUTES.......STILL NO SIGN OF A BUS!!
A CLEARER VIEW OF THE SURPRISINGLY STEEP EAST STAND.
THIS, ALONG WITH THE WEST STAND, WAS BUILT IN 1998.
THE "NORRIE McCATHIE" - WITH IT'S QUIRKY GARAGE FACILITIES.
INCIDENTLY, THE STAND IS NAMED AFTER A FORMER PLAYER, WHO REPRESENTED DUNFERMLINE IN 576 GAMES, BETWEEN 1981 AND 1996 - BEFORE HIS UNTIMELY DEATH, AGED 34.
A GLANCE THROUGH THE WINDOW OF THE MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY SUITE - VERY POSH!!
AND FINALLY, BACK OUTSIDE IN THE MAIN STREET, THE CLUB BADGE DETAIL ON ONE OF A SERIES OF GLASS "ATRIUM" STYLE ENTRANCES TO THE CLUB OFFICES.
This is getting eerie.....................last week I stopped off at The Bassilico on the Great West Road, yesterday; The Ace Cafe (it's all that polished chrome, neon lighting and white washed walls that attract me) unfortunately these days 7am is too early for them to have the coffee ready. What sort of bloody transport cafe is that I ask you! 