A quick guide for those heading up to Craven Cottage On Boxing Day

A treat for those that like going to traditionla football grounds, two sides of the ground date back many years albeit seats have now been put onto what was terracing with the Stevenage Road stand now named after Fulham legend Johnny Haynes dating back to 1905, a rare treat to see a football ground with a stand as iconic as this these days.

Getting There

With no trains running on a Boxing Day and probably no tubes either the only option for those not going by coach is to drive, there are a couple of options, perhaps the moct direct is to follow the M3 as it then becomes the A316 after passing through Richmond follow directions for the A205 (South Circular) eastbound to Putney. Putney is just across the river from Craven Cottage about a ten minute walk. but will probably offer the best options for parking.

Parking

Parking around Craven Cottage is extremely limited with 1 hour parking meters being the only options, which are obviously no good for those wanting to spend longer than that watching the game, apparently these restrictions are in force even on Bank holidays as well.

Perhaps the best option would be to park over the river in Putney where there are many options including street parking, the farther you go away from the Bridge the cheaper and easier is the rule. and its obviously well situated to head back to the M3 aftrwards. 

The Ground

Saints fans are situated in the Putney End, a stand built just over a decade ago it holds 6,000 in total divided into roughly half being allocated to visiting supporters with the other half being a neutral zone which often sees away supporters in that section as well. Strangely for a stand built fairly recently it does have some supporting pillars that obstruct the view  but only in the rear section.

Beer and the usual food stuff is available, but although the kiosks are covered from the rain etc they are open being just under the stand at the back so are cold in winter and for those that havent noticed it is winter out there.

If you do like a beer in the ground etc then a good tip is go to the kiosk in the left hand corner and then you can enjoy a fine view of the Thames as it goes past the ground.     

Pubs Eating Etc

The Eight Bells on Fulham High Street next to Putney Bridge is a popular pub with away fans but tends to get extremly busy, if you have parked over in Putney then that might offer the best chance for a pre match drink and given the few options near the ground will probably be busy with both home and away fans alike.

Fulham

Craven Cottage 

Capacity: 25,678 (all seated)

Address: Stevenage Road, London, SW6 6HH

Main Telephone No: 0843 208 1222

Pitch Size: 109 x 71 yards

Shirt Sponsors: FxPro

Official Web Site: www.fulhamfc.com

Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Recent Stories