DoDTS
The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Imagine this scenario:
So how would you react to this?
However this scenario isn't fiction, this was the situation Southend United supporters had to face in 1919. The first world war had seen football cease through the country and some clubs folded and were never seen again. The following is a report od the inspection of the new Kursaal ground:
UNITED’S GROUND PUBLICLY INSPECTED
Southend United’s football ground was thrown open to the public on Saturday and the occasion was favourable with ideal weather. The group of people were entertained by Mr. Meek’s Hippodrome band whose services had been requisitioned to brighten the day. Many hundreds treated both ground and dressing rooms to a critical examination and had the various points for and against explained by the management. Those who knew the old ground at Prittlewell readily saw the advantages the present pitch holds over Roots Hall. Spectators after their look round usually visited the table from which shares were readily being taken up. The Mayor and party arrived at 04.30 p.m. and the crowd were entertained until 8.00 p.m. when the ground was closed.
The ground measuring 115 yards by 75 yards, like the Arsenal’s it is fenced three yards from the touch line. It is capable of accommodating and it is hoped will accommodate, 36,000 people. There remains yet to be considered the terracing round the pitch and a start in that direction has already been made. Directly opposite the dressing room is a terraced enclosure for directors. The turfing of the pitch is complete which is beautifully green and in excellent condition like a carpet and also the fence round a pitch is complete. Entrance to the ground are from Burdett Road on the south and Woodgrange Drive on the north. A special appeal goes out for the purchase of a grandstand and it is hoped that this will be up by October at the latest, until then a temporary shelter will be arranged. Contained in the handsome structure on the South side are the directors rooms, baths, dressing rooms, gymnasium and store room. The directors room which opens on to there enclosure, will later be turned into a recreation room and gymnasium for the players. Attached is a smaller room for the referee and linesmen. Below stairs are the teams dressing rooms with separate accommodation for players in their different positions. These open into a room containing a large concrete bath with geyser also a shower bath arrangement. The comfort of the visiting team is similar.
From the Southend Standard 14th August 1919
- Southend United had ceased to operate four years ago.
- During that time Roots Hall was gone and being used for other things.
- An appeal is made for funds to resurrect the club.
- A new ground is found and fans are invited to inspect it, but it is little more than pitch with a fence round it.
- There was a very small amount of terracing but funds are requested to build a stand
So how would you react to this?
However this scenario isn't fiction, this was the situation Southend United supporters had to face in 1919. The first world war had seen football cease through the country and some clubs folded and were never seen again. The following is a report od the inspection of the new Kursaal ground:
UNITED’S GROUND PUBLICLY INSPECTED
Southend United’s football ground was thrown open to the public on Saturday and the occasion was favourable with ideal weather. The group of people were entertained by Mr. Meek’s Hippodrome band whose services had been requisitioned to brighten the day. Many hundreds treated both ground and dressing rooms to a critical examination and had the various points for and against explained by the management. Those who knew the old ground at Prittlewell readily saw the advantages the present pitch holds over Roots Hall. Spectators after their look round usually visited the table from which shares were readily being taken up. The Mayor and party arrived at 04.30 p.m. and the crowd were entertained until 8.00 p.m. when the ground was closed.
The ground measuring 115 yards by 75 yards, like the Arsenal’s it is fenced three yards from the touch line. It is capable of accommodating and it is hoped will accommodate, 36,000 people. There remains yet to be considered the terracing round the pitch and a start in that direction has already been made. Directly opposite the dressing room is a terraced enclosure for directors. The turfing of the pitch is complete which is beautifully green and in excellent condition like a carpet and also the fence round a pitch is complete. Entrance to the ground are from Burdett Road on the south and Woodgrange Drive on the north. A special appeal goes out for the purchase of a grandstand and it is hoped that this will be up by October at the latest, until then a temporary shelter will be arranged. Contained in the handsome structure on the South side are the directors rooms, baths, dressing rooms, gymnasium and store room. The directors room which opens on to there enclosure, will later be turned into a recreation room and gymnasium for the players. Attached is a smaller room for the referee and linesmen. Below stairs are the teams dressing rooms with separate accommodation for players in their different positions. These open into a room containing a large concrete bath with geyser also a shower bath arrangement. The comfort of the visiting team is similar.
From the Southend Standard 14th August 1919
