MANCHESTER CITY - EASTFIELDS
GROUND
The stadium is certainly less intimidating for away fans than Maine Road ground and from the outside it looks simply spectacular. However, I think because it looks so good from the outside the expectations are raised somewhat; when you actually enter inside, you are a little disappointed as the inside does not match the exterior, looking somewhat bland in comparison.
Away fans are located in one side of the Key 103 (South) Stand at one end of the ground, in both the upper and lower tiers, where up to 3,000 fans can be accommodated (4,500 for cup games). The view of the action is pretty impressive although the leg room is a little tight. The facilities are also pretty good with spacious concourses, large plasma flat television screens showing the game and a good selection of food on offer.
Atmosphere within the new ground is sadly lacking compared to Maine Road, but I'm sure this will develop in time. I did hear though on my visit one good rendition of the Man City fans anthem 'Blue Moon'. My only real complaint was the lack of distance between the home and away supporters.
Only a few seats and a row of stewards stood in-between the two sets of fans, which led to a lot of unpleasant baiting between the two. And of course it was always the away fans who were adjudged to be causing the problems by the stewards (although I'm sure that if I visited on another occasion I probably would have seen the same Man City fans baiting in the same manner) and this led a number of away fans on my visit being escorted out of the stadium.
After the game has finished fans are kept apart immediately outside via a large fence which is erected by the Police, which seems to lead to a lot of exchanges of unpleasant abuse. Some away fans have suggested that it may be best to keep colours covered on making your way back to your transport.
PUBS
There are not many pubs around the stadium, however The Stanley (aka Sports Bar) does let away fans in but only in small numbers. It is 10 mins walk on Pottery Lane. Otherwise drink in the city centre.
GETTING THERE
Leave the M62 at junction 18 and then join the M60 Ashton Under Lyne. Leave the M60 at junction 23 and take the A635 towards Manchester. Branch off onto the A662 (Ashton New Road) towards Droylsden/Manchester. Stay on the A662 for around three miles and you will reach the stadium on your right.
TRAIN
The closest train station is Ashburys which is a short 5 minutes ride away from Manchester Piccadilly station. It is a 10 min walk to the stadium. Piccadilly station is 25 mins away.