England's 10 newest grounds

Boothferry Park (Hull City)

Ravaged by redevelopment, the 50th anniversary of England's first postwar stadium drew 4,600 fans on Saturday - as opposed to a crowd of 25,000 for the inaugural fixture.

Vale Park (Port Vale)

Opened in 1950 on an old mining site, the would-be "Wembley of the North" once held 50,000. Belatedly modernised to fit 22,000, it is still a dauntingly open ground.

Roots Hall (Southend United)

Named after the 18th-century house which once occupied the site, it was intended to hold 35,000 on its opening in 1955. Capacity is now a third of that figure.

Glanford Park (Scunthorpe)

First of the modern relocations, in 1988, it anticipated the Taylor Report on safety and seats. Criticised for its functional look, but good value at pounds 2m.

Bescot Stadium (Walsall)

England's answer to the new Italian stadiums of 1990 resembled a DIY superstore. A sewage works once stood there; one wag suggested it be called WC Fields.

Deva Stadium (Chester)

Featureless ground opened in 1992 to hold just 6,000. Yet after two years of 40-mile treks to Macclesfield, it was San Siro to Cestrians.

The New Den (Millwall)

Opened in 1993 with 20,200 seats. Lacks the intimacy of the original Den, however, and has not yet had the desired effect of redefining Millwall's "hooligan" image.

McAlpine Stadium (Huddersfield Town)

A cultural citadel for the 21st century, also hosting REM and rugby league, and marred only by one undeveloped end. "Banana-truss" roofs a design delight.

Sixfields Stadium (Northampton Town)

Council-run, multi-sports arena which replaced ramshackle eyesore shared with the county cricket club until 1994. Impressive 7,500-all seater.

Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough)

A scaled-down Old Trafford in appearance and atmosphere, opened a year ago. Only regret must be not setting capacity above 30,000.

Sunderland

Have been at Roker Park since 1898, but next year they plan to move to a 40,000 all-seated stadium to be built on the site of the old Monkwearmouth Colliery.

Derby County

Have played at Baseball Ground since 1895, but plan to start next season in a 30,000 all-seated ground in the Pride Park area.

Stoke City

Have been in continuous occupation at one ground since 1878, longer than any other senior British club. Will leave the Victoria Ground for a 30,000- seat stadium at Trentham Lakes next year.

Bolton Wanderers

Two years after the centenary of the opening of Burnden Park, Bolton will move next year to a 25,000-seat stadium on a greenfield site five miles away at Lostock.

Blackpool

Will move to a pounds 50m development at Whyndyke, due to be finished by the end of 1997

Reading

Will start next season at a 25,000 all-seat stadium on a 66-acre site in the Smallmead area of the town. The development will cost pounds 30m and will include community sports facilities.

Oxford United

Will begin next season at a 15,000 capacity all-seat stadium in the Minchery Farm area.

Plymouth Argyle

Plan to move in 1999 to a 23,000-seat stadium in Central Park, a pounds 25m multi-sports complex close to their current home.

Southampton

Hope to end their 50-year search for a new ground by moving to a 25,000- capacity stadium costing pounds 30m at Stoneham. Decision on planning approval is expected in December.

Newcastle United

Hope to build a 76,000-capacity stadium at nearby Castle Leazes, but planning permission has not yet been granted.