The Globe Arena (Morecambe)

Morecambe FC’s impressive League Cup exploits involved disposing of Wolverhampton Wanderers this week, but I’m mightily relieved I wasn’t at the Globe Arena to witness it.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a massive fan of the underdog, but what stands as a replacement to their former home Christie Park is a soulless nonsense of a ground.

I didn’t venture far into Morecambe, but the stadium seems to be very much on the outskirts of town, in a little park with a chain pub that sells carvery meals and has a soft play area instead of sticky carpets and proper beers.

I’m aware I’m here to review the ground and not the pubs nearby. Having said that it just adds to the feeling that this stadium, as grand as it is, was poorly thought out. And looks very little like a football ground from the outside.

Honestly, it’s insane. There were times I found myself double checking I was still on the right road. I was, but there was very little to see inside. I toyed with climbing a deserted ladder left outside which could have been huge fun, but sometimes you find yourself asking whether it’s really worth the risk when you’re wearing flip flops.

All in all it was a disappointing venue. Not a lot of character and out of the way. This isn’t what football is supposed to be.