Technically not a football ground, this is and always has been home to rugby league. However it did spend roughly a decade as home to the town’s short-lived football team.
It’s mildly interesting reading in terms of the history of Wakefield FC. Essentially, Emley were offered the use of Belle Vue as their ground near Huddersfield didn’t meet ground requirements. Not only did the club relocate to Wakefield, but they quite quickly changed their name too, several times.
The club were wound up in 2014, so the experiment was short-lived, although a new Emley reappeared at their old home. It’s certainly a very odd story.
In terms of Belle Vue it’s an odd one. Slap bang in the middle of streets it has a very old school feel to it. However, a stand made up entirely of Portakabins doubling as corporate boxes isn’t much to my liking at all. We saw them at Cardiff Arms Park and here’s another rugby ground featuring them. Horrible things.
But there’s no denying it does have plenty of positives. Its checkered history and the part it plays in Emley’s past leaves me a bit cold, but there’s no denying it’s worth a look if you’re in town.
Woodhorn Lane Update
A stunning week at Ashington! Just look at the front of the stand! There’s glass and the club’s name – very exciting stuff.
The only problem is, er, I’ve managed to travel to Wales without having any photos of it on my phone. So watch this space!
And don’t let the lack of Woodhorn Lane pics put you off buying my book!
Football Grounds I Can Be Bothered To Visit 