Away Fans Guide: Crewe

Next up in the away fans guide is Crewe, thanks to Dink from Vital Crewe.

Which pubs would you recommend to our fans to use during our visit to you?

You’d be welcome in pretty much any on match days, as long as it’s not a big match (play-offs, etc). Down Nantwich Road, at the end of Gresty Road, there’s countless pubs. The Brunswick, The Barrell and The Bank amongst them. If you’re coming with a family then there’s The Brocklebank (turn right out of the train station, right again as you see B&Q and keep heading down Weston Road).

Which pubs would you suggest we avoid for the duration of our visit?

I’m not entirely certain which, if any, pubs turn away opposition fans. There will probably be security at the door to tell you, but you’re unlikely to encounter any trouble at all from Crewe fans outside the ground.

What food do you serve at your ground? What is it like?

The usual pies, pasties, chocolate, crisps & soft drinks. There’s no alcohol for away fans. The food is fairly standard, with pies being Holland’s, although the soft drinks (coca-cola, lemonade) tend to be watered down/flat.

What is your ground like?

It came runner up to Sunderland in the Football League Best Ground Award last season surprisingly. It’s a nice little ground and kept in fairly good condition. There are 3 sides dwarfed by the 6,000 seater main stand, but away fans get the stand down the side of the pitch – although there are dreaded posts!

Is the ground easy to find?

If you get off at junction 16 on the M6 and follow signs for Crewe/Nantwich/Sandbach, it’s a fairly simple route. Once you come across the big B&Q it’s straight across the roundabout, past the station and Gresty Road is on your immediate left.

Any suggestions of where the away fans can park?

There is a sign for free away fans parking just before B&Q on Crewe Road. The parking is on ‘Gateway’, an industrial park. There’s always plenty of room and very little crime (I’ve never heard of any). It’s about a 5 minute walk from the ground though.

What are the admission prices for away fans?

£19 Adult.
£15 Seniors/Disabled
£8.50 12-16 Year Olds
£4.50 Under 11s

How do you think you will fair this season?

I think Crewe fans are quietly confident about next season. We’ve got a new management system, with a very highly rated young coach (who’s been with us since 1993) taking on a fair few first team responsibilities so expect to hear a bit more about Steve Holland in the coming months. We’re also fairly pleased with our summer signings, Eugen Bopp, Steven Schumacher, Chris McCready, Danny O’Donnell and Billy Jones (Exeter’s) were all much needed signings and all are fairly proven around this level. I think a lot of fans will be disappointed if we don’t challenge for the play-offs at the very least.

How well do you think Bristol Rovers will do this season?

Tough one. I can’t say I know all to much about your team. I think there will be teams weaker than you next season though and I can’t see you struggling all that much. A lower mid-table spot to build on perhaps.

Who do you think are your key players this season?

It’s a big season for Nicky Maynard. He scored 19 goals in his first season last season, and that was with 3 months out injured. If he can stay fit as our main striker then we will be expecting around 25 goals from him – but it is that difficult 2nd season!

Finally Who do you think will win the league?

The obvious choice would have to be Nottingham Forest with their squad, but after choking last season you can never be sure. I think Swansea, Carlisle and maybe Millwall will also be up there and in with a shout for a lot of the season.