ROugh Guide to The Manor Ground
The Manor
History
Without getting too technical, The Manor is a dump. Trapped by housing and a bowling green on three sides and hospital grounds on the other, Oxford have been trying to relocate for thirty years or so.
Unsuccessfully.
Unfortunately the directors ambitions got the better of their sanity five years ago, and a new ground was begun at Minchery Farm on the Ring Road. Until the builders realised they weren’t getting paid, and downed tools.
Since then there has been a rusting hulk of a half built ground on that side of the City, and United have been granted numerous extensions to continue playing at the anachronistic Manor. It’s not pretty, but at least we still have somewhere to play.
There have been good signs recently, and the club HOPE that this will be their last season at The Manor.
2. Getting there
By Car: The Ground is in Headington, a suburb of North Oxford. It is near the John Radcliffe hospital, Depending on which way you are approaching, you need to get to the A40, and follow signs for Headington. Parking is street parking only. The easiest place is anywhere off to the left of the London Road, such as Ramsay Road, before you reach the big crossroads in Headington.
By Train: It’s a bugger of a walk from the station, taking in a large hill plus numerous stuck up poncey students on bikes with little regard for anyone’s safety. Take any bus marked “Barton” or “Headington”. A Taxi up to Headington may not be a bad investment.
3. Pubs
If you are in the City Centre then George Street is the liveliest place, with Yates’s, a Hobgoblin, O’Neills for fake Irish stuff, and lots of other pretend pubs. The Firkin has the best beer. If you want “Real pubs” then try the Cowley Road area, where all manner of foreign food is available and there are plenty of pubs.
Near the ground, the Britannia is opposite the home end, and the Standard in next to it. Both get busy but are not very nice. The White Horse, down the road away from Headington is popular with away fans. Alternatively, from the alley at the away end turn left and walk for 100 yards then go down an alley and 100 yards away you will see the back door of The Bell: 250 yards away from the away end, but rarely found.
4. Facilities
Best draw a veil over this, as we have to be the worst in the league. The toilets are in the bowels of the earth, the “refreshments” are dreadful, and there is no roof so you are going to get wet. Entry to the away end is down Osler Road (the road with the club shop on the corner).
Programmes are £2 (and you’ll have to read more of ME, because I’m in it!).
Have fun.
If you find any pubs or info which might be useful for away fans, mail me at: Oxford@fromtheterrace.com and I will make any changes as needed.
|
10 May 08 
Bristol City Football Club