Cliftonhill Stadium, Coatbridge
Posted in Dumbarton FC, Scottish Football Grounds at 10:00 on 15 April 2012
Home of Albion Rovers FC.
The “Wee Rovers” heyday is long gone, being just after the First World War when they reached the Scottish Cup final and had a run in the First Division. They also achieved promotion in 1934 and mostly remained in Division 1 till the Second War. Thereafter they have been mostly in the lower divisions. For a fuller account see link.
Below is a view of the Stand and entrance gates of Cliftonhill from Main Street, Coatbridge (the A 89.)
The stand and its immediate surroundings is the only area where spectators congregate.
The Stadium is unaffectionately called the “Stadio San Giro” by its detractors.
It’s fair to say the ground has seen better days but any disparagement is out of place. It’s very homely and has a friendly atmosphere.
This is the west end. Standing may once have been allowed here but not for a long time, I think.
The east end is similar, only a mound of earth.
The North Terracing (below) is now, I believe, closed to spectators for safety reasons but it was from here that I saw Kenny Jenkins deflect with the neatest of touches with his head a Charlie Gallagher free kick to score in a 1-0 win in 1972, vital to the championship win that year.
Tags: Albion Rovers, Charlie Gallagher, Cliftonhill, Cliftonhill Stadium, Coatbridge, First World War, Kenny Jenkins, Scottish Cup, Second World War, the Wee Rovers
bigrab
17 April 2012 at 06:51
Great wee club run by an enthusiastic team. I wonder if their dream of a new stadium will ever materialise?
jackdeighton
17 April 2012 at 12:08
It would be nice to think so, Rab, but it will be sad to see another traditional ground go.
The likes of Central Park wouldn’t be missed, I think. We’ve lost Anfield, Bayview, Boghead and Firs Park in relatively recent times, some more of a loss than others.
Scotlandâs Art Deco Heritage 22. Honeywell Factory and Industrial Estate, Newhouse – A Son of the Rock -- Jack Deighton
26 April 2012 at 12:00
[…] this and was struck by it as a young teenager. I took the opportnity to photograph it when I was at Cliftonhill a few weeks ago. (It’s not far from Coatbridge.) The modern additions (to the right above) […]
Berwick Rangers 1-3 Dumbarton – A Son of the Rock -- Jack Deighton
1 December 2013 at 12:00
[…] over the terms Berwick had for using the ground so they were temporarily playing home games at Cliftonhill. WE won thta easily and also promotion that season as I […]