| Basford,
pronounced Base-ford, is famous on the local circuit for its roots in the
hosiery and knitting industries. It is also famous for its
football team, Basford United, a Club who gave the author of this very site his
debut as a youngster in the early 1980's. Unfortunately, as much as I gave
in desire, commitment and passion, I lacked somewhat in the all
important provision of ability. Alas, I was soon back playing for my junior
school. Despite this, I will not forget the experience of donning the famous
yellow and black of one of Nottingham's oldest non-league clubs.
Basford United were formed as the world celebrated
the arrival of the 20th Century. Very little is known about the first 50
years of their existence, though it is known that their most coveted
period was following the Second World War, when, having taken up a place in the
Notts Alliance, United were to appear in ten consecutive F.A.Cup preliminary
rounds. Whilst never making it further than the 2nd Qualifying Round, they
can be rightfully proud of their achievement in a city dominated
by the two heavyweights, County & Forest.
In terms of actual trophies during their peak in
the post-war years, the Club captured the Notts F.A. Senior Cup in 1947.
They repeated the feat 41 years later in 1988. They also enjoyed some success
in the Notts Alliance during this period, though it was their notable
contribution to developing youth football within the
City that really won them the plaudits, complimenting the work being done at Clifton All Whites on the other
side of Nottingham.
Following their long association with the NAA, at the end of the 2005/06 season, the Club decided
to try their luck in the Notts Senior League. United ended their tenure in
the Notts Amateur Alliance with a magnificent
double, capturing both the NAA Premier Division title and Notts F.A. Intermediate
Cup.
Their Greenwich Avenue home is located within the
huge open space known as the Mill Street Playing Field. Basford's Ground
is a cordoned off area on the northern-central side of the park, close to the
banks of Nottingham's lesser known river, the River Lean. Also behind this
end of the Ground is one of Nottingham's newest additions the route for
the Nottingham Express Transit, more commonly known as the Tram. Whilst
this rail line is shared with standard trains, you won't fail to distinguish
the difference due to the Tram's unique 'swishing movement' and distinctive
cowbell.
It has to be said that the Ground is in a bit of a
state of disrepair. The fencing, goalposts & covered stand could all
do with a bit of a spruce up.
The entire Ground is encircled by an eight-foot
high, rusty mesh-like fence. With only two ways out on either side, this can be
rather inconvenient when a wasted shot, or a fine defensive tackle transcends
the fence and hurtles into the park. Still, at least it should be easy
enough to find, providing it doesn't head for the tram line. The
pitch itself is almost entirely surrounded by a white, metal tubular rail,
12 foot, inside the perimeter fencing. The rusty old roller in
the south-west corner could definitely do with a run out as on my visit,
the 12 foot gap is turning into
what could only be described as a suburban jungle. Whilst it desperately
needs some attention, the pitch is in a fairly healthy condition. Two
robust dugouts sit on the west side of the pitch. These identical small
structures are brick built, flat-roofed, with bench seating for three at
the most. The Club have added a small nameplate to each to mark 'Home'
& 'Away' dugouts - a nice touch. On the
opposite side of the pitch is the Ground's only cover area for spectators.
This consists of flat standing with a breezeblock backboard, partly
painted apple green. Part of the backboard appears to be missing
on both sides, and a rusty metal frame holds aloft a precariously balanced
corrugated roof. If that isn't enough to discourage you from using it in
all but the harshest of weather,
wait until you try and reach it. There could be snakes in all that undergrowth
from the gated entrance to the stand, such is its condition. By the entrance, there are also a
couple of what appear to be electrical terminal
buildings sited. Behind these buildings, on
the main park area, are two unusually placed floodlights. Both are modern,
single-pole
steel affairs, with three clusters each, both facing away from the pitch
over what I presume is a training area. The
Clubhouse is situated some distance away by the main entrance to the park.
This is quite a grand two-tier structure, which sadly, like much of the
location, has fallen from grace, with all of its windows boarded up. The
building is entirely brick built, bar the slated roof, and decorative
wooden panelling on the front. There is an additional single level building
attached to the rear. It's all quite huge, and resembles more of a large
residential house than a Clubhouse.
|
From Nottingham - Travel
north on the A60 Mansfield Road until you reach the Goose Fair Roundabout.
Take 1st exit off first roundabout, then 2nd exit for B682 (Bulwell).
Continue up Sherwood Rise, onto Nottingham Road for 1.2 miles. Get into
right hand lane & turn left at McDonalds traffic lights. Get into
right hand lane, and turn right at next traffic lights. Turn right onto
Church Street (the road to the north east of where you're looking, not
Vernon Road, as you'll more likely to get into traffic problems that way).
At end of Church Street, turn right onto Alpine Street, which becomes
Percy Street. After 0.8 miles, turn right at mini-roundabout onto Mill
Street, then first left into Bagnall Road. Turn 1st right into Greenwich
Avenue, and the entrance to the Ground is straight ahead, with a large car
park available for use.
Nottingham City Transport - No.70 (Assarts Farm - Nottm Victoria
Centre) runs by the top of Greenwich Avenue, No.69 (Basford - Nottm
Victoria Centre) terminates at Percy Street, a short distance from the
Ground.
Bulwell - 1 mile on the Robin Hood Line (Nottm- Worksop).
turn right out of station up Main Street, then left onto Highbury Vale.
Continue until you reach David Lane crossing. Go over the crossing up
David Lane, then take the 2nd right onto Bagnall Road. then right onto
Greenwich Avenue, and the entrance to the Ground it straight ahead.