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Any visitors who haven�t been to Platt Lane before, be warned!
Even though it
might be a beautiful sunny day wherever you are travelling from, it�s
almost guaranteed that upon your arrival there will be a bitterly cold wind
ready to greet you the moment
that you step out of the car on the vast open plains of the Keyworth
Normanton Playing Fields.
The
Platt Lane complex is a vast array of open playing fields necessary to accommodate
United's the rapidly expanding set up, with 12 teams currently being run
by the Club over two sites. The other site, at the Rectory
in the centre of Keyworth, was the original base for the first team back
in the 1970's.
Such is their ambition to bring through more young players, United
became a
development centre for Leicester City in 2001. In
2004, United celebrated it�s centenary, and quite a century it was.
Several of those who've donned the Green shirt have gone on to play
professional football, including Bristol City legend John Galley and local
heroes Frank Wignall, Sammy Chapman, David Riley, Brian Stubbs and, most
impressively of all, the Manager of the New Zealand national team, Mick
Waite.
It
is
a pity the pitchside facilities do not quite live up to the proud history.
Running
along the south side
of the main pitch are two contrasting dug outs, one
made of concrete, the other of corrugated boarding. With no in-built
seating contained within, players and staff are provided with their own
chairs. With barely room for four people within each, the warmth of the
clubhouse usually appeals over the harsh Platt Lane breeze to all but the
bravest of souls. It has to be said that neither of these dug outs are particularly
pleasing on the eye. However, the Club have made a effort to disguise
their presence. The corrugated dug out has been decked out in Keyworth
green, whilst the concrete number is shielded by a privet hedge.
As
you approach the site, you will drawn to the four rusting floodlights to
the south of the complex. Each of these holds two clusters each, and are
used to illuminate the mini-pitch areas next to the road. If you are
approaching from the A606, just before the floodlights come into view, you
will travel under a bridge. This bridge holds Virgin's trains test track,
upon which Richard Branson tested his Pendolino tilting trains amid
much protest from the locals. The testing track runs directly adjacent to
the Platt Lane playing fields, hence the noise from the trains rolled into
the village quite easily.
The Platt
Lane complex, including the Clubhouse and attached changing areas,
were open in 1979 by the Mayor of the French border town of Feignies,
Keyworth's twin town. Besides the Official's changing area is a plaque
commemorating the event. Attached
to the large, partially mahogany clad Clubhouse is a large perplex canap�
held up by seven metal posts. This provides the only cover at the Ground,
as there are no other areas for spectators barring pitch side. With it's
large windows, and its licensed bar on match days, the facility provides
some welcome relief from the elements. However, it appears that its days
could be numbered. In the 1950's the windmill from which United take their
Club badge was demolished, and providing they can raise the money, it
seems likely that the Clubhouse will going the same way. Some day
soon, the Major of
Feignies may well need to be reaching for his passport again.
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In 2006, United became only the fifth Nottinghamshire
club to be awarded
with the prestigious Charter Standard Development.
They are anxious to match the plaudits off the field with equally
impressive success on the field. As
a starting point, United have embarked on a campaign to raise �620,000 to improve the facilities
at Platt Lane. This includes the erection of a new clubhouse, which will
consist of state of the art changing facilities together with a new bar
and social area, Additionally. increasing the size and access to the Car Park will also
be high on the list of priorities. The Club also plans to install drainage
and relocate the
main pitch, though they will continue to house four main pitches and two
mini-pitches.
However, they need the funds to meet the plans. So far, over �540,000 has
been raised mainly through the Football Foundation, but also through various
fund raising events including race nights, guest speakers
& vocalists. Perhaps the most novel idea has to be the 'Buy
a Brick' campaign, where willing donors will have their names included on a
special plaque in the new clubhouse, in exchange for �10. Anyone wishing
to contribute to this worthy cause can do so by contacting the club at: [email protected]
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From Nottingham - Travel on the A606 through Tollerton for 2.3
miles, passing the Total garage & two sets of traffic lights, then
turn right onto Platt Lane (signed Keyworth & BGS). Ground is on
the right hand side shortly after you have passed under the railway
bridge. Do not be fooled by the 'Keyworth Normanton Playing Fields' sign.
You're at the right place.
TrentBarton
Keyworth Connection (Nottm Broadmarsh Bus Station - Keyworth), Dunn
Line No.s 29 (Nottm - Keyworth) & 63 (Nottm - Bingham), Walters
Premier Travel (Nottm - Leicester) all stop near Platt Lane. Do not be
fooled by the 'Keyworth Normanton Playing Fields' sign. You're at the
right place.
Nottingham
Midland - 5 miles