A new stadium for just about everybody and a refreshing change, with the emphasis on fresh. Famously at 1,000 feet, the highest ground above sea level in the UK. That’s almost double the elevation of the highest football League stadium (WBA). Infamously, Silverlands is known for having its own weather system. Gloves, hats and thermal long johns are advised and that’s just for the players. This season’s unofficial club song is entitled “You know its ten degrees but it feels like minus four.”
A reminder that the Tarmac Silverlands (SK17 6QH) has a 4G surface so it’s back-to-back plastic for our finest. Still eagerly awaiting our first artificial pitch league win since Redditch in step 3 and the wait is really far too long. Our record is among the worst in the League for winning on 4G.
For the home side, their artificial pitch generates valuable income. The ground is open 12 hours a day, every day of the week. The installation was the catalyst for a two-year Academy programme partnership with two local colleges. Pitch maintenance is easier now, a blessed relief for the groundsman needing oxygen at such a rarefied height.
Buxton own their ground, which they value at £600k, sufficient to give a positive balance sheet. But they do owe close to £300k. David Hopkins is both Chairman and owner though had served them for at least ten years in various roles. He is CEO of his family’s building and plumbing merchants, a very handy asset for the club. Bet they never go short of u-bends.
Silverlands is handy for the local station and travelling by train is possible, assuming there isn’t another strike. With one change though, there are 4 hours of travel in each direction so a coach is probably quicker and cheaper.
Following the previous Gaffer’s resignation, Craig Elliott took over in December. He is best known for his efforts at Boston United where he somehow got them to the Play-off Final last May. A few months later he was sacked after a poor start. Both he and his predecessor Vermaglio has step 2 nous but both have struggled to move Buxton up the league. At Edgar Street, their side looked elderly and completely bereft of a Plan B and were defeated 2-0. Scoring is a problem for them. Top marksman is the well-travelled Jason Gilchrist with 5, though his last strike was in early November.
Despite bargain priced season tickets (tenner a game anybody?) and promotion last term, attendances reman unspectacular around the 600 mark. The big Manchester clubs are just a short train ride away. Even the club owner has a hospitality package at Old Trafford.
Admission at Silverlands is £15 to sit or stand and £10 concessions. You merely pay at the door with cash or card. Do I hear a ragged cheer from certain folk? No car parking at the ground unless blue badged. There are several local parks are recommended such as Market Place SK17 6EB, which is just a few minutes away. Why not go earlier and explore the town a little? Definitely one of the attractive venues in our League. Real ale lovers are spoilt for choice.
We’ve mentioned the guy before but we will keep on plugging his name. Central defender and Captain Josh Granite. There can be no better footballers name at this level or any other. This man deserves a 1970’s comic strip alongside Rockfist Rogan and Dead-Eye Dick.
The Bucks didn’t get the memo about goalkeepers. They have just one in Theo Richardson. One! This poor guy features in every game. He’ll be worn out…
Recent home form isn’t great with only 5 points earned by the Bucks in the last seven home games. Even bottom of the table Telford outplayed them on Saturday. Just the three home wins so far over Curzon, Peterborough Sports and, surprisingly, Darlington. We ought to fancy our chances, but it’s on plastic so who knows?
UPDATE:
Simon Wright
