Plymouth away is a trek that only the hardiest of football fans will embark on. It is the furthest south, and the furthest west ground in the country, so unless you’re from Exeter or Torquay, you’re in for a journey. When Newcastle took a hiatus from the Premiership a year or two back, they travelled to Plymouth by plane such is the ridiculous distance between the two. I’ve been to Plymouth twice to watch Derby, and the journey by car is a rather bland one, so if you can afford to fly you’re probably better off doing that. If not make sure you’ve got some nice sucky sweets and a few decent cd’s, or a funny friend.
Don’t let the journey put you off though because to landlocked citizens, Plymouth is a lovely place. I’d advise a walk to the Hoe to grab some of that sea air that is meant to cure you of your ailments (just for the record, that’s a myth). You get lovely views out to sea from the Hoe and a glimpse at Plymouths military activity. A walk along the Barbican (streets surrounding the harbour) is also advisable, if only to get some fish and chips. It’s a nice part of the city.
If you take my advice and go to my suggested places of interest, be wary that Home Park is a sizeable walk, and it’s high up, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes and trousers; blisters and chafing put a dampener on things. If you’re driving and happen to have a phobia of Plymouth and intend on only seeing the match itself, you’re lucky, because there is a large free car park at the ground. Get there in good time though, if you can stand to be in Plymouth that long. If you don’t have a phobia of Plymouth (i’m not sure Plymophobia is widespread) then street parking is also available for miles around. If you travel by train, once again, wear something comfortable because the station is a good 1.5 miles away. I’ll not give you directions because that’s what Google Maps gets paid to do.
At the ground, get yourself a pasty. Plymouth isn’t quite in Cornwall, but their Cornish pasties do the neighbouring county proud. The hot dogs and burgers are standard (according to those who went down that option). Beer is served in plastic cups and isn’t cheap, but i’m assured nothing is cheap down south. Coca Cola rots teeth, but should you like some of that to drink, they do sell it, along with other soft drinks.
The away end. It’s fully seated (as is the rest of the stadium) with a roof over your head. What more can you ask for? You are situated in the Barn Park Away End, which is behind a goal and there are no viewing restrictions. You will be sat in the left of the stand, unless your team can muster a decent travelling support, in which case you will probably have the whole use of the stand. Seating tends to be unreserved so if you get there early you can pick your spot. If you want to stand, go to the back and you shouldn’t be troubled by the power hungry stewards.
To the left, in the nearest part of the Grandstand, your eyes and ears are greeted by some of the more angry Plymouth fans; the Green Army, or as I refer to them, chavs. A few of them have paid money for season tickets in swearing and goading the away fans (most teams have them). There is no roof on the particular part that the chav brigade stand in, so if your team ever happens to be winning 3-0 and it starts raining, they soon waddle off after wishing you a lovely night with their nice hand gestures. Don’t be alarmed if you are taking children though as the stands aren’t connected and they pose no real threat. The most vocal support comes from the corner to the right, but they are too far away to have any banter with; they might as well be in Cornwall. As a whole, atmosphere in the ground wasn’t fantastic on either visit, but the club was starting their long road to almost liquidation back then, so i’m not too sure i’d be making a song and dance either.
Me and 8 other males visited Home Park on the last occasion, and from memory 6 of us were wearing Derby County apparel. Some of the Green Army appeared to be on day release from Her Majesty’s local prison, and started following us after the match. We stood by the train station to have our picture taken by a big PLYMOUTH sign, don’t know why, but this gave them valuable time to catch up. Once they did, they walked through us in an intimidating fashion, but the tags around their ankles probably gave them a reminder they needed to behave. So, if you plan on wearing your colours, it’s fine, because as in life, the majority of people in Plymouth are nice, but just keep your wits about you.
Most pubs in the centre looked as if they would accept all comers. The Roundabout pub; If you are looking for acceptance in life, go there, because they don’t discriminate between football teams when they are taking your money for fantastic all-day breakfasts and pints of lager. It’s a city though there’s plenty of choice.
I’d advise going to Plymouth. My mates and I had a great time. If you have a young family, make a weekend of it. If you don’t have a young family, there’s plenty of time left yet so don’t worry.
Green Army!!
As an away day experience...8/10
Do you agree? Let me know below.
I most certainly agree.
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