The Willows, Salford

Correspondent

The Willows
Willows Road
Salford
Lancashire
M5 2FQ

Home to: Salford City Reds (Super League)
Capacity: 11,363
Opened:

Facilities: The Willows is a small mainly terraced stadium with one stand part seating part standing and then another stand has a number of seats. There are a total of 2500 seats in the ground. The Willows is a local enterainment complex and has several function rooms for meetings, wedding receptions and parties. There is space for 25 wheelchair bound supporters.

Impressions: The ground is in a state of disrepair, but Salford now have approval to build a new ground and will move there in time for the franchise system in 2009.

Records: The largest crowd was the 26,470 that watched Salford take on Warrington in the challenge Cup in February 1937.

History: The Willows was opened on the 21st of December 1901 when Salford defeated derby rivals Swinton 2-0. The ground is now the oldest senior sports venue in the Manchester area. When Salford first played at the ground it was little more than an open field, and stands had to be built. The Willows hosted its first international in January 1922 when Great Britain beat Australia 6-0 in front of 21,000 spectators. The ground has staged several more internationals since. The Willows Social Club was created in 1966 and soon became one of the places to be, with Manchester United stars such as George Best among those regularly seen there. However, the ground has decayed a little in recent years, and its 100th year saw Salford relegated from Super League. Salford made it back into the top flight at the first attempt, and in 2006 had plans for their new 20,000-seater stadium at Barton approved, with the ground due to be ready for 2009.

Ticket Prices: Adults £16, Concessions/Junior £10

Directions: From East & West
Exit the M60/M62 at junction 12, and follow the M602 towards Salford. At the first junction take the first exit onto the A576 and bear left towards Pendleton. At the next set of traffic lights turn right into Weaste Lane (B5228), and follow the signs for 'Salford RLFC'. Continue past Buile Hill park and the ground in so on the left.

Car Parking: There is limited street parking around the ground, but the local primary school charge a couple of quid to park there. But obviously there are limited spaces. You should be OK if you get there early. It is secure and monitored too.

Local Pubs:

Fans View: The Willows is another ground that needs totally revamping. Thankfully the City of Salford Stadium will replace this ground and Salford will have a ground worthy of their recent climb up the league.