DIRECTIONS:

-By Car:

If your coming to Hillsborough from the North or South then the best way has to be the M1. From the North the best junction to use is junction 36. From here, takes the third exit at the roundabout which brings you on to the A61 to Sheffield. This road will take you directly to the ground and is around 15 minutes from the M1. From the South the nearest Sheffield junction is junction 39 - which takes you through the centre of Sheffield. This can be very confusing for visiting supports, as it's a nightmare to drive through the city centre - but if you do follow the Parkway dual carriageway in to the centre of Sheffield until you reach Park Square roundabout. From here look for signs for the A61 North (Barnsley) - this will take you directly to Hillsborough. Many visiting coaches from the South avoid this route and carry on up the M1 passed Sheffield to junction 36 - which is the closest and easiest route to the ground. From here, take the first exit on to the A61 (Sheffield) which takes you directly to Hillsborough.

-By Train:

The nearest station to the ground is obviously Sheffield, but from here it's quite a hike to Hillsborough. The easiest way to the ground is to leave the train station at the back exit, which leads you directly on to the supertram stop. From here you can catch the Blue route (Malin Bridge) which goes to Hillsborough Corner. From here, the ground is still a 10 minute walk, and the area is usually packed with Wednesday fan, some not so friendly with the high number of pubs in the area. To get directly to the ground, catch and tram from the station to the city centre, and get off at any city centre stop. Now wait for the Yellow tram (Middlewood), and get off at Leppings Lane (there is a Hillsborugh stop, but 'Leppings Lane' is closer). You can get a day pass for around £2.70.

If you wanted to get the bus instead of the supertram, you can walk from the train station to the bus station, where a number of 'Football Specials' leave to the ground on a regular basis. If there are a number of you, a taxi should cost no more than £5.

WHERE TO PARK:

As I speak, the Owls Trust (now known as 'Wednesdayite') have revealed plans for a Car Park to be opened directly opposite the ground. Situated just off Penistone Road, the land has been unused for a number of years now, but the Trust have recieved permission to use it for a matchday car park, which will cost £4.

There are a high number of car parks situated all over the area, priced at £2-4. There is also a high amount of street park situated around the area - most noticably Herries Road where I park. As you come towards Hillsborough from the M1, you will approach a roundabout with a Burger King situated on it - turn left here and you are on Herries Road.

CAUTION: The local police have recently informed SWFC that they will be clamping down on illegal parking on match days after numerous complaints.

WHERE TO DRINK:

There are numerous drinking holes around the Hillsborough area - but I'll start with the one's which are best to avoid. The whole Hillsborough Corner area is probably best avoided, as it's where most of the Wednesday fans gather before the match. There are a number of pubs here in close proximity, with the infamous 'Blue Ball' being part of that number. The area is renowned for trouble on big match occassions and is probably best avoided, especially if wearing club colours. Another two which are best avoided are The Travellers and The Gate which are situated on Penistone Road as you come toward Hillsborough from the M1. These are not as bad as Hillsborough Corner, but still contain a large 'burberry' element which are prone to trouble. If needs must they may be OK, but only if not wearing club colours.

One of the best pubs for away fans is the Red Lion, which not many fans know about. It's situated on the A61 approaching Hillsborough from the M1 and is small family run pub. The pub isn't the kind to attract a mass amount of football fans on match days, but is often the meeting point for away fans, and SWFC supporting locals. The Horse & Jockey is the designated away pub, and is a short walk (up hill!) from the away end (police often direct away fans to this pub). Another designated away pub is The Railway - again situated on the A61 approach to Hillsborough, just after the bridge taking you in to the Hillsborough area. It's not the nicest pub in the world, but is OK for a swift pint.

There are also a couple of pubs in the town centre if you come by train or just fancy a look around the centre. The Bankers Draft is a Wetherspoons run pub where the alcohol is nice and cheap. The pub is situated right next to the supertram Castle Gate stop, and so is easily accessible to the ground. Directly behind this pub is The Fountain, another pub which I have seen many away fan in.

WHERE TO EAT:

There are a number of fast food outlets near the ground - most noticably a new Burger King constructed at the end of Leppings Lane (as you are facing the away end - walk left down the road and you will come to it). There is also a small KFC and various Newsagents serving snacks a short walk up towards Middlewood Road. A McDonalds is also within walking distance, and is situated on Penistone Road (behind the Kop) - from here walk towards the town centre. If you want to go further afield, there is a Pizza Hut still further down from McDonalds on Penistone Road - opposite the dog track.

Of course there are numerous burger bars situated around the ground on match days, but probably the best bet for away fans is the chip shop directlty behind the away end. This serves a wide range of 'football type' food at a good price, and seems very popular amongst away fans.

The away end does serve food, but it's nothing brilliant. The best of the bunch being the famous Balti Pie - which is certainly worth a try and is better than most I have tried at other grounds!

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