A visitor from Brazil...
 

Hi everyone,

Don't know if anyone remembers me but I posted here for a while some time ago. My name is Diego, I'm 24 years old and I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My interest on Accrington Stanley was born after I watched Stanley beat Nottm Forest in a Carling Cup match years ago. Since then, even though I'm not able to watch the matches, I've followed its results very closely. Last season being denied the chance of going to Wembley must have been heartbreaking. I also bought the book "Accrington Stanley: The Club That Wouldn't Die" (I wonder how many copies of it exist in Brazil!) - fantastic read btw.

In a social network called orkut (similar to facebook, particularly popular here), an English man, born in Accrington but a Rio resident for decades, contacted me after seeing me talk about the club in some football forums. The stories he told me about the club - and the fact that he also supports Flamengo in Brazil - were all very nice and helped growing my affection for Stanley.

But you're probably wondering why I'm saying all that stuff. Well, it's because I'm making plans of visiting England again. I say 'again' because earlier this year (in April) I spent 3 days in the city of Liverpool, went to Anfield (did the tour, even won a quiz competition about the history of the club) and watched a game there (5-0 against Birmingham). My 'big team' in England is Liverpool FC. But this time I want to go back, stay for longer (probably around 3 weeks in late January and February 2012) and see a lot more of the country than just Liverpool.

My 'crazy' plan consists of watching a game in each division of the main English leagues - EPL, CH, L1, L2 and even the Conference (I have a friend from a Liverpool forum who is a Barrow fan, so...). I still don't know who I prefer to watch in the Championship and League One, but my EPL and L2 clubs are easily defined - Liverpool and Accrington Stanley.

And that's why I'm here, after all. I'd like to make some questions. Any help is much appreciated.

1. How much is the ticket? I suppose it's not difficult to get one, right?
2. How do I get to Accrington from either London or Liverpool? Easier way is by train, I guess. If so, how long it takes and how much it costs?
3. Would I get a nice welcome and some company for a beer or two before/after the match? :D
4. Any advices?

Well, that's it. I'm still not sure if the travel will happen (I'm doing the maths, calculating the costs, all that stuff :P), but I really hope so!

Thanks in advance

Diego

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Hi Diego
You can buy tickets from the website, the ticket office on match day or even on the turnstiles. Prices vary depending on if you sit or stand but can be seen here

Best way to get to Accrington is probably by train - you can get one from London or Liverpool to Preston and then transfer to Accrington. You'll always find someone to have a beer with before and after the match!

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

You will get a good welcome in the "Crown" or the "Oaklea" Diego, suggest the Oaklea Pre-Match n Crown After, but entirely up to you.;) As suggested the train is easiest from London or Liverpool,Would also suggest standing in the Clayton end, the Ultras create a great atmosphere fer a small club.;)

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

What's the name of the Accrington chap in Brazil? How old? I bet someone on here knows him. Which school did he attend? Where did he live?.

I live 30miles from Accrington and the landlord ( he who holds the licence) for my local pub is a Brazilian ( Pedro) - a great guy with a fantastic grasp of the English language and humour.

I hope that Dan or someone at the club reads this, as it is an opportunity for them to show hospitality and get some publicity out of it.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

More thoughts.....You should find time to visit the Peel Park ground and the Peel Park pub........Have a pie at half-time.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Off to Hereford shortly, but I'm aware!!!

Somebody will be in touch soon Diego... :D

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Thanks a lot for the replies!

I'm trying to sort out the logistics of my planned trip and I'd probably be based in London by the time of the Stanley game (January 28 against Gillingham). I'd need to take the train to Preston and then Accrington, is that right?

I'm used to stand at football games here in Brazil, actually I prefer it to sitting, so Clayton End sounds the best place indeed :D

I don't have too much contact with him these days, but he's my friend on facebook, just checked, his name is Philip Steven Carruthers, he studied at the Hutton Grammar School... not sure how old he is, but it says "class of 1964". Hope he doesn't mind me saying this stuff here :)

I'm afraid my grasp of the English language is not exactly 'fantastic', but if you guys are patient and speak slowly, I'll be fine :D

Cool!

Press/Media Dan Jewell

Is that you? :confused:

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

yep :D

I'll be in touch later this week.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

My pub landlord, Pedro, has only met two Brazilians outside of London in the past 30years.

Hutton is near to Preston. I was hoping that you would say Accrington Grammar School.

In addition to having a pie at the match, have a pie and peas in the Peel Park pub. - superb.Order a pint of bitter from one of the small breweries' beers sold inh the Peel Park. And of course, look at the old ground which is opposite the pub's front door. Have your camera with you. There are few better examples of an English pub- in every respect.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Diego its probably cheaper to come from kings cross via leedss to accy. (check east coast.co.uk) I always go to london that way. Nicer trains too. Hope to see you on the match.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

How will we know it's Diego? What is Brazilian traditional dress? I only hope he doesn't try a coffee at the match- he won't recognise it. Maybe he should wear a Stanley shirt with his name on the back.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I suspect he will be the only Bloke in Accrington with a decent tan in January Bob

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I hope that some of the lads will compose a chant based on 'Diego' . I've tried - hopeless. I cannot even think of a limerick.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

How about this.....'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh "hes a stanley fan from Brazil"'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh 'Diego oh oh oh oh.......:D:D

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Hey guys, how is everyone doing?

I'm still studying some details but there's a good chance I'll be in Accrington on February 18th, day of a home Stanley game. It would probably be my 1st day in England and I'd head straight away to Accrington, after arriving in London. I plan to stay in the city for at least one more day. Do you guys know any hostels or cheap hotels where I could stay for the night? I'll already spend a lot of money with all the traveling, so I'm trying to spend as little as possible with accommodation. :D

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

There used to be the Hotel De Ultra, but I am not sure if it is still taking guest?????????????

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

travelodge.co.uk or premierinn.com in burnley or blackburn for less than £40 per room. would need to travel to them after the game but less than 7 miles to either.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Unfortunately The Norwood, which is right across the road from the ground, appeaers to be booked up for that night but Maple Lodge is showing a room available. Showing at £40 but if you save anything by booking out of town you'll spend more than the saving on taxi's (travellodge would be about £10 each way). If you reasonably healthy then its about a 10/15 minute to the ground but its only 2 roads so you cant get lost.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

You might try the Colney House Hotel, 2 Hartmann Street, Accrington BB5 1TB, Tel. 01254 234385. Think the e-mail is [email protected] Despite its name, it's actually a bed and breakfast place. Prices for rooms vary depending on whether you want an en-suite bathroom. It's the place I stay when I'm up in Accrington and I can recommend the breakfast! The ground is quite a walk but a taxi is only about £4. I pay £40 for a large room with an en-suite bathroom but there are cheaper rooms, singles if you want one.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Pilkington's Guest House is 2 minutes ( or less) fromthe railway station. Cheap and cheerful A good breakfast. Tel 01254 237032 Taxi office across the road. I have stayed.

I have noticed adverts for The Alma pub at Baxenden taking guests, but it is a taxi ride out of town 01254 390424

Across the road from Pilkington's is The Imperial pub. I think they take guests too.
01254 396506. Cheap & cheerful.

I agree with the comments on Colney House. 01254 234385

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Imperial Hotel is closing Bob,so i was told, Don't know when.:confused:

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Thanks a lot for all the tips, guys, I'll consider all of them before making my decision.

The problem is I think I won't be able to watch a home match - the only home fixture during my stay in England is in the same day of Liverpool vs Arsenal, a game I already got a ticket for. So what I'm thinking to do is: going to the away game on Feb 21 against Crewe, then head to Accrington the next morning to visit the club and the city (stay for 2 days).

What do you guys think of the idea? Is the club open for visits during the week? Would I manage to meet some of you?

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I would think that there will always be somebody at the club to show you around, as for the Crewe game............ Not the same as a home game!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Wait and see what happens this weekend, there may be a rescheduled game on a Tuesday night - always a good atmosphere and the team often play their best under lights...

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Diego I was at Anfield on Monday night for the Spurs game and noticed in the programme that the Gunners game has been moved to a 12.45 pm kick-off (which is Saturday 03rd March). Also may be worth keeping your eye on the Stanley website as the Lancs Cup game against Wigan may be on while you are about?

As Valarian has said I am sure if you contact the Club they would be more than willing to show you around and you can pick up some souvenirs from the Shop whilst there.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

maple lodge on Blackburn Road Clayton le Moors. Less than a mile from the ground. They have a website. Dont know it but you can google it .

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

website is The Maple Lodge - Guest House, Clayton le Moors, Accrington The owners are Philip and Sandra

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Some weeks ago, Dan from the club promised to make contact with you. Why am I suprised that he has not done so?

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

How do I get Stanley tickets for away matches? I'd prefer to be with Stanley fans than the home side, and I think I'll have to accept that I'll only be able to attend away games (I'm thinking Crewe and maybe Swindon Town as well)

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I would think pay at gate???? :)

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I have no idea! :D

Is anyone from the forum going to the Crewe match? It would be nice if we could meet there.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I will try to make it!!!!!!

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

You'll be able to pay cash on the gate at Crewe. Right next to the station as well!

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Just sent the club an email asking if it's possible to have any special visit arranged, also copied the supporters club cause I'd like to meet some of you guys.

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

Where are you staying and on what night or nights?

Re: A visitor from Brazil...
 

I still haven't booked a place to stay. I arrive in Accrington on Wednesday February 22nd. I'm planning to meet fans in the evening, I've already talked to Neil (Pendle Red) from the supporters club and he's trying to arrange something. I still don't know where it's gonna be, but I'd love to meet as many of you as possible.

Then on Thursday I'll visit the club in the morning. I emailed them and they promised to show me the stadium and take me to Blackburn to see the players training if possible. I'm very much looking forward to it. I'll probably get back to London on Thursday night.

Any suggestions?