My name is James Dooley, and Away Grounds was born from a simple, frustrating experience that every travelling football fan knows all too well.
It was a cold, rainy Tuesday night, and I was trying to find the away end at a stadium I’d never been to before. I was late, stressed, and had no idea where to park or which local pubs were safe for away supporters. I remember thinking, “Why is this so hard? Why isn’t there one reliable place that gives you the practical, real-world advice you actually need?”.
That night, the idea for Away Grounds was born.
This website is the resource I always wished I had. It’s a project built on a simple mission: to create the most detailed, honest, and genuinely helpful stadium guides on the internet, written by fans, for fans. We don’t just list capacities and postcodes. We answer the questions that really matter:
- Where is the best place to park to avoid post-match traffic?
- Which pubs are welcoming to away colours?
- What’s the actual view like from the away section?
- What are the unwritten rules and traditions of the ground you’re visiting?
Our goal is to take the stress out of your away day so you can focus on what truly matters: supporting your team and enjoying the experience.
This isn’t an anonymous corporate site; it’s a personal labour of love. While I, James, personally research and write these guides based on my own travels and extensive fact-checking, the depth and quality wouldn’t be possible without the insights, shared experiences, and passionate knowledge drawn from a network of dedicated, fellow football travellers. Their collective wisdom helps shape these guides.
Inspiration & Expertise: The Network Behind Away Grounds
Here is a list of our contributors on AwayGrounds:
James Dooley
James Dooley, the founder of Away Grounds, has been a passionate football fan since his early years. As a lifelong Manchester United supporter, he has spent countless weekends traveling across the country for away matches. These experiences inspired him to create a place where fans can find all the essential information to make their own journeys simpler and more enjoyable.
Kasra Dash
An avid Chelsea fan, Kasra holds the impressive achievement of having visited every single Premier League stadium. His vast, first-hand knowledge of matchday logistics across the country provides invaluable insights that help shape our detailed guides, ensuring they address what matters most to a travelling supporter.
Joe Norris
Joe Norris, a respected football analyst and longtime friend, shares the passion for the game that drives Away Grounds. His analytical perspective and experiences as a lifelong Chelsea fan often spark interesting discussions and contribute to the overall understanding of what makes each stadium unique.
Mark Dooley
A lifelong Manchester United supporter, Mark possesses a keen eye for detail and a deep knowledge of British football history. His understanding of club legacies and stadium evolution is often consulted to ensure the historical context within our guides is accurate, rich, and engaging for readers.
Dave Potter
A well-known figure in the online football fan community, Dave has years of experience organising and participating in supporter group trips across the UK. His unparalleled understanding of the practical challenges and joys of being an away fan informs the practical, real-world advice found throughout our content, from travel coordination to finding the best local spots.
David Dooley
As editor-in-chief, David helps oversee the overall quality and strategic direction of Away Grounds content. He combines his passion for football history with a meticulous approach, assisting with fact-checking and ensuring that every guide published is a reliable and comprehensive resource.
Our Commitment to You
The Away Grounds network is united by a single goal: to help fellow fans create unforgettable away day memories. We believe every trip is an adventure, and a well-planned one is always the most rewarding.
Thank you for trusting us with your matchday.
Head Office Address
Address – Away Grounds, 138 Manchester Rd, Leigh, WN7 2LL, United Kingdom