The Fat Controller Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 I have contacted the management at The Merlin Pub which is 5 minutes away from The County Ground. They are willing to accept Southampton supporters to the pub and will also welcome children. Please note that parking restrictions in Swindon are a bloody nightmare and very expensive to park in The County ground Car park. The Merlin Grove Rd Swindon, SN1 3AF 01793 431496 The pubs in Swindon Town Centre will be heavily policed throughout the afternoon.- see you in there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Isn't there a Tesco next door to the ground? Apparently that's where a lot of away fans park and have no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGod7 Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Theres a tesco next door but they are starting to get wise to football fans leaving cars there. There is a cricket club directly next door to the ground that is used for parking - £5 per car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surrey1saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Theres a tesco next door but they are starting to get wise to football fans leaving cars there. There is a cricket club directly next door to the ground that is used for parking - £5 per car. Any one any idea what time the Cricket club CP will fill up by? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SN5_Saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Theres a tesco next door but they are starting to get wise to football fans leaving cars there. There is a cricket club directly next door to the ground that is used for parking - £5 per car. Swindon is not used to that level of away support. I personally don't think the Tesco car park will bear the strain of that many away supporters. And I also suspect Tesco will put an attendant out to catch the unwary. Recommendation: don't rely on it. There are a number of car parks in Swindon and since it's a postage stamp sized town centre you can park in any one of them and only have a 15 minute walk. Spring Gardens is closest but the Wyvern, Fleming Way and John Street are little further on being in the very town centre. Town centre to County Ground = 15 min walk max. If those fill up try further afield at the Brunel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SN5_Saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Swindon is not used to that level of away support. I personally don't think the Tesco car park will bear the strain of that many away supporters. And I also suspect Tesco will put an attendant out to catch the unwary. Recommendation: don't rely on it. There are a number of car parks in Swindon and since it's a postage stamp sized town centre you can park in any one of them and only have a 15 minute walk. Spring Gardens is closest but the Wyvern, Fleming Way and John Street are little further on being in the very town centre. Town centre to County Ground = 15 min walk max. If those fill up try further afield at the Brunel. Nearly forgot the Bus Station. All car parks mentioned are council owned multi-storey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Swindon is not used to that level of away support. I personally don't think the Tesco car park will bear the strain of that many away supporters. And I also suspect Tesco will put an attendant out to catch the unwary. Recommendation: don't rely on it. You could, of course, combine a football match with a shopping trip to Tescos - you would then be legally parked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surrey1saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Nearly forgot the Bus Station. All car parks mentioned are council owned multi-storey. Thanks SN5....what time do I need to get to town then,do you recon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harwellsaint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 will they sell ale in the ground, anyone know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMidfieldGeneral Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 You could, of course, combine a football match with a shopping trip to Tescos - you would then be legally parked. Good Call.. A couple of strategically placed bags on the back seat filled with after match celebratory drinks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 You could, of course, combine a football match with a shopping trip to Tescos - you would then be legally parked. I thought about that but even my missus would have got bored in Tesco's for 4 hours, so dropping her at family friends in Wotton Bassett in afternoon and then drive into Swindon from west later with 2 sons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 If anyone in the West Swindon area fancy a beer, we're gonna be in The Windmill in Freshbrook from 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 WARNING... The bus station car park gates shut at 10pm...... and then they don't open till 6am. Could be a long night!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alain Perrin Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 If anyone in the West Swindon area fancy a beer, we're gonna be in The Windmill in Freshbrook from 5 Ahh a plan... but I'm in Old Town. All hail the Swindon Saints Massive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SN5_Saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 You could, of course, combine a football match with a shopping trip to Tescos - you would then be legally parked. If you get there early enough before it fills up. There could also be patrols checking for 2 hour max stay. My girlfriend has been busted twice by Tesco in Swansea for staying for 2.5 hours and she was in the store all that time (who knows why though?). And thats an out of town store nowhere near the football ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Fandango Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 With over 3,000 fans going I don't think there will be a problem finding a pub full of Saints somehow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 With over 3,000 fans going I don't think there will be a problem finding a pub full of Saints somehow. Exactly. Were looking to get there for about 4ish so hopefully the place will be filling up nicely by then. Looking forward to tomorrow, should be good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 Will any other Saints fans be drinking in the Cricket club next door to the stadium? Apparently it often has plenty of away fans and is cheap. Might try it out seeming as I plan on parking there too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crowds Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 cant wait **** knows where im going to park leaving exeter at about 3ish to get there! find a random road to park on hopefully! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 17 August, 2009 Share Posted 17 August, 2009 ill be floating about Swindon by about 2, steaming by 7, and hopefully happy as larry by 10! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGod7 Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Swindon Cricket Club next to the ground will be open for beers and car parking and very receptive to away fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 ill be floating about Swindon by about 2, steaming by 7, and hopefully happy as larry by 10!Driving home? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee_saint Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 will they sell ale in the ground, anyone know? Last time I went they were pouring pints from cans.....remember Strongbow and Carling but didn't see any ale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Is there any (non-restricted) parking off the Queen's Drive into Swindon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genk Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 So its the cricket club or the merlin??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fat Controller Posted 18 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 18 August, 2009 very limited off street parking especially off queens drive. The Bulldog pub on queens drive is a no go area so be warned.... full of **** heads Safest best is to meet up in the merlin and it is kid friendly for those going to the game with a family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fat Controller Posted 18 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 18 August, 2009 The cricket club is up a back alley and not sign posted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Glue Pot. FACT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bath Saint Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Glue Pot. FACT. So I'm given to understand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fat Controller Posted 18 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Small real ale pub not very many women use it if you get my drift... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Small real ale pub not very many women use it if you get my drift... Do you work for the Merlin by any chance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fat Controller Posted 18 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 18 August, 2009 no i just live and work in Swindon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorkie Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 If anyone in the West Swindon area fancy a beer, we're gonna be in The Windmill in Freshbrook from 5 Used to be my local - I lived about 100yrds away up Worsley Road...oh happy days! Look out for Swindon Matt he lives just up the road in Wooton Bassett - There used to be a pub on the way to there called Sally Pusseys...make of that what you will but the food and drink were excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_saint Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Used to be my local - I lived about 100yrds away up Worsley Road...oh happy days! Look out for Swindon Matt he lives just up the road in Wooton Bassett - There used to be a pub on the way to there called Sally Pusseys...make of that what you will but the food and drink were excellent! You must have lived by me then. I'm in Pendennis Road about 100 yards away from The Windmill. Sally Pussys does a great carvery on a sunday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 My Dad thought it would be a good idea to go in the Arkell's pub or whatever it's called right near the ground, so I took off my Saints jacket and we went in and had a pint, sat out in the beer garden listening to Swindon fans in Stone Island clothing talking about wanting to do over some Saints fans, and doing a 'repeat of Cardiff', whatever happened there... I didn't fancy shouting too loud I was a Saints fan in there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 Drank at the cricket club. What a lovely place to have a drink pre-match. Cheap and a nice game of cricket (well, cricket practice) to watch in the sun. Without a doubt the best part of the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 18 August, 2009 Share Posted 18 August, 2009 My Dad thought it would be a good idea to go in the Arkell's pub or whatever it's called right near the ground, so I took off my Saints jacket and we went in and had a pint, sat out in the beer garden listening to Swindon fans in Stone Island clothing talking about wanting to do over some Saints fans, and doing a 'repeat of Cardiff', whatever happened there... I didn't fancy shouting too loud I was a Saints fan in there! Blimey, it's starting to sound like the 'bad old days' are rearing it's ugly head again. they must be bored out of their skulls, whater is wrong with some oy our youngsters. I don'te get it, I really dont. Never mind.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_stevo Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 took me longer to get a beer in the merlin than to drive to swindon from so'ton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDARMY79 Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 Same here stevo, got in there at 5 and it was dead, but by 6 was rammed. Walked 5 mins up the road to a Harvester which was pretty empty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 Blimey, it's starting to sound like the 'bad old days' are rearing it's ugly head again. they must be bored out of their skulls, whater is wrong with some oy our youngsters. I don'te get it, I really dont. Never mind.. THEY.................LIVE...............IN.................SWINDON HTH :cool: Caps for emphasis MM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crowds Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 My Dad thought it would be a good idea to go in the Arkell's pub or whatever it's called right near the ground, so I took off my Saints jacket and we went in and had a pint, sat out in the beer garden listening to Swindon fans in Stone Island clothing talking about wanting to do over some Saints fans, and doing a 'repeat of Cardiff', whatever happened there... I didn't fancy shouting too loud I was a Saints fan in there! I was in there from about 5-7! ended up in the backgarden next to a loada angry swindon fans. commenting about how they could spot a saints fan as they look sheepish and wanting to have some trouble. While im sat right next to them waiting for my old man to turn up (stealing the pubs wireless on saints web ). I was sat there smirking i must admit. dude jeans a T-shirt and braces are NOT cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 I was in there from about 5-7! ended up in the backgarden next to a loada angry swindon fans. commenting about how they could spot a saints fan as they look sheepish and wanting to have some trouble. While im sat right next to them waiting for my old man to turn up (stealing the pubs wireless on saints web ). I was sat there smirking i must admit. dude jeans a T-shirt and braces are NOT cool. Haha I was in there from about 6:45 to 7:25-ish, and I heard all that 'fighting talk' too... I swear I heard one of them say in a menacing tone "It's a good job they don't let away fans come in here"...... I thought it was quite cool having a drink in their 'manor' as my dad put it, sitting there in amongst all their 'hardcore' who wanted to fight us Saints fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_bert Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 We went in the spoons in town. Then went up to the merlin. Wish we stayed in the spoons abit longer now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red_No_7 Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 very limited off street parking especially off queens drive. The Bulldog pub on queens drive is a no go area so be warned.... full of **** heads Safest best is to meet up in the merlin and it is kid friendly for those going to the game with a family no go?!! :confused: for swindon fans yesterday maybe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 19 August, 2009 Share Posted 19 August, 2009 Glue Pot was an excellent real ale pub. Fat Controller clearly does PR for the Merlin, what a crap pub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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