Ground of the week

Essex Senior League club, Barkingside FC celebrate their golden anniversary at Oakside Stadium this year but the ground is more interesting for its part in the mergers and name changes that litter Essex Football history.

Although they are celebrating their 50th anniversary at Oakside they do so as tenants of Ryman One North side Redbridge FC who have played there for just six years by comparison.

Redbridge were known as Ford United until 2004 who were themselves an amalgamation of Brigg Sports FC and Ford Sports FC in the 1950s.

Ford United played at Rush Green Road until 2001 when the owners of that ground, the Ford Motor Company, offered them just an annually renewable lease.

This arrangement was not acceptable to them or the league so they sought alternative accommodation and found it at Oakside. They leased the ground and the previous lessees ­ Barkingside ­ became the tenants in a permanent ground sharing arrangement.

Oakside stadium itself is adjacent to Barkingside Underground station. And despite technically being an underground station, by the time the Central Line reaches Barkingside it is overland so the noise of the trains rumbling past is a constant accompaniment to the game.

Photo Credit: George Phillipou

You enter the ground at one corner of the side which runs alongside the train line. This corner is the real focal point of the ground as it contains the car park, the changing rooms, the snack bar and the excellent clubhouse.

The main stand, which is sandwiched by a handful of concrete terracing steps, seats over 300. The signs of wear and tear are beginning to show.

It is quite low and does have some obstructed views caused by the supporting pillars and the dugouts.

The terrace opposite is covered for virtually the entire length of the pitch. This terrace can be quite dark, feeling almost tunnel-like.

Both ends of the ground are uncovered. The end you enter the ground by is a fair sized terrace but behind the opposite goal there are just a couple of shallow steps.

There is little doubt that the permanent ground sharing arrangements are benefiting both Redbridge and Barkingside but there does need some investment to bring this mature stadium into the 21st century.