The 10th Anniversary of the first ever match at the Halliwell Jones falls on Friday 21st Feb next year it would be nice to celebrate this with a home match and make it a special occasion.

I remember going to the open day, and being overjoyed at the place, the feel, the modernist but homely atmosphere ....... then the girl I was seeing at the time, and was accompanying me on that pivotal event, started moaning about the price of mars bars in the concourse and ruined the ambience totally.

She was an ex within hours. Some people have no class and sense of occasion.

But for the HJ (or whatever it's name becomes, when the sponsorship deal runs out) and Moran's generosity, we'd be knackered. We'd still be
standing in puddles of wee-wee, when we go to the khazi
enduring attendances of less than 6k, regularly
in a never ending circle of chasing our tails

So for that, I'm happy.


Now,


Stands with his back to the wall, ready for the hail of bullets

I dislike the HJ
I find it totally soulless, with very little atmosphere. Bar the Johns game v Leeds in 05, I can't remember a game where the atmosphere made the hairs on my neck "stand on end", whereas Wilderspool had at least 3 or 4 games every year, where the atmosphere was great/electric.

But, as I say, I'm VERY happy for the existence of the HJ

I can understand and agree to a certain extent to what Lefty has commented but we had to move on to survive and in turn move forward. On the field a move to the HJ has been a success, although that didn't happen overnight. Behind the scenes the club directors and all associated should be congratulated in making the HJ a success. With all the other new grounds in rl, the RFL must think highly of the ground having hosted a number of high profile games inc CC semis, exiles, All Golds, Aus V NZ and a number of championship finals. We are also hosting two world cup matches.

Tbh I was sceptical during the planning stages of the ground that we would increase crowds especially to the level we have achieved over the last few years. Saying that I was still presnt at the Parr Hall public enquiry meetings and also at the Town Hall supporting the plans.

It's good to have the memories of Wilderspool but who knows where we would be now if we hadn't moved.

I must admit that I think that the HJ is a decent ground for watching RL particularly since the two corners have been filled in.

Sure it's not the 'fanciest Dan' of new stadium design but much better than say Salford where all the effort has been put into one stand? As a visitor you'd be happy with the West and the option of home fans standing or sitting along the length of the ground works well.

Mind you I like Langtree Park so what do I know and a recent visit to Wilderspool to watch an U19 game whilst nostalgic was tinged with a fair bit of sadness...I couldn't believe how small the Fletcher End looked

All I remember from the first night at the HJ is how cold it was! Seriously though where has 10 years gone?