Review by Swansea City fan Stephen Lowe

Why did you choose to go to this game and why were you looking forward to it?

We were looking for an away game to go to. It seemed like the best one for our available dates. Also Blackburn are a decent team and we thought it would be a good game, plus it was my son’s first away game.

How did you travel to the game and how easy was it?

We took the car, and it was an easy journey up. It was around 4 and half hours.

If you drove, was it easy to find car parking and make your way to the stadium?

Very easy to find the ground. We parked at our accommodation for the night.

Which pubs did you go to before the game and what was the atmosphere like?

We went to the Fernhurst pub, which had a decent atmosphere. We ate there too and it was basic pub chain food but not particularly expensive.

What did you think of the away end and your view of the game?

Decent enough away end, very good view.

What was the atmosphere like during the match?

Very quiet home fans. Away fans got right behind the team and created a good atmosphere and we’re quite loud for 500 fans.

How friendly were the home fans out of 10?

8/10

How easy did you find it to get away from the stadium after the game?

Very easy.

If you stayed over, where did you stay and was it convenient for getting to the stadium?

We stayed at the Fernhurst, which is just a couple of minutes walk from the stadium.

How much did you spend in total on this away day? Was it good value for money?

£160 – the main expense was accommodation. The match tickets were about the same as our home games. All in all pretty good value.

Would you recommend this away day to other fans?

Definitely. The people of Blackburn were friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our day and would definitely go back.

Review by Coventry City fan Eddie

Why did you choose to go to this game and why were you looking forward to it?

We chose the game because we had already sold a lot of tickets and the anticipation from all the fans beforehand was too good to not be a part of.

How did you travel to the game and how easy was it?

We drove. Up the M6 via the Toll.

If you drove, was it easy to find car parking and make your way to the stadium?

There is parking right outside the away end. It costs £10 and you can park your car 100 yards away from the turnstiles. Very well set out.

Which pubs did you go to before the game and what was the atmosphere like?

We went to the Hungry Horse Bar and Grill. They only allowed a limited number of away fans in, but after a short queue, we were in and they were reasonably priced pints pre game.

Where did you eat on your away day and was it good value?

Several service stations on the motorway up, then we stopped off at a fast food place for a burger.

What did you think of the food and drink available inside the ground?

£4.50 for a pint and £2.50 for a half pint inside the ground. They serve John Smiths and Fosters, and you can drink in the concourse before kick off and at half time.

What did you think of the away end and your view of the game?

View was really nice, and the away allocation can stretch to the entire stand if demand is big enough. I was on the left of the goal, among the original allocation.

What was the atmosphere like during the match?

Home atmosphere was rather poor, and they only had one block in the far stand making some noise. All noise came from away end, which made for a brilliant atmosphere.

How friendly were the home fans out of 10?

7/10

How easy did you find it to get away from the stadium after the game?

The fact there is parking 100 yards from the ground made it really easy to get away after the game.

How much did you spend in total on this away day? Was it good value for money?

£40 for two tickets, £8 for pints. £10 for parking.

Would you recommend this away day to other fans?

Definitely, if you can bring numbers it’s a great away day. My personal favourite!

Review by Derby County fan David Brown

Why did you choose to go to this game and why were you looking forward to it?

I was taking my Granddaughter (age 9) to her first ever away game.

How did you travel to the game and how easy was it?

We travelled by car.

If you drove, was it easy to find car parking and make your way to the stadium?

Yes, we parked at the recommended away pub (The Fernhurst) and parking was £5, and a 3 minute walk to the ground.

Which pubs did you go to before the game and what was the atmosphere like?

The Fernhurst pub IS close to the ground, and is a large pub which is very friendly. It had sky sports showing a lunchtime game. The food was good and the pub was full but the doormen ensured that the numbers were kept to a maximum so it was well managed and never packed with some fans queuing to get in and had to wait until others left.

Where did you eat on your away day and was it good value?

We had a hot dog in the ground. The food was limited to pies and hot dogs (the usual stuff). We were quick to get served as there were lots of available staff, and the prices were ok. Beer was fine I was told so all in all good service and okay food.

What did you think of the away end and your view of the game?

We had a good view although top tier was some way from the pitch but as it was raining we were better off up there!

What was the atmosphere like during the match?

Pretty poor actually. Home fans didn’t have much to cheer about and neither did we, as it was a very cold and wet drab 1-0 home win. The ground is nice with traditional 4 stand system. Three excellent stands and that awful old shed down the side that looks so 1970’s. It’s a good distance from the front seat to the pitch and it’s not covered, so with it raining, the fans in the first 20 rows moved away.

How friendly were the home fans out of 10?

10/10 – Blackburn fans are true fans supporting a team who haven’t done much for a while yet those there for that game cheered the team on and were very friendly.

How easy did you find it to get away from the stadium after the game?

Simple. I checked the site – great directions and advice.

How much did you spend in total on this away day? Was it good value for money?

Tickets: £65 for 2 adults and 1 under 10. Fuel £35. Food and drink £40. Total £140. Yes. it was good value for money and we will go again.

Would you recommend this away day to other fans?

Yes, go have fun. Enjoy the game with the reassurance that you will get value for money, a safe ground for away fans and a friendly welcome and good atmosphere if the game is worth watching.