Kettering Football Stadium/ Kettering/ May 2015 (Visited September 2014)

[The Lone Shadow]

History

Kettering football club played here at this ground between 1897 and 2011 before closing its gates for the last time to move in with Rushden & Diamonds

I don't think the club has ever been the same since moving out of here.

In 2012 they were forced to move out of Rushden and to Corby because they couldn't afford the rates and for the 2013/14 season they are playing their games in Burton Latimer.

I reckon they should come back here to Rockingham Road, cut the grass and re-boot the club completely.

I believe they have plans to build flats on this site eventually. 114 years of football will be gone forever, but until then; this decayed beauty stands before us.

The Explore

Visited solo after work on one hot Friday evening. Nice little mooch without the need to worry about usual hazards such as loose flooring or pigeon crap, this time having been replaced with hawthorns and barb wire instead. Access is a bit awkward and you are often very exposed by people nearby including houses that look directly over the pitch itself, so be discreet if you are planning a visit. I find the best attraction of Kettering football club is the pitch itself, found a couple of old footballs still lying around amongst the matted grass and wondered how many stars had kicked them around as I smiled and had kick about of my own. Most places are accessible including the stands, bars, locker rooms, equipment cupboards, VIP areas, commentary box and kitchen. There is a nice feel of football nostalgia aswell. As I left I did so with an accidental clatter which raised the alarm for nearby onlookers, explained that I was an explorer, following it up with “Now, mind your own business†Haha.

Pictures

Thank you all for reading my report, I hoped you liked.

The Lone Shadow

 

[Urbexbandoned]

What a sorry state this is in now, I'd have had to have a kick about too haha. Nice report and pics mate

 

[-Raz-]

Nice one mate looks ace overgrown like that! did you not climb the ladder on the last pic?

 

[The Lone Shadow]

No, I didn't climb to the top, but I doubt my camera would be powerful enough for aerial shots from up there anyway, I was also still wearing my office shoes aswell, which did not help. First explore ever in smart casual, haha!

 

[hamtagger]

Love that shot with the slightly deflated football and the long grass, cool looking place TLS cheers for posting this

 

[Lenston]

Pretty cool this, some nice bits left, great pics there

 

[Lara]

Oh this is different, like it very much and thanks for sharing

 

[The Lone Shadow]

Cheers everybody and yes, the picture with the football is my favourite aswell. I hope Kettering FC come back here one day.

 

[Session9]

Nice TLS, nothing like a bit of footy nostalgia

 

[skeleton key]

Good to see the place and they had best get the mowers out

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDMQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-england-northamptonshire-31552427&ei=259XVcPEBYHrUJapgPgP&usg=AFQjCNF6opQ7sBkiuXVaRoU4Ukef8eCLEg