Craven Cottage tour

Just returned from my quick jaunt to the U.K. for my brother's wedding. As the timing didn't work for me to attend I match, I figured I should at least make a quick pilgrimage to the Cottage and take the official tour.

Going in, I wasn't all that terribly excited (perhaps I was still a bit bummed I wouldn't be able to actually take in a match on this trip). But after, I can say I highly recommend it for anyone who does have the opportunity. Reminders all around of just how unique and special a place it is. Beyond the areas you might otherwise have a chance to see on a matchday, I got to (briefly) take a seat on the Cottage terrace, in the home dressing room and in the home side dugout. (Other tour stops included the players' lounge, MJ's matchday office, the press area in the Haynes stand, and the Directors' box across the way in the Riverside. Yes, the Michael Jackson statue was included, but I'll pretend it wasn't).

You learn about the history of the ground (some of which I knew, some I didn't) and some odd facts. For instance, neither of the ground's dressing rooms meet Premier League standards for size. But since the building is a protected historical structure, there isn't much the Club can do. So the League gives them a waiver, provided they give the larger of the two rooms to the visiting side.

I have yet to sort the photos from the trip, but when I do, will be happy to share some here, if there's any interest.

 

Post the pics Tim, thanks for sharing. How was your bro's wedding?

Looked at the schedule and really want to get down to the Fox and Hounds for a match before the season is out. Probably the best bet that it will be on live is the home fixture v Liverpool in May.

 

Pics are still on the way. Had some difficulties getting them to show up here when I tried last night, so will probably end up posting a link to a gallery.

Joe - the wedding was very nice, thanks for asking. And yes, if we can, let's try to arrange to watch a match before the season's out. It's been far too long.

 

For those interested, here are some pics from the tour:

http://s377.photobucket.com/user/timor10/slideshow/

 

Nice pix! Glad you got to the tour -- something I HIGHLY recommend for any FFC fan who gets over to London.

 

Great pics Tim. The shot you have looking out to the pitch from under the Johnny Haynes stands was my first view of the pitch and the way I went to my seats at the match I went to in 07. Brought back memories

 

Really enjoyed the Craven Cottage pics. I hope I get to go there some day. Until then, this is the next best thing. Thanks tim.

For this next bit, I figure the reactions will either be (A) Oh cool; or (B) Why the blank would you do that? I took one of the pictures I particularly liked and made a jigsaw puzzle out of it. You can try the puzzle here:

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1ba2c07c015f

There's a button in the lower left to see what the puzzle will look like when completed. If the site doesn't work for you it probably means your Java isn't current enough. In Windows, the Java page in the Control Panel has a button to update your Java.

Tim -- this is your picture. If you have an objection I'll delete the puzzle.

If you like that one, here's another Craven Cottage puzzle that's a little harder:

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=045b1e4c3a42

 

:clap: Sweet pics TIm!!

 

No objections here. Just need to find the time to attempt the puzzle!