Calling all cottage experts

I'm hours away from booking a March trip to London, which means I'd like to find tickets to the March 3 game, home to Aston Villa.

Can you good people tell me how much of a difference it is (in terms of sightlines, experience, camaraderie, cost, etc.) in seats in the different stands? Where would a first-time visitor want to sit?

Also, if anyone can advise me on how to get tickets. I've read about some pretty amazing connections that I would love to benefit from.

 

I guess I should mention that we'll be a group of four. Is it possible to get 4 seats together?

 

Any seat in Craven Cottage is good. Hammy End, Riverside, Stevenage Road side are all good. It is a small stadium so it is very intimate. You really can't go wrong where you seat.

AmericanMike might be able to get some tickets for you. He lives over there and will likely be your connection.

 

Thanks, ChicagoTom. I just looked through the trip pictures with you, American Mike and others. Looks like it was a great trip!!

 

Hi Reg,

I prefer the Johny Haynes stand near the half way line, it gets all the atmosphere and the best view. For noise you cant beat half way up the hammersmith end.

Don't sit in the Riverside or Putney end.

 

Reg, Here's my synopsis on each section, I've attended matches in each.

The Hammersmith End: Probably the loudest part of the ground, it has plenty of atmosphere and you will hear lots and lots of singing (mostly from the back). The stand is behind the goal opposite of the cottage itself.

The Riverside Stand: The quietest part of the ground. Full of old folks and those who would rather study the game in silence than sing at the top of their lungs...although, there are a few that do sit in this section and sing loud and proud. This stand is to the right of the hammersmith stand.

The Stevenage rd. Stand (now called the Johnny Haynes): As loud as the Hammersmith at times, there are plenty of loud singing season ticket holders...it is opposite the Riverside stand.

There you go!

 

Thanks, American Mike.

Excellent info to have.

On that note, can you tell me what how often the cottage is sold out? Are we in danger of having to deal with touts?

I worry that because it's a small ground, seats might be hard to come by in a set of 4. Do you recommend booking online, if it's even possible? Phone call to ticket office?

I don't imagine Aston Villa would be a particularly huge draw, but I'm not familiar at all with ticket sales for Prem games. Perhaps you can point me in the right direction. Also, which stand is hardest to find seating in?

I'm a question machine.

 

Reg, since I have a season ticket I'll buy your tickets ahead of time and you can either pay me through paypal before hand or give me money when you arrive in England...

Let me know and I'll see what tickets are available which will help decide where to sit.

 

That sounds excellent. I'll be in touch.

 

Well, friends. My trip is booked. I'll arrive in London on March 2 and leave March 11. Looking forward to my first visit to the Cottage.

Oh, and American Mike, you have an e-mail.

 

No problem there. I'll have a full report on the Cottage visit, with pictures.

We'll be at the March 3 match against Aston Villa. Look for me. I'll be the guy with the dinner-plate eyes.

 

I'm thinking of going to London sometime in August. When does the schedule usually come out for next season? What is the best way to buy tickets?

 

The fixture list will come out at the end of June.

As far as tickets, you should be able to call up the club or book online, pending on the match you want to attend. AmericanMike also might be able to help you out getting the tickets.

 

What is the best pub around the stadium?

 

Try and make it the very back end of Aug otherwise you'll be in pre-season and it is the worst kind of football to watch.

As far as pubs go - The Golden Lion is the place to be (for further info seach on the site for golden lion and posts from AmericanMike.

The other option is to take a gentle stroll down Putney highstreet starting at the Fox and Hounds opposite the main line station. There are a number of pubs with the best being on the left hand side of the street as you walk to Putney Bridge (the good pub guide is well worth investing in and plan before hand).