Withdean

[pasty]

For the first time since we played there, I went to Withdean yesterday as my great-nephew was competing in an athletics event. I was thoroughly surprised and somewhat overjoyed to see that just outside Windsor Court, (on the right as you go up Tongdean Lane) there is a tall fag pole proudly flying a Seagulls flag

I always remember the residents there coming out to wave us off on the last day, and it looks like they haven't forgotten us.

 

[Paul Reids Sock]

For the first time since we played there, I went to Withdean yesterday as my great-nephew was competing in an athletics event. I was thoroughly surprised and somewhat overjoyed to see that just outside Windsor Court, (on the right as you go up Tongdean Lane) there is a tall fag pole proudly flying a Seagulls flag

I always remember the residents there coming out to wave us off on the last day, and it looks like they haven't forgotten us.

I miss it. I miss it so so much. I would probably give up everything we have as a club just to be back in the South Stand for a game. We had some amazing days there and I (and sure others) felt much more part of the club then. It was OURS.

By no means is this a criticism of the way the club is now, just a case that when there were 5-6,000 there its much easier to think something is yours than having 30,000.

It was also easier for me to get to from Reading!

 

[pasty]

Someone has nicked the South Stand Couldn't tell if they were the same dug outs though.

 

[mejonaNO12 aka riskit]

On a sunny Saturday, there was nowhere better.

On a Tuesday in January with the rain POURING down.....there was nowhere worse.

 

[matt]

Seeing that photo is very, very strange. It makes the Withdean years seem a little like a dream. For what it is worth, I do not miss that place at all.

 

[Surf's Up]

Someone has nicked the South Stand Couldn't tell if they were the same dug outs though.

View attachment 74777

Yes - Whitehawk nicked it, or at least some of it, living up to their stereotype!!

 

[Raskolnikov]

On a Tuesday in January with the rain POURING down.....there was nowhere worse.

But we all went nonetheless! Blue and White Poncho Army! Remember Dad and I went to a game like this in the family stand once and we were the ONLY people in the whole stand!

 

[pasty]

Seeing that photo is very, very strange. It makes the Withdean years seem a little like a dream. For what it is worth, I do not miss that place at all.

It felt a little strange being there yesterday tbh. I showed the family members I was with a few pictures of when we used to play there as they'd never been, and they couldn't believe it was the same place.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Seeing that photo is very, very strange. It makes the Withdean years seem a little like a dream. For what it is worth, I do not miss that place at all.

As far as silverware goes, it was our most successful place. Four trophies in 12 years.

 

[sparkie]

Absolutely hated it.

 

[Seaber]

Theatre of Trees

 

[Mr Smggles]

On a sunny Saturday, there was nowhere better.

On a Tuesday in January with the rain POURING down.....there was nowhere worse.

This sums it up quite well. It was the place I fell in love with the club. I absolutely loved it.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

If Withdean had a roof, and could have been made five times the size, I'd have been quite happy to stay there forever.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Great times. (Occasionally...)

The Withdean Experience, how best to convey?
To sit in the rain, twenty four quid we'd pay.

The PA was awful, the catering poor
Row S in block U had a hole in the floor.

The away fans complained that they barely could see
Don't know they were born - least their ponchos were free.

Watched a real mix of players - had hopes for them all,
But for each Paul McShane there was one Shane McFaul.

A fortress to start with, it went horribly wrong
T'was a home back in Brighton, but for ten years too long.

We had our good times there, though more often poor
At least 'til that day that Gus walked through the door.

So as we move onwards, I beg of you please
Raise your glasses my friends, to the Theatre of Trees.

 

[8ace]

Great times. (Occasionally...)

The Withdean Experience, how best to convey?
To sit in the rain, twenty four quid we'd pay.

The PA was awful, the catering poor
Row S in block U had a hole in the floor.

The away fans complained that they barely could see
Don't know they were born - least their ponchos were free.

Watched a real mix of players - had hopes for them all,
But for each Paul McShane there was one Shane McFaul.

A fortress to start with, it went horribly wrong
T'was a home back in Brighton, but for ten years too long.

We had our good times there, though more often poor
At least 'til that day that Gus walked through the door.

So as we move onwards, I beg of you please
Raise your glasses my friends, to the Theatre of Trees.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Cheers ace

 

[sydney]

Someone has nicked the South Stand Couldn't tell if they were the same dug outs though.

View attachment 74777

jesus i sat and froze on that hill a few times.

 

[8ace]

Cheers ace

That was the traditional reaction to a poem being read out at Withdean.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

That was the traditional reaction to a poem being read out at Withdean.

Different league, I'm afraid. I don't get PAID for my drivel!

 

[Hiney]

For the first time since we played there, I went to Withdean yesterday as my great-nephew was competing in an athletics event. I was thoroughly surprised and somewhat overjoyed to see that just outside Windsor Court, (on the right as you go up Tongdean Lane) there is a tall fag pole proudly flying a Seagulls flag

I always remember the residents there coming out to wave us off on the last day, and it looks like they haven't forgotten us.