WELLINGTON ROAD
Wellington Road was a League ground for 10 seasons
from 14 Sep 1888 to 30 Jun 1897
The 8th ground used for a League game
Opened: 1876 • Closed: 1897
TENANTS
Teams that have used this ground as a home
| Team | From | To | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Aston Villa | 1 Aug 1876 | 31 May 1897 | The club was a founder member of the Football League in 1888 and, as its popularity increased, found that the ground with its poor spectator facilities and an uneven pitch was rapidly becoming unsuitable and moved to Villa Park in 1897. |
LEAGUE EVENTS
Promotions, relegations and ground moves associated with this ground
| Date | Team | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 1888 | Aston Villa | Founder member of the League |
| 1 Jul 1897 | Aston Villa | Moved from Wellington Road to Villa Park |
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
There were few facilities available when Aston Villa moved here from the Lower Aston Grounds and Aston Park in 1876. Located in Perry Barr, there was no accommodation for spectators, a hayrick had to be moved from the middle of the ground before matches could commence and players had to change in a blacksmithβs shed.
Improvements made during the next few years included the installation of a grandstand which backed on to Birchfield Road Tram Depot on the east side, and two pavilions, but standing spectators had to make do with large flat areas around the pitch. A massive pitch invasion, the first ever serious crowd disorder at a football match, ensued when the ground record of 26,849 was set on January 7th, 1888 for the visit of Preston North End for a 5th Round FA Cup tie (1-3)
Improvements made during the next few years included the installation of a grandstand which backed on to Birchfield Road Tram Depot on the east side, and two pavilions, but standing spectators had to make do with large flat areas around the pitch. A massive pitch invasion, the first ever serious crowd disorder at a football match, ensued when the ground record of 26,849 was set on January 7th, 1888 for the visit of Preston North End for a 5th Round FA Cup tie (1-3)
Aston Villa moved to Villa Park in 1897 and sold the grandstand to Small Heath FC for use at their Muntz Street ground. The site is now occupied by housing on Leslie and Wilmore Roads, a car park, public house and recreation ground.
MAP
Wellington Road