THE OVAL (WALSALL)
The Oval (Walsall) was a League ground for 1 season
from 1 Jul 1893 to 10 Sep 1893
The 37th ground used for a League game
Opened: 1893 • Closed: 1893
TENANTS
Teams that have used this ground as a home
| Team | From | To | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Walsall | 1 Aug 1893 | 30 Sep 1893 | Temp | The club played two games here until West Bromwich Road was ready. |
LEAGUE EVENTS
Promotions, relegations and ground moves associated with this ground
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
Located to the south of the town, The Oval was originally opened in 1875 as a cricket ground for the employees of Elwellβs, owners of the adjacent Wednesbury Forge, and in 1876 became the home venue for the works football team. The location of the ground, bounded by a railway line, roadway and brook on three sides, with a fence along the other, meant that it was easily enclosed and was often used by Wednesbury Old Athletic for important matches and by the local FA for neutral cup ties. The probable record attendance was set at the Birmingham County FA Cup Semi-Final between Stafford Road and Walsall Swifts on March 8th, 1879 when an estimate of upwards to 10,000 spectators crammed into the ground. Sadly, the volume of the crowd and inadequacies of the venue forced the abandonment of the match after 55 minutes due to persistent crowd encroachment. In response to this The Oval was improved and, after formally re-opening on November 13th, 1880, Wednesbury Old Athletic FC moved in here permanently. It continued to host major matches and crowds of between 5,000 and 8,000 were regularly accommodated.
Quite what facilities were available up to this time are not known, there would not appear to be any sort of embankments for standing spectators and it was not until 1890 that a pavilion/grandstand was constructed on the west side at a cost of Β£40. Although the club folded in 1893, the lease on the ground was not due to expire until September 31st and Walsall Town Swifts took advantage of the situation to play two home games whilst awaiting completion of West Bromwich Road. Subsequently the pavilion was removed but the site continued to host junior football for many years before it was abandoned.
Quite what facilities were available up to this time are not known, there would not appear to be any sort of embankments for standing spectators and it was not until 1890 that a pavilion/grandstand was constructed on the west side at a cost of Β£40. Although the club folded in 1893, the lease on the ground was not due to expire until September 31st and Walsall Town Swifts took advantage of the situation to play two home games whilst awaiting completion of West Bromwich Road. Subsequently the pavilion was removed but the site continued to host junior football for many years before it was abandoned.
In 2007 it had become part of a regeneration scheme and due to re-open again as a sports venue for local college and community use.
MAP
The Oval (Walsall)