LAYER ROAD
Layer Road was a League ground for 58 seasons
from 1 Jul 1992 to 30 Jun 2008
and from 1 Jul 1950 to 30 Jun 1990
The 161st ground used for a League game
Current capacity: 6,320
Opened: 1909 • Closed: 2008
TENANTS
Teams that have used this ground as a home
| Team | From | To | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Colchester United | 3 Nov 1909 | 31 May 2008 | The club was elected into the Football League Division 3 [S] in 1950, relegated to the Football Conference in 1989 and promoted into Division 3 in 1992. The club was also involved in a Football League Play Off Match at the neutral venue of Wembley Stadium. At the end of the 2007/8 season the club moved to Colchester Community Stadium. |
LEAGUE EVENTS
Promotions, relegations and ground moves associated with this ground
| Date | Team | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 1950 | Colchester United | Expansion of Division 3 South |
| 30 Jun 1990 | Colchester United | Relegated from the League |
| 1 Jul 1992 | Colchester United | Promoted to the League |
| 1 Jul 2008 | Colchester United | Moved from Layer Road to Community Stadium |
GROUND HISTORY
adapted from "The Ultimate Directory of English & Scottish Football League Grounds"
The site was first used in 1906 by the 4th Battalion Kingβs Royal Rifle Corps. Colchester Town FC took over when they vacated it in 1909 and bought it in 1919. No substantial improvements took place until the 1930s when a stand was built on the south side and covering installed on the north and east sides. During this period the club turned professional, as Colchester United FC, and the record attendance of 19,072 was set at the abandoned FA Cup 1st Round tie v. Reading on November 27th, 1948.
Some improvements were made following their election to the Football League in 1950 with the installation of covers over the terraces on each side of the main stand but it was not until the 1990s that a new roof was installed on the north side and the west end converted to seating and supplied with a roof. The capacity at the start of the 2007/8 season was 6,200 with 1,877 seats and the pitch size was 110 x 70 yards. In 2008 the club moved to the Colchester Community Stadium.
MAP
Layer Road