"It was impossible not to be moved by the profound emotional connection between a city and its club and as the years have passed, St James Park has come to embody for me everything that a football ground should be," Holt asserted. "Full of character and care and camaraderie and community and passion and pride in what it stands for."
Another added perk was the voucher for a free cup of tea Holt was given on his return visit to the stadium, something more clubs should consider given the recent rise in ticket prices.
2
Anfield, Liverpool
Capacity: 61,726
Anfield
Those who bet on Anfield to be number one will be sorely disappointed, as it just misses out on the top spot. However, it does at least hold status as the highest-ranked Premier League stadium.
What is there to say about Anfield that hasn't already been said? It is a cauldron, especially on European nights, and when the Kop is in full voice, teams can get swallowed up by the atmosphere. Players have described it as feeling trapped in a tight box, with the walls closing in on them as the chants echo around the 61,000-seater. If you are playing for the home side, there is no greater place on the planet to be. If you're a member of the opposition, you want to get out of there as fast as possible.
Most Famous Stadiums
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Edgeley Park, Stockport County
Capacity: 10,800
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So, the honour of the best stadium in the Football League goes to none other than Stockport County. Currently fighting for a spot in the League One play-offs, Edgeley Park has been County's home since 1891 and houses a little over 10,000 fans every matchday. As to why it's number one, Holt revealed:
"My dad was never much of a football fan and was more likely to ask me ‘how did United get on’. But he was from Heaton Chapel and his grandfather made, and lost, a fortune in the hatting industry in the town in the late 19th century, and he was fiercely proud of Stockport Viaduct and its history and he took me to my first game at Edgeley Park on Monday, April 9, 1979.
"I haven’t been yet this season because I spent my spare weekends trying to complete my 92. I’m longing to get back. Every fan will know that feeling, the feeling of going home."
While it may be sentimental reasons that hand County the place at number one, as Holt mentions, that is what football is all about. A sense of purpose and belonging and one that can remain with you for the rest of your life.
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