If any of you are old enough to remember (or care), apart from Wembley, there were seven grounds used to host the 1966 World Cup. (Without looking on the interweb), which were the seven grounds?

I saw Chile play out a 1-1 draw with North Korea at Ayresome Park. There were also games at Roker Park, Goodison Park, Old Trafford, Villa Park and Hillsborough. The one ground that people tend to forget is White City Stadium. I only remember that one because it was a zero points answer on Pointless.

Nice one Splod, you nailed it. You're obviously older than you look!!!

Did any club use the White City Stadium?
I would use the internet but its banned on this thread

Think QPR did but I have no idea why I would know that or when they did. I'd guess inter-war years. If only I could use the banned internet to check if I'm right.

[/quote]Did any club use the White City Stadium?
I would use the internet but its banned on this thread [/quote]

Below is the reason that it was used for the World Cup:

Originally know as The Great Stadium, White City Stadium was built for the 1908 Summer Olympics. Its impressive appearance and a capacity of over 76,000 made it an ideal venue for use during World Cup 1966.

White City Stadium hosted only one match during the World Cup. It was originally not intended to be used. However, when the owners of Wembley refused to cancel a regular greyhound racing event, an alternative venue was needed to host the Uruguay v France match. White City Stadium was chosen.

Location: London

Capacity: 76,567

Construction: White City Stadium opened in 1908. It was used to host various sporting events over the years. Unfortunately, it closed in 1984 and was demolished the following year.

Matches: Uruguay 2 : 1 France (July 15)

Also: in 1931, Queens Park Rangers F.C. began the first of two spells playing at the stadium, until 1933 (the second spell was from 1962–63). QPR eventually decided against a permanent move to White City and stayed at Loftus Road.

As I started the thread, I gave myself permission to cheat

And saw North Korea beat Italy 1-0 at Ayresome Park with biggest flag this side of Beijing plus synchronized clapping from North Koreans in main stand just like at Winter Olympics

Don,t you recognise Splods school photo? I think I do! from the late 1960,s

You sure? I always thought it was Jeff Stelling as a young 'un.

[quote=Nice one Splod, you nailed it. You're obviously older than you look!!![/quote]

Don,t you recognise Splods school photo? I think I do! from the late 1960,s [/quote]

You sure? I always thought it was Jeff Stelling as a young 'un.[/quote]

OK. So, is this Mr Splod or Mr Stelling??

Neither. It is a model gadgie from the wall of Ian's Barbers who was put up in 1974 but was still there in 1989.

Also: in 1931, Queens Park Rangers F.C. began the first of two spells playing at the stadium, until 1933 (the second spell was from 1962–63). QPR eventually decided against a permanent move to White City and stayed at Loftus Road.

think they moved back to loftus road after the 1962/3 season as it was not really suitable for football. those who have been to gateshead or bradford park avenue with running tracks around would agree.

Don,t you recognise Splods school photo? I think I do! from the late 1960,s [/quote]

You sure? I always thought it was Jeff Stelling as a young 'un.[/quote]

Yep! Was in the same year as Jeff, Smashing likeable lad then as well!

Yep, photo from 1969. Mr Glenn's class.

Can,t say I enjoyed my time there, no football only rugby and then a couple of years after we left they had football and Girls!!!

Danny Glenn? Easily one of the Grammar's best teachers ever?
Made me love geogger but somehow thought I might benefit from doing homework..

Remember the final well. The old man planned the day perfectly. He got me Mam to go to my nana's with my sister. He then decided me and my brother must be distracted so bought us an Airfix kit each. He then cleverly decided it had to be complicated to cover all eventualities like extra time. So he splashed the cash and bought us both a Phantom which we could never afford.
Win, win scenario.

I was in a friggin coach going down to Swindon for the Scouts' Wiltshire International Jamboree.
We had to make do with relayed reports from the driver's personal radio, which wasn't loud enough to reach the whole bus.
I somehow don't think we captured the full mood and excitement.
It was ages before I even got see the highlights, prolly on SPOTY. VCRs were still some kind of futuristic technological mojo back then.
The jamboree was ellish mind.

Probably mentioned this before that many of my school mates were "R's" fans; their families having moved out of west London as a result of the bombing. Though never a fan, I, consequently, watched a lot of matches at Loftus Road in the days when the ground was a bit rough around the edges before the team progressed and it became 'posh'.

I saw a few games at the White City (I recall one against Northampton) and I'm guessing that the move was probably because of it's (much) larger capacity and, therefore, money in the bank. I can't remember their home attendances but they were healthy and I'm seeing a few of my mates the week after next so I might just pick their brains.

I agree with af's point about the distance from the pitch and both Watford and Chelsea were similar then. Loftus Road, on the other hand, was the exact opposite and could be quite an intimidating place as you could virtually touch the players if you leant over the wall as I'm sure many an opposing player would testify.

You sure? I always thought it was Jeff Stelling as a young 'un.[/quote]

Yep! Was in the same year as Jeff, Smashing likeable lad then as well! [/quote]

Where did you live. I was bought up on Masefield rd opp school

Does Loftus Road still have that two-tier stand you can't see one of the goals from?

Not sure, Monty, as I've only been there once since it was rebuilt and that was years ago. Apart from some extra seats being added since that visit, I believe it pretty much remains as it was so I'm assuming that the answer is "Yes".

The original ground had a half-covered terrace behind one goal and an open terrace at the other (the school end). There was a low main stand on one side and an open terrace on the other - where we stood. As an aside, a group of a dozen or so real life "Steptoes" would gather around the halfway line and I saw Wilfred Brambell on a couple of occasions, possibly to learn something for his part?

Incidentally, when I mentioned "healthy" crowds previously, I should have made it clear that I was referring to those at Loftus Road.

The final took place on the day I started my evening paper-round job & I had to leave home at the start of extra time. I don't think I've seen all of those extra thirty minutes. Did we win?