Fortresses Across the Sea: Britain's Top Five Football Stadiums

Andrew McNairJan 14, 2008

I've been thinking for a long time about Britain's best football venues—ever since I first read the now famous Tim Yu article, "No Place Like Home: The Ten Toughest Venues in the World."

British clubs have a fantastic home record in European competition—and a lot of that comes down to British fans and their ability to produce fantastic atmospheres.

So here goes—take the order how you like...

1. Hampden Park, Glasgow

Hampden was the scene of some memorable International games in the last year, as Scotland won five out of six at home during the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Who can forget the magical atmosphere for their final match against Italy? 30,000 Scots waited behind in the pouring rain to demand the losing Scottish side return to the pitch for a lap of honour.

I've never seen or heard anything better. Where else in the world, I might ask, would that happen?

Bring on Holland!

2. Celtic Park (Parkhead), Glasgow

I may be a Rangers fan, but I have to give credit where credit is due.

Celtic are a force at home in Europe. Just ask AC Milan what happens when you don't fight to the the bitter end at Celtic Park!

The club do it in the Scottish Premier League too, often beating passionate sides with late goals.

I watched both the AC Milan and Shakhter Donetsk Champions League games, each won by Celtic in the waning seconds thanks to a fighting spirit that not many clubs can match.

The atmosphere at both games was electric.

At the risk of annoying Liverpool fans, I also have to note that the Celtic faithful do a spot-on rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Bring on Barcelona!

3. Old Trafford, Manchester

The biggest club ground in Britain is home to Manchester United.

Old Trafford may often be criticised by people inside and outside of the club for its poor atmosphere during EPL games—but on European nights it's transformed.

Man U are a side with the finest of European pedigrees, and their stadium befits a global giant.

Can the fans cheer them all the way to another European triumph?

Only time will tell...

4. Anfield, Liverpool

Liverpool's recent track record in Europe is a testament to their ability to win at home—and the passionate Liverpool supporters definitely play their part.

Like Celtic, the Reds enter and kick off to the strains of "You'll Never Walk Alone."

The Reds could go all the way again this year, as they have a better squad than in previous campaigns. If Anfield were a touch bigger, it could've topped Old Trafford on my list—but then again, what they lack in capacity, they make up for in noise.

5. Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

Ibrox would have been higher up the list—but Rangers' throwing away their Champions League dream at home against Lyonnais has taken off some of the sparkle.

That said, Ibrox is a fantastic European venue, where teams dread to come. Unlike fans of some of the big English sides, Rangers supporters don't turn out expecting as much as they turn out to help.

Against Barcelona, the fans knew we had little chance, but they gave the Rangers every ounce of support they could muster. The result, according to Tim Yu, was enough to earn Ibrox recognition as one of the toughest venues in the world.

It might be UEFA Cup from here on in—but believe me when I say the atmosphere will remain the same. After all, it's a European night!

The Pretenders

Wembley has yet to convince us of its atmosphere, and it didn't help England beat Croatia. The jury is out.

I must admit I haven't watched many of Arsenal's home European ties, but I'm sure Emirates Stadium will go on to be another great British fortress in the future.

And what of Stamford Bridge? I'm going to be honest and say it doesn't appeal to me—but I'm sure you all will have your own views.

As for Pittodrie, Goodison Park, Reebok Stadium, and White Hart Lane—they're all capable of producing fantastic European atmospheres, but they don't quite measure up with these five.