X-Nico

unusual facts about Victoria Ground


Victoria Ground

The Victoria Ground had been Stoke City's home since March 1878 and the first match was a friendly against Talke Rangers on 28 March 1878, Stoke won 1–0 before 2,500 spectators.


1971–72 Manchester United F.C. season

Due to Manchester United being banned from playing their first two home matches in Old Trafford, after hooligans had thrown knives into the away section at a match at the end of the previous season, their opening "home" games were played at Anfield and the Victoria Ground.

1974–75 Stoke City F.C. season

Stoke were also involved in the UEFA Cup and were paired with Dutch giants Ajax, in the first leg at the Victoria Ground Ajax dominated the match and went in front through star winger Ruud Krol and Stoke despite being out played managed to find an equaliser in the final kick of the match thanks to Denis Smith.

Holditch Colliery Disaster

On 19 October 1937 Scottish Football League champions Rangers travelled to the Victoria Ground to play Stoke City in a benefit match for the victims of the disaster, raising £2,000 for the relief fund.

John Hurst

He formed a defensive partnership with Brian Labone, the club captain of Everton at the time.Following the introduction of substitutes to English football in 1965 (for injury only) Hurst became Everton's first ever sub replacing Fred Pickering at Stoke City's Victoria Ground in August 1965.

Tony Lacey

He returned to the backroom staff at the Victoria Ground after Mick Mills was appointed as the "Potters" new permanent manager.


see also