Hartlepool United supporters react to Bristol City's Ashton Gate being confirmed as National League play-off final venue

Pools could mathematically guarantee a play-off place this weekend and would still have a long way to go in order to reach the play-off final at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate Stadium on Sunday, June 20 (2pm kick-off).

A limited number of supporters will be able to attend the match at the 27,000 all-seater stadium, which has been selected as a substitute for the usual venue of Wembley Stadium. But should Hartlepool get there, they would face a near 600-mile round trip around 200-miles further than any other side in the play-off picture.

Travelling is par for the course given the town’s location in a predominantly southern based National League, but that didn’t stop supporters making their feelings clear.

Here’s how Twitter reacted…

@ShinPadNP: “What an awful venue choice, considering the majority of teams fighting for the play offs are in the North. Considering the teams in the play offs are also amongst the best supported in the league, it'll be way too small, regardless of covid restrictions.”

@BenCaden: “Would love a 10hr round trip to Bristol.”

@AndyMcCormack14: “Nice stadium. But too small for a play off final, even at national league level, not easy to get to and too far away. Really hope we get out of this terrible league this year.”

@m155_bem: “Probably the single moment out of all of our seasons down here when I realise how little regard is given to non-league football. Appalling decision, what an absolute shambles.”

@paulkeay: “It’s an absolute joke. Poorly thought out, if thought about at all. What’s wrong with a stadium in the Midlands? It’s laughable but it fits in nicely with EVERYTHING the National League does. They are nowhere near fit for purpose.”

@TMHG91: “Villa Park, Molineux, Millennium Stadium, King Power Stadium, Britannia Stadium. All better Stadium capacities/ locations.”

@Telbut: “Absolute disgrace to Northern Clubs plenty of grounds in the Midlands that are easier to get to with equal or greater capacity. Imagine the fuss if they’d said Stadium of Light or St James’ Park.

@dcarless77: “Absolute joke! Of all the places they could have played the game. Leicester would have been ideal! Just emphasises how much we need to get out of this league!”

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