Sports
10 Best Stadiums in English Football League’s 92 Ranked by Journalist
Summary
- Journalist Oliver Holt visited every single stadium in the Football League and ranked them.
- Five Premier League stadiums were included in the top 10.
- Holt is massive a fan of Old Trafford and Hill Dickinson Stadium.
There are so many fabulous stadiums and arenas in English football that there are plenty which don’t get the love or recognition they deserve. The fact of the matter is that if it’s not playing host to Premier League games, it is likely to remain a hidden gem that, on many occasions, might often have empty stands purely due to its stature.
However, Oliver Holt from the Daily Mail decided to test this theory by visiting all 92 stadiums in the English Football League (Premier League down to League Two), and he named his top 10, with just five coming from the country’s top flight.
10
Old Trafford, Manchester United
Capacity: 74,197
As decrepit and worn down as Old Trafford has become, the one thing it has maintained is its soul and roots to Manchester United‘s incredible history. And it is for that reason why Holt has placed the Theatre of Dreams inside the top 10.
“Yes, the roof leaks and, yes, Old Trafford could do with a bit of love and attention, but there is a magic about this stadium that can never fade,” the journalist detailed. “It’s a wonderful place, one of the stadiums that can lay claim to nurturing a chunk of the heart of the English game. They just need a team to be worthy of it again.”
Should the plans for a brand-new 100,000-seater home for United officially get underway, it will be interesting to see if its modern feel can come close to superseding the aura that Old Trafford currently holds.
9
Elland Road, Leeds United
Capacity: 37,608
The first stadium in the top 10 to find itself outside of the top flight, though most would agree that both the ground and the club they host are worthy of Premier League status. Leeds United remain one of the teams with the richest history of English football, and through all the trials and tribulations, the fans have stood by the club to ensure their home is still a fiery temple.
“The stadium is a proper cathedral of our game, too. One-club cities sometimes generate that kind of passion and it’s evident at Elland Road,” Holt stated. “You feel the heat of English football at Elland Road, you feel the intensity of it and what it means. At a lot of big clubs, that feeling has been lost. But it’s alive here.”
8
St James’ Park, Newcastle United
Capacity: 52,258
The passion of the Newcastle United fanbase has always been prominent. What recent years have shown is that when the club is giving them something to cheer about, it is a whole other level of intensity. With away fans being kept right at the top of the stadium, the Magpies faithful are able to let their voices be heard without interruption, which makes it a grueling challenge for any visiting team.
“Every time I arrive in the city and see St James’ Park staring down from its vantage point above it, it sends shivers down my spine,” Holt reminisced. “Its position is a symbol of its importance to the city. Inside, it generates one of the best atmospheres in the country, its fans are amongst the most loyal and the Gallowgate End is one of the most revered sections in our football history.
7
Holker Street, Barrow
Capacity; 6,500
The smallest stadium on the list in regards to its capacity, what Barrow’s Holker Street lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in voices and passion. The Bluebirds find themselves sat in 15th position in League two at the time of writing, but while the quality off the pitch may not be top tier, Holt is certain that the quality off it more than makes up for that.
“There’s a frontier feel about Barrow and about its Holker Street ground that makes it special to visit. Holker Street was my 90th ground out of the 92 and I loved everything about it from the friendliness of the club staff and the fans and the steak pie I bought from the Farm Shop inside the ground.
“It was raw and loud and industrial and real. It felt like a throwback to the way football used to be before the invasion of tourists and corporates and it was all the better for that.”
6
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur
Capacity: 62,850
It has now become the stadium that all other British stadiums are judged against. A standard-bearer, if you will. Sure, Tottenham’s fortunes on the pitch have hardly been stellar since they moved into their new home in 2019, but Daniel Levy won’t care as he sits in his executive suite, looking out at one of the best modern-day stadiums in the world, knowing it is his.
“There is an ambition about it that so many other new-builds lack, particularly the steepling end behind one of the goals that is said to be modelled on the Yellow Wall at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund,” said Holt. “Spurs chairman Daniel Levy gets plenty of criticism for the failures of the club on the pitch but the new stadium is still a stunning legacy.”
5
Cherry Red Records Stadium, AFC Wimbledon
Capacity: 9,150
A club built from the ashes of a fallen giant, put together by a fanbase that was not prepared to watch it die. Wimbledon used to be one of the most notorious teams in English football. Led by Vinnie Jones, the ‘Crazy Gang’ were among the most feared opponents in the game, but when the team relocated to Milton Keynes and renamed themselves MK Dons, fans revolted. As a result, came a team that carries far more of the passion and history of the original club.
“Just setting foot in this stadium is to feel what it is like to support a team that is at the heart of its community and to be among a fanbase whose team means more to it than just wins and losses,” Holt stated. “The beauty of the architecture here is not in the stadium buildings. It is in the knowledge that this is something built by fans.”
4
St James’ Park, Exeter City
Capacity: 8,714
Some people may have expected St James’ Park to rank inside the top three. They just may not have realised that it wasn’t going to be the one they were thinking of. Pipping its Premier League namesake is the home of Exeter City, which has been standing since 1904.
“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.
3
Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton
Capacity: 52,769
Everton said goodbye to their iconic stadium, Goodison Park, in 2025, a stadium they had called their home for 133 years. The Toffees thought they needed to upgrade, and they moved into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a ground much bigger than Goodison Park.
Holt was a big fan of Goodison Park, but he thinks their new home is even better. He said: “I was stunned by how spectacular it is, inside and out, when I went for the first time for the match between Everton and Manchester United in February 2026.
“I loved everything about it. It still feels like Everton. It doesn’t feel as if the club has been deracinated by its move, as West Ham has been by the change to the London Stadium. Everton now has a stadium that is one of the city’s great landmarks.”
2
Anfield, Liverpool
Capacity: 61,726
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.
10 Most Famous Stadiums in Football History [Ranked]
From the Allianz Arena to Old Trafford, here are the 10 most famous stadiums in football history.
1
Edgeley Park, Stockport County
Capacity: 10,800
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.
Sports
Erling Haaland’s Post After Arsenal Lose Champions League Final Goes Viral
Erling Haaland is one of several players to seemingly fire indirect shots at Arsenal with a post on social media, following the Premier League side’s defeat in the Champions League final.
The Gunners took the lead early on through Kai Havertz, as they hunted down the trophy for the first time in their history, but Ousmane Dembele‘s coolly finished penalty in the second half drew PSG level.
Both teams pushed for a winner in regulation time and extra time, but neither could find that one golden opportunity to seal the win, forcing it to be decided by a penalty shootout.
In the end, misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes sealed Arsenal‘s fate, losing the Champions League final and a chance at a historic double.
While the Premier League title will be the main focus for the players, who will get an opportunity to celebrate on Sunday at an Emirates Stadium parade, it is their rivals who celebrated on Saturday night.
Erling Haaland’s Wordless Arsenal Post
Plenty of Arsenal’s rivals seemingly relished the team losing in the Champions League final, taking an opportunity to rub it in on social media.
Chelsea posted a savage shot at the Gunners over the defeat, making reference to their two Champions League triumphs, as well as their Club World Cup win.
And shortly after, Erling Haaland appeared to take a cheeky dig at Arsenal with a post of his own on social media.
The Norwegian striker posted a photo of himself smiling, surrounded by friends, with the caption remaining wordless, but posted conveniently just after the Gunners lost.
Arsenal v PSG: Ex-PL Ref Gives Verdict After Madueke is Denied Penalty in UCL Final
Former referees have given their verdict on Daniel Siebert after the official’s performance in the Champions League final.
The time is likely no coincidence, with the 25-year-old knowledgeable when it comes to what people will talk about in football, as seen in his many battles with Arsenal.
Haaland famously told the Gunners to “stay humble” in a previous clash with the side, as both teams have continued to battle it out for the Premier League over the past four years.
Earlier this campaign, the striker simply smirked and sang lyrics Flo Rida song “Good Feeling” after he helped Man City secure a huge win over Arsenal, ripping the title race wide open.
While that didn’t go in his favour in the end, it appears as though Haaland has got at least one last laugh over his rivals, and he isn’t the only one.
Tottenham Players Fire Shots At Arsenal
It wasn’t just Haaland who had his fun after Arsenal’s defeat, as their nearest and dearest rivals, Tottenham, seemingly joined in the mix through a few of their key players.
Richarlison was among the first, posting a video of a child laughing, with awfully coincidental timing to the Gunners losing the final in the shootout.
Djed Spence quickly followed, responding to an Arsenal tweet from back in February that said “Locked up” in reference to the full-back struggling in the North London Derby.
He simply replied with eye emojis and an unlocked lock, without making too many comments on the actual match itself.
That may make for a slightly frosty reception when Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke all meet up with Spence in the England camp in a few days time for the 2026 World Cup.
Sports
Joao Neves Criticises Arsenal After PSG’s Champions League Final Victory
Arsenal have been criticised for their display against PSG, as midfielder Joao Neves claims they were the only team who “wanted to play” in the Champions League final.
It comes as the Gunners were left narrowly defeated on penalties at the hands of the Ligue 1 champions, who sealed the European title in back-to-back seasons.
Gabriel Magalhaes’s penalty was decisive, as he blasted the ball over the bar, ensuring that Mikel Arteta‘s side are still chasing their first Champions League triumph.
The match itself played out in a set pattern, with Arsenal scoring early and then dropping into a mid-block, while PSG dictated possession but created few clear-cut chances.
While it was ultimately a game of chance that saw them defeated in the end, the Gunners have received some criticism for their style of play.
Arsenal Criticised By PSG Star
Speaking after PSG’s win over Arsenal, Joao Neves paid tribute to his team, but also took aim at the Gunners for how they approached the game.
He told French television outlet M6: “The emotion is there. It’s the second time I’ve been a European champion. It’s not even the victory itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management.
“Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made. I love everything here. We deserved it today (Saturday), because PSG were the only team that wanted to play.”
It’s a clear shot aimed at Arsenal, who were looking to frustrate PSG after taking the lead, but were unable to see it through for the victory in the end.
The Gunners managed just 28% possession to PSG’s 72%, showing a clear difference in approach across the full 120 minutes that the North London team just couldn’t cope with.
“This year was different. It was harder, more physical,” Neves reflected on the Champions League campaign as a whole. “We were European champions, so we defended our title.
“We’re part of PSG history (he’s interrupted by Luis Campos). We’re all happy. I want to enjoy this with my teammates now.”
While it’ll be a celebratory mood in Paris, it’s Arsenal who are left wondering “What if?”.
Declan Rice On Arsenal Final
While Neves was the midfield maestro celebrating, it was Arsenal’s own midfield giant Declan Rice who faced the media after his side’s difficult defeat.
Speaking to TNT Sports on the match, he said: “The emotions and the stakes are so high. It’s cruel. He [Arteta] spoke about how much he loves us as a group. How we’ve given 100 per cent every single game with everything that’s been thrown at us.
“This is only the start for us. We got over the line in the Premier League, this would’ve been one step further but it wasn’t to be.
“We keep building. Since I came to the club, it was a quarter-final exit, then semi-final and now final. We keep going and keep staying positive. This isn’t going to define us.”
Erling Haaland’s Post After Arsenal Lose Champions League Final Goes Viral
Erling Haaland is one of a few rival players to fire indirect shots at Arsenal following their Champions League final defeat.
For Arsenal, there will be a moment to go back to London and celebrate the Premier League title win, but the focus will quickly shift to where they can improve.
The summer transfer window will be crucial for the Gunners in being able to take the leap to European champions.
Sports
Romano Reveals Man Utd Talks Abroad to Sign Tonali
Manchester United are looking to lay down an early marker in the transfer market, if recent reports are to be believed.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United are ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta, although club chiefs still need to give the move the green light as they consider many new central midfielders this summer.
It has been suggested that should Manuel Ugarte join Casemiro through the Old Trafford exit door this summer, then Red Devils chiefs could look to bring in three new players in that position to compete for a spot in central midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
One report has claimed that United have allocated around £150m of their summer budget to strengthen their midfield, split up as an £80m player, £40m player and a low-cost £20m player.
Ederson would fit into the middle category with the expected fee for the Brazilian, who has a year left on his contract, worth just under £39m.
United also want to land a high-cost, top-class replacement for the outgoing Casemiro, who has been one of their most important players in the middle with Mainoo since Michael Carrick took charge at the beginning of 2026.
Romano: Man United Jet Out for Talks to Sign Sandro Tonali
According to Romano, United are currently killing more than two birds with one stone during their Italian talks to bring Ederson to Old Trafford.
As well as their transfer discussions for the Brazil international, Romano claims that the Red Devils are in talks over multiple other things, including for player exits and with the agents of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who are based in Italy.
A separate report from Italy last week claimed that United were actually close to an agreement to sign the ‘elite’ Tonali, with another saying Carrick instructed club chiefs to sign the Italian international ahead of Ederson as part of their major midfield rebuild.
Tonali is Even Better Than Ederson and Fernandes
If United fans want a world-class midfielder to come in and replace Casemiro, there is no doubt that Tonali fits the bill more than Ederson.
The Italian has played at a higher level in the Premier League and Champions League during his career, with Red Devils icon Paul Scholes even claiming earlier this season that he’s ‘better than Declan Rice’.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League following his move to St James’ Park, but he won’t come cheap with Newcastle said to value him at around €100 (£86m).
Ederson and Tonali aren’t the only midfielders United are being heavily linked with at the moment, with interest increasing in West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.
The Portugal international has been gaining admiring glances from the Red Devils for his performances in a claret and blue shirt this term, and there is now an opportunity to prise him away from the London Stadium after the club were relegated to the Championship.
The 21-year-old clearly has a big future ahead of him, but Tonali is currently a class above and entering the prime years of his career.
-
Sports12 hours agoBenjamin Mendy Now Lives Very Different Life
-
Sports17 hours ago‘I’m the Helicopter Pilot Who Saved Michael Schumacher
-
Sports1 day agoWhat Anthony Gordon Said in Spanish During Barcelona Unveiling
-
Sports1 day agoWhere to Watch Toluca vs Tigres 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final
-
Sports18 hours agoRafael Jodar Speaks Out After Clip Goes Viral of Him ‘Shoving’ Ball Girl
-
Sports5 hours agoErling Haaland’s Post After Arsenal Lose Champions League Final Goes Viral
-
Metro11 hours agoPolice arrest two for attempted theft of two-week-old baby in Abia
-
Entertainment1 day agoAkin Faminu Owned Ojude Oba 2026 With the Most Breathtaking Traditional Look


