Football's Lost Grounds: Where Stadiums Became History

According to Sky Sports, several of English football's most historic venues have vanished, leaving only traces behind.

Manchester City's Maine Road hosted the club for 80 years, holding a capacity of 35,150 but recording an extraordinary attendance of 84,569 for an FA Cup tie against Stoke in 1934. The ground closed in 2003 when City moved to the City of Manchester Stadium, built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. A housing estate now occupies the site, marked by a circular plate symbolising the centre spot.

Burnden Park's history carries darker weight. Bolton's home was the scene of one of British football's worst tragedies in 1946, when 33 fans were crushed to death during an FA Cup quarter-final against Stoke, with another 400 injured. An estimated 85,000 supporters—at least 15,000 above capacity—were present. The ground was demolished in 1999, replaced by a supermarket.

Sunderland's Roker Park stood for 99 years before closure in 1997, making it English football's oldest operational stadium. The 'Roker Roar' was reportedly audible five miles away. Its record attendance reached 75,188 for a 1933 FA Cup tie against Derby. The ground hosted three 1966 World Cup group games and a quarter-final. Now a housing estate, its streets bear names like Midfield Drive and Roker Park Close.

Stoke City's Victoria Ground, home to legends including Sir Stanley Matthews and Gordon Banks, lay derelict for two decades before becoming a housing estate. Frank Soo Street honours the former player who made over 250 appearances.