A look back at Hoghton Road 1946 A consortium of Sutton businessmen led by Mr George Fryer purchased the one time Sutton Cricket Club site from Pilkington Brothers, to re-form St Helens Town AFC. Extensive work is required to re-cultivate the pitch whilst essential buildings are erected from timber supplied by the local collieries. 1948 Supporters Club secure their own premises with the purchase of a timber building from RAF Haydock, which also acts as a refreshment bar. 1949 Supporters raise money to build a grandstand at a cost of ÂŁ1000 whilst residue of the money is put into further development. Construction is subject to struct new legislation enforced by the close vicinity of the railway and concern for public safety following the pre-war disaster at Burnden Park, Bolton. hence a heavy duty concrete structure is specified. 1953 The whole estate is put up for sale whilst the team play home games at Pilkington's City Road ground. 1954 The sale is withdrawn due to pressure group led by Mr George Fryer. 1958 Small clubhouse incorporating officials dressing rooms and an office is erected. 1962 New 200 seater club is built on top of the training pitch. Burnley's ex-St Helens Town star John Connelly performs the opening ceremony. 1966 The club is extended, incorporating dressing rooms and a lounge area. 1972 Further extension of the club includes the relocation of both dressing rooms and stage. Liverpool's Ian St. John performs the opening ceremony.
1978 The ground is completely walled in. 1982 Final phase of the club development is completed with a new roof and new toilet blocks. Covered accommodation built at the Hoghton Road end of the ground to enclose the refreshment bar. Sauna sold off. 1983 Elevated Director's box built over looking the pitch at the Hoghton Road end of the ground. 1984 New players' entrance constructed. 1988 Floodlighting system installed after months of fund-raising. Everton send a strong side to officially open the lights. Salford City are the first team to play Town under floodlights at Hoghton Road. 1990 Runcorn Highfield Rugby League Football Club outfit become tenants at Hoghton Road. 1994 Runcorn Highfield RLFC move to Prescot Cables and St Helens Greyhound Company join Town as tenants. Significant changes are made to the Hoghton Road ground as a new track is laid around the pitch. 1995 Players' entrance 'caged-in' as part of new FA ground Grading requirements. 1996 Floodlighting system upgraded and a new exterior wall is erected. Dressing rooms are upgraded. The ground is used as a location for an episode of the BBC hit comedy/drama series 'Common As Muck' 2000 The final game is played on Hoghton Road when Champions elect are beaten 1-0. St Helens Town relocate to Saints' Knowsley Road and the land is sold to Barratt Homes.
1977 A new lounge is added plus a sauna build into the new dressing room block which also houses a new games and snooker facility. A running tack is laid around the pitch. Vodkat League Premier Division Programme of the Year Season 2009-10
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