Nuneaton's Coat of Arms. This is situated above the Players/Officials entrance on the side of the main stand.

In their first season back Nuneaton led the league at Christmas. However the grind of January and February began to test their strength in depth, the goals dried up, and the slide down the table began. At one point it looked as if they were going to tumble straight through to the relegation basement, but they just rallied enough and finished 15th. Another season of relative mediocrity followed despite the relatively expensive (in proper Conference club terms - alleged cheats [hi Boston!] and the filthy rich [hi Ru$hden!] excluded) purchase of striker Mark McGregor from Forest Green for £35,000 and Phillips paid the inevitable price with his job, Steve Burr replacing him.

Nuneaton's Main Stand. Small, but perfectly formed.

Last season was Burr's first full season in charge and considering the severe financial constraint he was working under and the fact that star man McGregor spent most of the season either injured or recovering from injury then a final position of 10th could be seen as definite progress. Over the summer the revolving door has once again been well-oiled at Manor Park as, at the time of writing, Burr has released the seemingly injury-prone McGregor (said to be interesting QPR), or rather not offered him a new contract which amounts to the same thing, as well as letting go six others. In have come a new strike-force in the form of proven Conference-quality finishers Gary Jones and Mark Quayle from Halifax and Telford respectively, plus midfielders Jamie Lenton and Craig Woodley, and highly-rated former Doncaster defender Jamie Squires.

Much of Borough's hopes seem to rest on a big money move for Malcolm Christie from Derby County bringing a substantial windfall through the 20% sell-on clause they hold. There was much disappointment around Manor Park last season when a much trailed move to Middlesborough came to naught, but again this summer the Derby striker is being linked with a big money move with talk of Sunderland preparing an £8 million bid - and 20% of £8 million is, er, a lot of dosh..... And that brings us to Nuneaton's other big problem - perhaps not unconnected to the first of finance - Manor Park. Nuneaton have a ground saga running that seems longer than War and Peace. It's felt that Manor Park does not have the capability to be upgraded into a modern League standard stadium, squeezed as it is into a tight site surrounded on all sides by other developments. After years of trying however it now seems that progress is at last being made with the recent news that the club have agreed in principle to buy a 12-acre site from the local rugby club to build a brand-new 6,500 capacity stadium - though with the Conference's deadline of 2004 for club's to have League-standard grounds it's got to be said that time is not on Nuneaton's side..... Not unless they get on with it, and quickly.

In theory, Nuneaton have the fan-base to take their ambitions further. The home support all largely congregate under the huge and somewhat archaic Cock-and-Bear End of the ground, named after the pub that stands outside it. Sadly segregation was introduced a couple of season's ago after a visit from some Neanderthals from Herefordshire way. Away fans now have one of the worst views in the Conference.

Prediction corner : So what is the Ciderspace prediction? Last season we thought Boro would finish 15th - not relegation fodder, but not threatening at the top either. Their eventual 10th spot was slightly better than our prediction, but only just. We can't see much changing for them this season either, not unless Malcolm Christie is sold by Derby and Steve Burr is given a decent amount of cash to buy in quality - but even if Nuneaton do get a cash windfall it's likely to be swallowed up by the new ground. They're too good to go down, but not (in our humble opinion) good enough to challenge for the play-offs. Final position: 12th

The Cock and Bear. Right outside the ground acting as Nuneaton's unofficial second social club. Our personal experience is that it's friendly enough - but no food on a Saturday.

The Railway Tavern. Funnily enough it's near the railway station. We've yet to step into it, so reports of its quality would be welcomed.

Equally handy for the driving supporter, coming in from the South and West side of the town is The Lancet. This is on a mini-roundabout just before you fork right into Greenmoor Road (see Directions above and picture) and is a tall white pub on your left hand side. This pub is still within about five minutes drive of the ground, and will doubtless be a little less congested than the Cock and Bear will be.

For those travelling by rail, there are two excellent choices available within 100 yards next door to each other. First on view is the Railway Tavern, a smallish affair but of good quality it's said. Bang slap next door to it though is the huge imposing Fettlers and Firkin which is predictably a Firkin pub! If you don't know what to expect out of a Firkin pub then you need to get out a lot more.

Likelihood the Natives Will Understand You :

Pretty normal really: just a tinge of Crossroads English delivered by Alan Partridge look-alikes is what can be expected.

Top-Tip :

Bring a step-ladder or a periscope if you want to see more than two-thirds of the action.

The Fettlers and Firkin pub outside the railway station. This is just past the Railway pub (above). Firkin pubs are normally of reliable quality, but don't allow children.

(b) La Tavola Calda : 70 Midland Road, Abbey Green, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5DY Phone: 01203 383195, Fax: 01203 381816
Prices : Single: £18.00; Double: £32.00 per room per night.

(c) Longshoot Toby Inn : Wathing Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6JH Phone: 01203 329711, Fax: 01203 324971
Prices : Single from: £31.00; Double from: £35.00 per room per night.

(d) The Old Barn : Shadows Lane, Congerstone, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV13 6NF Phone: 01827 880431
Prices : Single from: £17.00; Double from: £34.00 per room per night.

(e) Ambion Court Hotel : The Green, Dadlington, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV13 6JB Phone: 01455 212292, Fax: 01455 213141
Prices : Single from: £35.00; Double from: £50.00 per room per night.


Tourist And Other Local Attractions

This is the Heart of England country - so don't expect beaches, golden sands and warm azure waters. In fact Birmingham's just over there.....