This year’s award for Best Ground just has to go to Brighton’s AMEX. The wait may have been long and tortuous for the Seagulls but their new stadium is a strong addition to the 72’s roster.

It does have its criticisms: architecturally, it perhaps shares a little too much in common with the Starship Enterprise and the train ride back into town has been fraught with stress on some occasions, but overall the AMEX has delighted far more supporters than not with its clever use of space under the stands; local beers and pies; green credentials; padded seats and friendlier-than-average stewards.

A further 5,000 seats are due to be added over the summer, so the transport issues may yet cause further problems. Supporters shouldn’t let that put them off, however; we can’t guarantee a trip to an upwardly mobile Brighton will yield three points, but it’s right up there in terms of a general match day experience.

Honourable mentions go to Hereford’s Edgar Street for its sheer character, as well as Orient’s Brisbane Road, a lovely little ground. Some people don’t like the corner flats but many find them quite charming.

2010-11 winner: The Valley ^[1]
2009-10 winner: The City Ground ^[2]