Lancashire Grandad Builds £5,000 Private Football Stand Overlooking Local Pitch
A Lancashire grandfather has transformed his back garden into a private football viewing area, spending approximately £5,000 to create a six-seat stand that overlooks non-league Barnoldswick Town's pitch. Ian Nutter, 65, constructed the unique terrace after discovering three of his eight grandsons leaning precariously over his wooden fence to watch matches. The eight-foot structure provides a safe alternative to the dangerous 15-foot drop just beyond his garden boundary, which sits mere meters from the touchline.
The DIY 'Shed End' features a steel framework set into concrete with wooden flooring and paneled sides reminiscent of traditional shed construction. Nutter, who owns an architectural metalwork company, enlisted a structural engineer to design the plans while his four apprentices assisted with assembly. The stand includes original seats sourced from Burnley FC's Cricket Field Stand at Turf Moor, aluminum roofing, and toughened glass at the front to protect spectators from stray shots during matches.
Nutter emphasized that the project evolved organically from initial plans for a simple wooden platform. "I didn't set out to build this," he told local media. "At first it was supposed to be a wooden platform but when I stood on it I thought 'well this isn't very good,' so I took it to the next level." The grandfather obtained permission from Barnoldswick Town Chairman Nigel Hill before commencing construction in November 2023, ensuring the unusual viewing arrangement complied with club regulations.
While match tickets for Barnoldswick Town cost approximately £7 with season tickets around £120, Nutter's investment represents a novelty rather than financial necessity. The dedicated fan enjoys matchdays with his grandsons from their unique vantage point, sometimes receiving good-natured banter from away supporters. The structure has become a local curiosity, blending practical safety concerns with passionate football fandom in a creative residential solution.
