Some 2,500 professional football matches after attending my first Football League game, at Reading's Elm Park in the sixties, here I was at Spotland, home of Rochdale AFC, to "complete my 92".

Except that I almost didn't.

"Mr Murray of the Oxford Mail? No, sorry, we've received no such press pass request, can't let you in," said the lady at reception.

They had no trace of the sent fax - and it had assuredly been sent. Perhaps I would be denied my landmark?

But, thankfully, a flash of my press pass did the trick.

It was a relief, having, in more than one sense, come so far since the 0-0 draw against Torquay in my first match, about which the only thing I can remember is being hit on the head by the ball (much to the amusement of my accompanying schoolfriends).

As in any country, the football grounds of the professional clubs in England and Wales reflect its society.

And how times have changed.

Like the supermarkets and large chain stores, many have moved from the centre to out-of-town locations, others have been redeveloped and the large, sweeping terraces on most have been replaced with seats, with the consequent change in atmosphere.

So although gleaming new stadia, such as Oxford United's Kassam Stadium, Reading's Madejski Stadium, Sunderland's Stadium of Light and Bolton's Reebok Stadium, bring with them increased comfort, greater facilities and improved access, each one will take time to really feel like home for the clubs concerned.

The Manor Ground, Elm Park, Roker Park and Burnden Park were places of a million memories and reeked of history.

Money can't buy that.

So, of the 92 clubs, which is the best and worst ground?

This is always going to be a subjective view, but to me, the best ground in this country is Old Trafford, the best humour is to be found at Anfield, and one of the best football experiences has got to be at the Stadium of Light.

But, for atmosphere, and proximity to the action, I've always loved Upton Park.

I've never found any atmosphere at Vale Park (Port Vale), while Saltergate (Chesterfield) and Vetch Field (Swansea) are, invariably, depressing places to visit.

But it doesn't have to be that way at the so-called smaller clubs - everyone at Prenton Park (Tranmere Rovers) is always friendly.

Having watched "the beautiful game" in 11 countries and been fortunate enough to see matches at the Maracana in Rio, with 162,000 comfortably seated inside for a Brazilian State League match, and witnessed World Cup clashes at such splendid venues as the San Siro in Milan and the Stade de France in Paris, you would have thought it would be difficult to generate any enthusiasm for Rochdale's Spotland home.

Not a bit of it - not when it was still new and undiscovered for me.

Now it has been done, though, it will seem strange.

But there's always either Boston United or Dagenham next season.