This week's guest is the broadcaster, columnist and author Martin Kelner and as any semi-regular listener to the panel show Fighting Talk would have guessed Martin has nominated Station Road, Swinton as his Ground Jewel.

Station Road was built in 1929,a year after the Swinton Lions made history becoming the first (and only) Lancashire side to win 'all four cups' in rugby league.

In 1930, it hosted it's first Ashes Test match versus the travelling Kangeroos in the ambitously capacitied stadium that had space for 60,000 supporters.

The Swinton Lions heyday at Station Road was the early sixities but as the area's industry declined so did the team and so did the ground, in 1992 the ground was sold for housing development and Swinton haven't been back to the top-flight since.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices