LIBERATING FOOTBALL TRAVEL

Brønshøj Boldklub

Cult Wasps buzz around Denmark’s lower divisions

A fan’s guide – the club from early doors to today

‘We’ve never, never, never, never, never won a thing,’ goes the chant from the fans of Brønshøj. And while not strictly true – there’s the long-forgotten Danish League Cup of 1982 – the Wasps are still waiting for a reason to buy a cabinet for storing major trophies.

Since they were founded in 1919, their best efforts have seen them reach cup semi-finals and finish fifth in the top flight.

Tingbjerg Idraetspark/Nikolaj Steen Møller

Brønshøj have at least produced a few very decent players. Finn Laudrup, father of Michael and Brian, was a gifted midfield wizard in his own right, and Kent Nielsen, ex-Villa defender and Euro 92 winner, came through the ranks here.

They remain a small, friendly neighbourhood club from an unglamorous north-western part of Copenhagen. Brønshøj even flirted with promotion in 2012-13, and would have been a charming addition to the Superliga, if hopelessly out of their depth.

They missed out, and things have gone slightly sour, charismatic coach Bo Henriksen, once of Kidderminster Harriers, leaving for AC Horsens. In 2015, Brønshøj duly slipped down to the third flight – along with their local rivals AB.

Stadium Guide

The field of dreams – and the stands around it

Tingbjerg Idraetspark – or ‘Tingbjerg Ground’ as it’s also called to add some tongue-in-cheek international flavour – is a tiny, cosy venue, lined with trees, a half-hour bus drive out of city centre. There is one stand only, and it’s not a tall one by any means – but these days it’s at least got a roof. On the side near the entrance, fans are seated, while a small group of singing fans bring atmosphere to the far side.

In recent years, Brønshøj have attracted a group of staunchly left-wing supporters, who view the club as an antidote to the corporate style of the Superliga clubs. Brønshøj could yet become Denmark’s answer to St Pauli, only far smaller (and less eager to hawk merchandise). At the far end, there is a small away enclosure with poor visibility. Overall capacity is 3,000.

getting there

Going to the stadium – tips and timings

Get the 2A bus from Rådhuspladsen or the 15 from Central Station – the 2A is a lot faster – and get off at Terrasserne. Walk back along Ruten for 200 metres, and you’re at the ground.

getting in

Buying tickets – when, where, how and how much

There are no advance tickets at Tingbjerg Idraetspark. Pay in cash (80kr) at the turnstiles, and walk right on in.

what to buy

Shirts, kits, merchandise and gifts

Hvepseboden, the Brønshøj club shop, is a small souvenir stand inside the ground – get a wasp-striped kit for your loved ones from the friendly lady.

Where to Drink

Pre-match beers for fans and casual visitors

There are no pubs at all around the Tingbjerg Ground. Instead you may consider getting off the 2A bus along Frederikssundsvej beforehand. Two of Brønshøj’s lived-in, smoky boozers, both with loyal clienteles, are the Brønshøj Bodega (No.189) and the Café Ny Grøndal (No.219). When you alight from the bus, Gonzales Pizzeria at Ruten 6 offers the only sustenance anywhere near the ground, standard fast-food from a spot wedged between a motorway, a council estate and some marshland.

At the Tingbjerg, get a big fat sausage from the barbecue at Hvepsebaren just inside the ground, and get cold Carlsberg here or from the beer stand at the far end of the main stand. For the Brønshøj Boldklub Cafeteria, walk past the entrance and enter the clubhouse, then walk to the end of the corridor for French toast or other simple fare.

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