The 15 ugliest stadiums in English football right now named by AI - 7 are EFL grounds | OneFootball

The ugliest stadiums in English football have been named

The general aesthetic of a football stadium and its respective indoor and outdoor facilities can often play a key factor in determining a matchgoing supporter's overall experience.

There is a strong blend of historic and, in some cases, dated stadiums and modernised arenas that sit right across the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.

Several clubs now have new stadiums in the pipeline, or have recently moved in order to vastly increase the number of supporters, as well as subsequently, doing the same to their revenue streams in order to attract a greater calibre of players, managers and commercial sponsors.

However, it's fair to say that several arenas in the professional divisions in England still split opinion.

With that being said, FLW asked AI to name the 15 ugliest stadiums in the top four leagues and why, with effectively half of the picks also being home to clubs across the EFL.

15 ? ? St Mary's - Southampton

Beginning this list is St Mary's, which Southampton have called home since the summer of 2001.

The 32,384 stadium has seen plenty of mixed fortunes in the subsequent 24 years, with Saints residing as low as League One during said timeframe, whilst also hosting European nights within the past decade under Ronald Koeman.

The club did reveal plans of an extension that would also help regenerate the surrounding area. However, whilst AI cites the modern feel of the ground, it believes it is hardly unique in comparison to other stadiums, with it often being said that clubs such as Leicester City have an identical design with different coloured seats.

Somewhat surprisingly, Craven Cottage is next up, with the 29,589-capacity stadium seeing the aforementioned figure boosted by the recent opening of the Riverside Stand.

The locality of Fulham's historic stadium often makes it an attractive 'away day' for visiting supporters despite the well-documented 'neutral stand'.

AI recognises its location on the banks of the Thames as an impressive factor, but states that, overall, the ground has a distinct lack of modern infrastructure, as seen by wooden seats in the Stevenage Road stand, whilst also being frustrated that it took so long for the aforementioned Riverside Stand redevelopment to be completed.

Millwall's notorious home of The Den opened in 1993, and AI believes it is in need of redevelopment.

Lions supporters are known for creating one of the most hostile atmospheres in world football, with visiting fans often escorted into an away 'compound' amid safety fears as a result.

AI respects that such intimacy has been a key factor behind Millwall's impressive home form, albeit it has led to a lack of high-quality facilities inside and around the stadium.

12 ? ? Kassam Stadium - Oxford United

The Kassam Stadium won't be Oxford United's home for much longer, which will certainly give supporters, and AI, reason to be cheerful.

Unsurprisingly, the main reason behind it's inclusion on this list is the well-documented 'missing' stand which offers a 'view' of an adjacent retail complex and car park, with AI stating that it makes the stadium feel 'unfinished' whilst being in a poor location for locals and travelling supporters.

However, plans for a new 16,000 stadium north of the city have recently been green-lighted, which hopefully offers a more enjoyable matchday experience for all.

11 ? ? Selhurst Park - Crystal Palace

Next up is Selhurst Park, home of last season's FA Cup winners, Crystal Palace.

The Eagles' famous old ground is now well-known for the atmosphere generated by the Holmesdale 'Fanatics', whilst also maintaining its character within the corporate nature of the Premier League.

AI offers praise to the 25,486-capacity ground as a result, but isn't a fan of the variety of stands, with some offering restricted views due to poles which keep the roof in place.

10 ? ? Loftus Road - Queens Park Rangers

Moving across to West London, the next Championship stadium to feature on this ranking is QPR's home of Loftus Road.

Once again, AI credits the nostalgic vibes which the Hoops' ground gives off, but states that it isn't fully accommodating and welcoming for all spectators.

As such, factors such as a lack of legroom in the stands, tight concourses and restricted views have been cited as why the W12 ground is viewed as 'ugly'.

9 ? ? Vicarage Road - Watford

Watford's Vicarage Road is up next, with the Hornets' ground also known for offering plenty of differing facilities.

The Sir Elton John Stand is certainly the most modern of the four, having officially opened in December 2014 during a promotion-winning campaign.

As such, AI has been left confused by a weird combination of stand designs, as well as a poor atmosphere despite the best efforts of those in the Rookery Stand.

8 ? ? Turf Moor - Burnley

It may come as little surprise to see Turf Moor, the home of Burnley, feature on this ranking.

Clarets supporters are known for being some of the most loyal in the country, which AI has praised when referencing the 'Turf Moor roar' that is generated in highly-anticipated clashes against the likes of Blackburn Rovers.

Whilst sections of the stadium have been somewhat modernised, AI believes that the 'ugly' nature stems from an away end and Bob Lord Stand filled with wooden seats, which certainly doesn't align with modern infrastructure.

7 ? ? St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park - Birmingham City

The final Championship stadium to feature on this list is Birmingham City's hostile ground of St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

AI has appreciated the work put in by Knighthead Capital Management to improve the short-term matchday experience in B9 after previous years of neglect. However, it still believes that there are several features which make the stadium lag behind those of local rivals and potential competitors.

This is clearly a key reason behind the plans for a 62,000-seater stadium and Sports Quarter complex, which Tom Wagner hopes will be open by the summer of 2030.

AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium has certainly been modernised as the Cherries rose through the pyramid and into the Premier League.

Yet, whilst it is, by far and away, the smallest top-flight stadium with a capacity of just 11,307, AI's description of it being 'ugly' seems rather harsh.

Unsurprisingly, the main logic behind said inclusion is due to it being of a capacity stereotypically befitting of a mid-range League One outfit, which only further echoes the remarkable work put in by the Dorset club on and off the pitch.