Emile Heskey names top five away grounds including “claustrophobic” Arsenal stadium (exclusive)

Former England and Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has named his favourite away grounds in English football, with the ex-forward praising the atmosphere and character of some of the country's most historic stadiums.

Heskey was asked about the grounds he most enjoyed visiting during his playing career and highlighted five stadiums that left a lasting impression.

Galatasaray's home ground was the most intimidating of the lot, while Arsenal's former Highbury stadium also featured prominently despite its restrictive atmosphere.

“Galatasaray was horrible. It was intimidating, and I think that is why they do it,” Heskey said.

The former striker also singled out Highbury, Tottenham's old White Hart Lane and Villa Park, before naming Newcastle United's St James' Park as his favourite venue when it comes to sheer noise.

Heskey praises atmosphere of old Arsenal, Tottenham and Villa stadiums

Heskey's comments show the special place traditional stadiums hold in English football, with the former striker suggesting that their compact designs helped create atmospheres that are increasingly difficult to replicate in modern grounds.

“Highbury was very close and claustrophobic. When they keep the ball, it can feel horrible,” he said.

Despite the intimidating nature of visiting Arsenal's former home, Heskey admitted that he loved playing at Highbury.

He also reserved praise for White Hart Lane before Tottenham moved into their modern stadium, as well as Aston Villa's Villa Park.

“I loved White Hart Lane before the new one, and Villa Park,” Heskey added.

The former England international believes the age and character of these stadiums played a major role in creating their unique atmospheres.

“I do not know what it is. I think those old stadiums hold something. They hold the atmosphere and hold some sort of prestige,” he explained.

“When you go in there, you are like: ‘Wow.”

St James' Park stands out for Heskey's noise levels

Newcastle's St James' Park completed Heskey's selection, with the former striker particularly impressed by the volume generated by the supporters inside the stadium.

For Heskey, the Newcastle ground remains difficult to match when it comes to creating noise on a matchday.

“These new ones pretty much all look the same. St. James' Park, for noise, you will not hear anything louder,” he said.

His comments come amid a period when several Premier League clubs are investing heavily in new stadiums and major redevelopments.

Manchester United are planning a new 100,000-seat stadium, while clubs including Liverpool, Leeds United and Aston Villa are expanding or modernising their existing homes.

The projects promise improved facilities, greater capacity and increased revenue, but Heskey's assessment highlights the challenge of retaining the character that made older grounds so memorable.

Highbury, White Hart Lane and other historic venues were often built close to the pitch, creating a sense of intimacy between players and supporters.

Modern stadiums, meanwhile, tend to prioritise wider concourses, hospitality facilities, accessibility and commercial opportunities.

For Heskey, however, there remains something special about walking into an old stadium where the history and atmosphere are immediately apparent.

FGG Says: Heskey highlights what modern stadiums risk losing

Heskey's choices underline the importance of atmosphere when clubs embark on major stadium projects. There is no doubt modern grounds can offer supporters greater comfort, better facilities and more commercial opportunities, but compact, historic venues often possess a character that is difficult to recreate.

For clubs investing hundreds of millions in new homes or redevelopments, retaining that sense of intimacy and tradition could be just as important as adding seats and hospitality areas.

Emile Heskey was speaking to FGG on behalf of Premier League betting site BetWright.