C+P from club site, not good news Good old money grabbing FA strike yet again, sod the fans :rant: :rant: :rant: IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR FANS WATFORD Football Club has today received the following communication from Virgin Trains, in respect of their services on the day (Saturday, April 14) of the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park. Villa Park "Virgin Trains has been inundated with demand for train travel from Watford and Manchester United supporters for the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park. "Virgin Trains services between Manchester and Birmingham and London/Watford and Birmingham are already oversubscribed on Saturday, April 14. Many fans have reserved seats, but those without reservations are advised we are unable to guarantee they will be able to travel on their preferred trains. "Trains to Manchester and London will be loaded on strictly first come first served basis and anybody without a reservation for these trains runs the risk of not being able to travel. "Should the match go into extra time and penalties Virgin Trains will not delay the departure of any Manchester or London bound trains. If anyone has bought tickets and decides to change their travel arrangements they can return tickets to their original purchase point for a full refund." Charles Belcher, Managing Director for Virgin West Coast said today: "The holding of large sporting events anywhere on the railway network presents a huge logistical challenge for the industry. However the FA's decision to hold this match at 17:30 on a Saturday evening has presented us with a situation where we are simply unable to run the numbers of trains that would be required to meet the supporters demand. "We feel it is our duty to be honest with supporters now, rather than ruin their big day by not getting them to and from the semi final. Just turning up after the match and expecting to board a train is not something we would recommend and may result in some fans being stranded in Birmingham." However, Watford fans are advised that tickets are still available for the independently chartered 'football special' trains running directly between Watford Junction and Aston. In providing this service for Watford supporters, Portman Travel have taken into account timings, capacity, location of stations near the ground and avoidance of changes, catering and appropriate staffing levels. Tickets cost from £38 and provide the following: - Return journey from and to Watford Junction - Train fully staffed throughout - Guaranteed seat for every passenger - First class available - supplement £30 - Departure timings to ensure that extra time is allowed for - No transfers - trains will go direct to Aston approx 10 minute walk to ground - Buffet car and trolley service available on both outward and return (no alcohol is permitted on trains) Football train tickets can be purchased by calling 020 8843 8820. Given the potential for heavy demand at this time Portman Travel would like to thank you in advance for your patience when booking. Should you require any further information regarding the charter train only, please email jbayfield@portmantravel.com
i cant see there being as many problems as they say maybe from manchester as there no special trains not like watford we got coach and special trains going up there plus there still trains going to birmingham so i cant see there being as much problems from a watford point of view the trains will be busy but im sure there will be plenty of space for people to stand iv been on trains where they had to do the exter stop and there like just loads of people standing and no seats but there never been any problems
if you cant get on a virgin train at brum street , just get on the first central train to northampton and change onto a londonbound silverlink train.
As I'm coming from Coventry for the match it should be okay if I avoid the Virgin services, though the queue at Brum New Street for the central trains service to Aston is going to be massive, with United and Hornets fans converging on the same point. Might be worth me leaving early.
