FOREST AWAY: Manchester City, Wembley, FA Cup Semi-Final – Fan Guide PART ONE
As noted in the away guide for Tottenham, we felt it was necessary to try and publish a ‘pre-guide’ for Wembley in order to assist supporters around certain aspects. A more conventional away day issue will follow later in the week, but this early edition is going to cover the following areas:
SECTION ONE – Train Travel (EMR Comms)
SECTION TWO – Supporter guidance around flags & banners
SECTION ONE – ADVICE FOR SUPPORTERS TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
I have been in dialogue with East Midlands Railways to try and assist fans making the journey to Wembley by train. As you may be aware, the direct EMR trains from Nottingham into St Pancras are going to be impacted by engineering works around Bedford. I am informed that EMR enquired with National Rail and transport officials about whether it was feasible to postpone the works but this was not possible as the implications and delays to the works would be too significant.
EMR also wrote to the Football Association and asked them to consider playing the game on the Saturday when more frequent trains could be run. This request was denied by the FA, primarily I gather due to the possibility of Aston Villa being in Champions League action in the week following the semi-finals. A follow up request then asked for the game to kick-off early to allow supporters a greater number of train services and allow train operators to cope with demand. This was also not deemed feasible due to TV scheduling, likely restricted by the London Marathon being broadcast across the Sunday.
Ultimately, the kick-off time will cause travel issues for both Forest and Manchester City supporters who appear to be the ones most affected by these various matters.
Another key part of the dialogue with EMR, and something that has been a point of concern for Forest supporters, is the huge queues and delays that were experienced in 2022 for the Play-Off Final. It was explained to me that a significant factor in 2022 was the volume of fans who turned up at the train station intending to purchase a ticket on the day. I would imagine that this was also coupled with train companies being taken off guard by the sheer number who turned up on that Sunday morning to travel to London.
EMR will, they advise, be better prepared this time around but this will be countered by the lack of services they are running to London due to the aforementioned engineering works. THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE TRAIN AN HOUR FROM NOTTINGHAM TO LONDON. Supporters should therefore expect Nottingham Station to be very busy. Below, EMR have provided a ‘Top Tips’ guide for Forest supporters which we have included in full. Please do have a look at this but I will summarise the key points here that we urge you to follow:
EXPLORE TRAVELLING FROM ANOTHER STATION – While there is only one service per hour from Nottingham, nearby stations will have other services running including Long Eaton. I asked whether it would be wise to encourage widespread switching to other stations and the advice was that this could simply swamp other stations, especially locations such as Long Eaton which are much smaller. Of local stations, Nottingham will have the most volume and is therefore still likely to be a better bet. Instead, the guidance is to look at going across to Newark / Grantham / Peterborough to use trains on the East Coast Line.
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE AND AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE – Do not turn up at the station without a ticket. EMR are very keen to understand the numbers booked on and this gets harder if people turn up to buy on the day or close to the date.> RESERVE A SEAT – Further to the point above, if you have reservations then this will allow you to join a specific queue so staff can do what they can to get you on the train they have booked.
AFTER THE GAME – The same issues with engineering works and a lack of services will continue, and this will only worsen if the game goes beyond the ninety minutes. There is a concern that there will not be enough trains to quickly get fans away from London. Going back to the first item, this may be a good reason to look at alternative routes which may be less busy.
EAST MIDLANDS RAILWAYS: Top Tips for Forest fans travelling by train to the FA Cup Semi Final
1 . Before you leave your house – check the EMR dedicated match day webpage
EMR will be updating their bespoke webpage with all the latest travel information and advice. Before you head out the door, check it.
2. Consider travelling via the East Coast Main Line
You might want to consider whether using the East Coast Main Line from Grantham may provide an easier journey. To help customers use this route, EMR has strengthened services from Nottingham to Grantham.
3. Expect very busy and limited services
Due to Engineering work by Network Rail, EMR’s Intercity services will be reduced to one train per hour between Nottingham and London. Trains are expected to be full and standing, with long queues likely at key stations.
4. Plan for delays
If the FA Cup Semi-Final goes to extra-time, the number of services back to Nottingham will be very limited, and you may not be able to board your preferred train.
5. Don’t hang about at full-time
If Forest win, avoid the temptation to hang around and celebrate.
6. Queuing systems in place
Queuing systems will be in operation at Nottingham and London St Pancras. Allow extra time and check the EMR website for the latest updates.
7. Have a reservation? Then come on down
Fans who have got ticket reservations will be able to join a separate queue at stations to make sure they get the service they are booked on. If fans are unsure where to go, ask a member of staff who will be able to direct you to the right place.
Reminder of EMR services running on Sunday 27 April
1 train per hour between London St Pancras and Sheffield (via Beighton)
1 train per hour between London St Pancras and Nottingham
1 train per hour between London St Pancras and Corby
1 train per hour shuttle service between Kettering and Corby
SECTION TWO – SUPPORTER FLAGS & BANNERS
We have been in dialogue with the FA / Wembley and have been advised of the following rules regarding supporters accessing the stadium with their own flags and banners:
DRAPED FLAG / NON WAVER: Flags must be no larger than 250cm at their longest dimension (width or length) but if situated on Level 5 (top tier) this reduces to a flag no larger than 200cm x 100cm.
WAVING FLAGS: The flagpole must only be made from wood or plastic and can be a maximum of 1m in length and 1cm in diameter.
Forza Garibaldi have requested permission for a number of larger waving flags to be used in the lower section (Blocks 109/110/111/112/113). If you would be willing to wave a flag then please get in touch with us directly.
Finally – we are encouraging everyone to take a scarf with them to Wembley.
Part Two of this guide will follow later in the week, but if you have any immediate queries or concerns please let us know.
Que Sera, Sera.
Matt