Virgin Trains urge Everton fans to check before they travel to Wembley

Everton fans planning to head to Wembley next month to cheer on their team in the FA Cup Semi-Final on April 23 have been urged by Virgin Trains to check before they travel.

With Network Rail due to carry out planned improvement works to the West Coast Main Line that weekend, the 5.15pm kick-off time means there will be no trains back from London Euston to Liverpool after the game on the Saturday.

On what is already a busy weekend, with the London Marathon taking place the following day, those fans able to delay their departure until the Sunday morning are encouraged to do so with good availability on the first train at 8.15am and also the 9.15am 10.15am, 11.15am and 12.15pm departures from Euston to Liverpool Lime Street.

“The combination of the later kick-off time, the uncertainty of when the match will finish and Network Rail’s essential maintenance work on the West Coast Main Line that has been months in the planning means we are unfortunately unable to run any trains back to the North West on the Saturday evening,” explained Virgin Trains General Manager, Gary Iddon.

“We know this is extremely disappointing news to the large number of fans expecting to head south on the train to cheer on their team but we would much rather everyone understands the position well in advance so that they can make their plans accordingly.

“Whilst there is never a good time to close the railway, we work closely with Network Rail to try and minimise the impact to our customers whilst this vital work takes place. The FA is also aware of the impact of the later kick-off time which severely restricts our ability to get the fans back home again that night.

“For those able to delay their return, we do have a number of services on the Sunday morning but these are expected to be busy so we would encourage anyone considering this option to book ahead.

ENDS