Avanti West Coast have issued a statement addressing the concerns of fans hoping to travel down to London by train for the Manchester Derby FA Cup final.
The train operators face a huge dilemma when it comes to the services on the day of the final (3 June) as thousands of Manchester United and Manchester City fans are expected to travel down for the 90,000-capacity fixture at Wembley Stadium.
While many will be hoping to get coaches down (ideally with extra help from the clubs themselves), trains are literally an indispensable form of public transport when it comes to fans getting to away games, let alone for massive, historic cup ties — it being the first Manchester Derby FA Cup final ever.
That being said, many have taken to social media to ask Avanti if additional and potentially separate services for each set of fans are being considered on the day of the final. However, the company has said that there are currently no additional trains expected and that separate trains aren’t on the cards.
Hi David, as it stands we're not aware of any additional services being run but that may change closer to the time. No, we wouldn't run separate trains for football fans. – Carmen
Avanti have since issued a statement assuring that they are working with both clubs to ensure that fans will be able to get to the FA Cup final with as little drama as possible.
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Speaking to the MEN, they said: “We are working with our partners and we’ve already been in touch with both clubs with a view to getting information out to fans looking to travel to Wembley by train.
“We expect to be in a position to update all our customers, including fans travelling to the final, in due course with the latest travel advice once our plans have been finalised.”
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Nevertheless, many are still very reticent to accept that everything will go off without a hitch as Avanti aren’t exactly famous for filling their passengers with confidence. In fact, even the Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, wasted no time in having a dig at their shaky reputation.
All that stands in the way now is Avanti trains. What could possibly go wrong… https://t.co/XtIU4A8sCn
As alluded to, not only will this be the 190th Manchester derby in all competitions but it’s the first-ever in the 152 years since the FA Cup began.
While it’s now United’s only remaining chance for another piece of silverware this season, City are hot on the heels of Arsenal in the Premier League title race; nevertheless, it goes without saying that both teams will be going all-out for this one.
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It has also been stated that the game will kick off no later than 4:45pm after the Metropolitan Police reiterated it is a high-risk fixture and travelling supporters will need added time to make it home.
Whatever happens on the day itself, for those of you heading down come 3 June, stay safe out there.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
25th April 2023 
