Premier League fans facing travel chaos with only one train service for thousands

Aston Villa fans have been advised to seek ‘alternative methods of transport’ when travelling back from their Premier League clash with Hull.

The Tigers host Villa at the MKM Stadium in Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off, but away supporters are facing travel chaos due to a lack of train service from Hull back to Birmingham.

Getty

On Saturday morning, Villa announced on social media that there will be just one available train from Hull that connects to Birmingham New Street after the game.

The service departs Hull at 8:35pm and changes at Sheffield, with fans set to arrive back in the Second City at 11:07pm.

Aston Villa announce travel disruption

Sharing the travel update, Villa wrote on X: “Supporters are advised to use alternative methods of transport than the train when travelling back from Hull.

“There is only one available train service, the 20:25 from Hull, changing at Sheffield, that connects to Birmingham New Street, arriving at 23:07.

“This service is likely to be overcrowded and has a tight connection at Sheffield.

“Alternative methods of travel are therefore recommended.”

The late announcement leaves Villa fans scrambling to adjust their travel plans just hours ahead of kick-off.

Almost 2,500 supporters are expected in the away end at the MKM Stadium, and with club coaches being arranged well in advance of games, they may struggle to secure a place on the club bus.

This isn’t the first time this season away fans have been left facing travel chaos at Hull.

The Tigers marked their Premier League return with a shock 2-0 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend.

Getty

And things went from bad to worse for the Red Devils supporters in the 73rd minute when Hull’s stadium announcer shared over the tannoy that 15.03 and 17.03 trains back to Manchester had been cancelled.

This sparked delight among the home fans, who erupted into cheers and chanted “You’re going home in a taxi,” towards the United end.

Hull vs Aston Villa: A preview

Aston Villa travel to Hull in a battle of two teams of contrasting fortunes after their first two Premier League games.

Hull have enjoyed the perfect start to life back in the top-flight, following up their victory over Man United with a 1-0 away win against fellow promoted side Coventry last time out.

Meanwhile Villa are yet to register a single point, having been thumped 4-0 by Brighton in their league opener.

Getty

Despite an improved display against reigning champions Arsenal in their next match, Unai Emery‘s side were beaten 1-0 at Villa Park.

But with a summer of upheaval finally coming to an end with the transfer window shutting earlier this week, Villa will be looking to get up and running against Hull as their new-look squad begins to settle.

Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Emi Martinez and Ezri Konsa all departed the club this summer, before Ollie Watkins joined the exodus.

To balance out the departure of 11 faces, Villa have brought in 10 new signings – including the £65m arrival of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.

Ibrahim Mbaye and Taylor Harwood-Bellis became the ninth and tenth signings of a drastic transfer window at Villa Park on transfer deadline day, and it remains to be seen if they will feature at Hull.