Cod Almighty | Article
by Jake Olley
21 May 2006
Never let it be said that Cod Almighty is a fanzine with its head in the clouds, still less up its arse. As if paying the fee for Gary Jones' red card appeal were not hard-headed and useful enough, we are now able to bring you Jake Olley's practical summary of the travel options available to Town fans headed to the Millennium Stadium for the play-off final. Our thanks to Jake (making his Cod Almighty debut here), and a safe journey to all our readers who are planning the trip.
REMOVE THISCoaches
Coaches are the cheap and reliable way to get to Cardiff without having to drive or splash out on expensive train fares. On average, this will set you back £25. Though it takes longer, you lose the dilemma of finding somewhere to park. These are some of the coach options.
First, Bernard Morley, who has been running coaches to the games all season, offers a great atmosphere on all coaches and is a suitable option for families attending the game. His rate of £25 is about average. The standard of Bernard's vehicles is normally good and he is understood to be on his 15th coach for Cardiff, booking strictly on a demand basis. Bernard is a sensible and reliable option, though you will need to book quickly to ensure your place. Departs from Kent Street at 6:00am.
Reliability: best around. Quality of coach: decent. Reputation: very good. Places left: yes, but be quick. Booking: phone (01472) 234592. Overall rating: 8/10.
According to reports, nationwide travel company Soccer Express will be taking 25 coaches to the big game. Soccer Express has a reputation for top-quality coaches and offers services to all fans travelling to major finals. They took 1,200 Middlesbrough fans to Holland for the UEFA Cup final recently, and these Boro fans were understood to be very pleased. At £26 they're reasonable, though they demand bookings over the phone through credit cards. On top of this they add a 50p service charge. Soccer Express was my choice because of a lack of options, and because of their professional service I recommend them. They depart from Blundell Park at 5:30am and pick up in the town centre at 5:45am.
Reliability: Boro fans think so. Quality of coach: high reputation. Places left: yes. Booking: phone 0870 6030028 (premium rate) or visit www.soccerexpress.co.uk. Overall rating: 7/10.
Other local options for coaches, Ravenscroft Cameras, Gatwick Travel and Martin Borrill are all sold out of places.
Rail
National Rail has confirmed that the only train departing Grimsby or Cleethorpes to Cardiff will be at 9:50 and will arrive 20 minutes into the game. The only other alternative is to travel the day before and stay over in a hotel. The two main options here are to try and find a room in Cardiff or look for a hotel in Newport and then travel to Cardiff by train for £3.
Air
Grimsby Town FC are offering a chartered flight from Humberside to Cardiff with a light brunch for £250. For our better-off supporters £250 is not bad to save all the hassle and bother of traffic. This flight departs at 10:00am and arrives in Cardiff at 11:00am. On the return flight you leave Cardiff as play-off champions at 7:30pm [steady on! - anxious ed.] and report back into beautiful Humberside at 8:30pm. For further details ring ex-Mariner Dave Smith on 01472 608007.
Car
Cardiff is 252 miles away from Grimsby, which would normally take around four to five hours, though with heavy traffic expected this journey will probably push on for about six hours. Websites such as the AA's and the RAC's offer route planning functions.