Train repair works limit Shrimpers' ticket allocation for Wembley final
SOUTHEND United's ticket allocation for their play-off final has been limited to 17,500 at this stage.
The Shrimpers had been expected to take around 30,000 fans to next Sunday's clash with Oldham Athletic at Wembley.
But, with Wembley Park station closed due to engineering works, limits are currently in place.
However, Blues are still trying to find a way to increase their allocation.
A club statement issued this evening explained: 'Wembley Park station is closed due to engineering works on the London Underground, which Transport for London have said (as of 6pm today) cannot be delayed or postponed. This means that Wembley Central Station will be the main station used by supporters on matchday.
'In order to allay safety concerns relating to the pressure that Wembley Central station will be put under - as a result of Wembley Park being closed - ticket sales for our game have, at this stage, been limited to 17,500 per club - plus packages sold with coach travel included.
'At present we have sourced 28 coaches, which takes us to 18,900.'
Oldham would also expect to bring 30,000 fans to the game and Blues remain in talks with number of parties to try and increased the attendance allowed.
The statement continued: 'We believe that more than 30,000 Southend fans will want to attend Wembley, and that Oldham will want to take something similar.
'This would mean this year's promotion final could smash the record attendance for a Vanarama National League Promotion Final game, which stands at 47,029 - a record which has stood for 10 years).
We have communicated the information above to all relevant parties, including Wembley Stadium, the National League, the Mayor of London's Office and senior Government Ministers.
'These stakeholders have been supportive and engaging, and are committed to continuing to work with us to find solutions, for which we are grateful.
We will continue to work with the parties mentioned above and other stakeholders over the Bank Holiday weekend with a view to identifying a road map to increase our allocation.
'In addition, we will source additional coaches which will enable us to sell in excess of 18,900 in any event.
'We understand and appreciate that this information will cause frustration and disappointment to our supporters.
'Our focus at present is finding solutions to the problems we have been presented with and increasing our ticket allocation. We will provide an update in the early part of next week.'
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