There is good news for both Portsmouth & Southampton Fans regarding their trips to play each other at St Mary's & Fratton Park, they won't have to get up in the middle of the night like last season.

Pompey fans have received an e mail from their club giving them their instructions for the Bubble trip and these are the same ones that Saints fan themselves will have in the New Year when the teams will meet at Fratton.

Those getting on the coach at Fratton Park will need to be there for 8.10 am for a 8.55am departure a much more reasonable time than last season. This will allow time for photo ID etc to be checked before boarding the coaches.

This will see them arrive at St Mary's around 9.45-10am

They will have to be on board the coach at least 10 mins before departure.

That guidance also applies to those supporters leaving from Lakeside (9.15am departure) and Winchester (10.10am), meaning that like last year the departure times will be staggered so that the fans will not all arrive en masse at the same time.

To ensure its smooth running, fans are also advised:

1. No food or drink will be permitted on board the coaches, bar water.

2. No bags bigger than A4 size are allowed.

3. Tickets for the game will be issued after departure.

4. One member of PFC staff will be on board each coach.

5. Coach numbers will be clearly visible on the front, rear and sides and will correspond with fans’ booking references.

6. An email containing full names and client IDs must be sent in advance to SCD@pompeyfc.co.uk if some fans wish to travel together on the same coach. The club will then do its best to accommodate the request

It is assumed that these will be the same conditions and timings that will be applied to Saints supporters for the return game, so of interest to our fans as to what they can expect.

Via Reuters