As mammoth10 points out - pre-match events seem to be the same as last season...
I have just rang the usual designated away fan pub – The North Stafford Hotel - and the staff are 99% sure that this will be the pub Villa fans are designated for this fixture. The hotel informed me that the usual drill is – Fans arrive by train, the police escort you from the station to the hotel (which is literally over the road from the station exit), you can drink in the hotel and about 14.00/14.30 the police will start escorting the Villa fans onto coaches which drop fans off within the away end of Britannia.
The Hotel informed me this entire operation (policing, coaches etc) is in practice for nearly all away fans with a good rail connection. The coach comes with a charge, I imagine a few quid, but I will certainly be using it. As ‘Wedge’ points out Stoke can be a little intimidating.
When you arrive at Britannia the coach will drop you inside a ‘caged’ area - basically a fenced off area by the away fans turnstiles.
Sorry I didn’t enquire about procedures after the match. I would recommend ringing the hotel nearer to the time to confirm – 01782 744477. They were very helpful.
Hope this helps..
UTV..!!
PS – Fingers crossed we will all be back in Silverspoons on the 10th/11th April…