We get the train every year, stop off at Dewsbury, Hudds & maybe Stalybridge. Tram to the ground, never a problem. Coming back is a scrum but never failed. Only time I had a problem was when I used National Express, must be 10 years ago after Bradford were there. The scheduled bus didn't turn up, so when one finally did there were hordes of people who gave an ironic cheer & rushed towards the coach. The driver stood at the door with his mobile phone pointed at the, good natured, crowd. A couple of minutes later 2 buses of riot police were jumping over fences charging towards the bemused 'customers'. I got back about 1am.

As I posted earlier in the thread, they aren't running this service as far as I can see. We rode it two years ago - the trains were infrequent and it was more of a scrum than the tram. Not many people used to know about it, I guess they do now...

did train in 2004 and coming home was a nightmare

seats reservations went out of the window and everyone was treated like cattle

ce, in 2004. Got to Piccadilly to discover that despite the entire population of West Yorkshire being in Manchester, the last 2 trans-pennine express rickshaws were composed of 3 and then 2 carriages. Looked at approx 3000 people still waiting on the platform when the second last one left and got a taxi home instead. £70 between 4 of us, could have been worse, but definitely the last time I'll use the train.

2009 I parked at Trafford Centre, appeased Mrs Diablo with some shopping and then used the park and ride. Worked a treat, especially going the opposite way to everyone else from the tram stop.

What time are we talking for heading back?

Straigh after game or couple of hours later?

Got seats on the 12.25pm train Lds - Man, and hoping to get the 10.29pm from Deansgate to arrive Bramley at 12.15am.

Am i in for a shock??

Yep I was stuck, got back to Manchester about 1.30am when they put on the shuttle train for us. They didn't tell us they'd kick us off at Oxford Road and force us to walk to Picadilly to get the train back to Leeds though. I'll always remember walking through Manchester City Centre with 200 other Leeds fans belting out "Marching on Together" at 1.30 in the morning.

It was gone 3 when we got back to Leeds!

the train from sheffield has always been very quiet with lots of spare seats and we've normally caught the train to old trafford too without any bother, yes its a bit [packed coming back but so would anywhere with 70k+ trying to leave the area

I've just had an e-mail response from Northern Rail who have confirmed they are running trains, which leave Manchester Oxford Road at the following times:-
1608 1631 1707 1716 1736

Some, but not all of these, go through Piccadilly as well.

I can't find them via National Rail Enquiries, but I'll take Northern at their word for the time being.

I used Old Trafford station for the 1998 final as I was travelling to/from Liverpool, which was quite handy.

I'd recommend walking from Piccadilly to OT myself, takes a bit longer but much less hassle in my book. But then I always prefer a walk to other forms of transport.

There's 4 of them, leaving Old Trafford at 1948, 2005, 2019, 2050. The 2nd one only goes to Oxford Road, with the rest continuing to Piccadilly.

I'm like you in that I'll not be on the train back, as GCH has already mentioned our tea-total friend who drives us back, after we spend all day getting there on the train.

Don't know if anyone has seen it this morning?!

There is a flyer up regarding trains coming back from Old Trafford for tomorrow's game.

It seems the later Trains aren't running, National Rail are putting buses on which will no doubt take an age getting back.

I think it was the 23:00 train on wards.

Hope this helps people out.

Extra Rugby Train
The 2324 Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly service will be extended to York calling additionally at Huddersfield and Leeds.

23:50 is the first train that is a bus replacement.