Covenrty City v Pompey: Away-Day Guide

Michael Doyle, left, and Carl Baker, right, both served Coventry as players

COVENTRY CITY v POMPEY

(Tuesday, 7.45pm)

STADIUM: Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry, CV6 6GE.

Away supporters are usually accommodated on one side of the South Stand – towards the corner of the Lloyds Pharmacy Stand.

The angle of the stand is quite steep and it is set back from the pitch.

The concourse has food outlets offering the usual pies and sausage rolls.

Directions: Leave the M6 at junction three and take the A444 towards the city centre.

After about a mile you will see the stadium on your left.

PARKING: Parking at the stadium is mostly for permit holders.

You will find space in a number of car parks within walking distance – in places like factory units and schools at a charge of £3 to £5.

But be warned, in the nearby Tesco retail park free parking is restricted to two hours with a fine for exceeding that time.

There are also residents-only parking restrictions in most of the nearby roads.

nearest train station: Trains run regularly to Coventry from London Euston and take between 60 and 90 minutes.

But while you could get back to London after the match, you will not be able to get back to Portsmouth.

Coventry Station is about three-and-a-half miles from the stadium, so it is best to grab a taxi to the ground.

Coventry Arena Station – next to the Ricoh – is now open.

The journey from Coventry Station takes seven minutes but there is a limited service of only one train each hour.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK: The Grosvenor Casino on one corner of the stadium admits away fans and has bars inside.

It operates a strict over-18s policy, so is not suitable for families.

Although many of the pubs near the stadium do not admit away supporters, the JK Indian Bar, 1059 Foleshill Road, Coventry, CV6 6ER is a bar and Indian restaurant that welcomes travelling fans. You can also park your car there for a £4 charge and it is a 15-minute walk to the stadium.

At the Arena Shopping Centre, about a 10-minute walk from the ground, you will find a Greggs, Subway, Pizza Hut and Frankie & Benny’s, plus a couple of mobile outlets selling food.