Duo combine to get supporters to Plymouth...
Punch Taverns, one of the UK’s leading pub companies, has joined forces with Rotherham United Football Club to give Rotherham fans the chance to watch their team play Plymouth Argyle on Saturday 20th April.
Customers were concerned that they might be out of pocket after a pub landlord left his pub without notice on 15th April. They said that they had provided deposits for a chartered plane to take them to the match on Saturday. Punch Taverns, the property owners, stepped in to lend a helping hand, meaning that fans now know that they will be able to attend the match at the weekend.
Punch have arranged two coaches to take over seventy fans who had booked the trip to Plymouth and back. The pub company will also be providing food and refreshments at the Hare and Hounds pub prior to departure. Rotherham United have also contributed £500 towards the cost of travel.
Richard Woodward, Regional Operations Director for Punch Taverns, said: “We were alerted to the landlord’s departure and we were concerned that local fans would be let down. We were anxious to step in to help the loyal customers and ensure the pubs popularity with local fans.”
“After speaking to Rotherham United, we are delighted to fund the trip so fans are able to attend the penultimate match of the season and we hope that they have a great day out.”
Meanwhile, Millers Head of Commercial Mark Hitchens added: “We were shocked and upset to hear that so many of our supporters had been inconvenienced in such a way. These loyal fans have given the club everything this year, and we feel it’s imperative that they get to the game on Saturday. We are in a good position in the league table, and this should be a day to celebrate; as a result, we are delighted to work alongside Punch Taverns and provide this alternative transport.”
Punch Taverns are working closely with the Police in their investigations.