Black Country News: All on board for Wembley; DUDLEY: Direct coach service to England game.

Byline: By Steve Johnson 

FOOTBALL fans in Dudley can jump aboard a new direct route to Wembley Stadium just in time for the England debut of coach Fabio Capello tonight.

National Express is laying on a new coach service which comes into operation for the England v Switzerland friendly tonight.

The new route, which will run from Dudley to Wembley for all major events, departs Dudley bus station at 2.25pm, with the journey taking just over three hours.

Paul Bunting, strategic marketing director at National Express, said: "The response to our direct services to Wembley Stadium has been fantastic, so much so we have increased the frequency of our existing services and also added new towns and cities to the Wembley network.

"The decision to create a new route from Dudley means fans will have a comfortable and stress free journey to our new national stadium."

High demand for the coach service also highlights that people are taking the fact that Wembley Stadium is a public transport destination seriously.

Mr Bunting said: "The new National Express coach links make the stadium even more accessible for people in Dudley as we drop off right outside the gates.

"We will of course always look at increasing the number of coaches leaving for Wembley Stadium when there is demand."

West Bromwich Albion fan Gary Raybould, from Sedgley, said news of the Dudley to Wembley service was brilliant.

"Now I can go to Wembley with all my mates," he said.

"If we don't get promoted to the Premiership automatically this season, we will be able to use this new service to see the Baggies go up and wipe out the awful memories of losing to Derby in the play-offs last year."

Tickets are on sale now and to book a place on the coach to Wembley Stadium, contact National Express at www.nationalexpress.com/ wembley and www.wembley stadium.com/ getting towembley.

Also call 08705 808080 or visit a National Express outlet.