July 2008

A Warwickshire travel company is set for its latest overseas adventure after winning a contract to handle Aston Villa's European travel

The Travel Management Group (TMG), of Leamington Spa, will ensure Villa's team and fans can travel without hassle when they visit Denmark, Finland or Northern Ireland in their Intertoto Cup final round matches in July.

Wind over two-legs will put the Midland side in the UEFA Cup qualifying round and could result in trips to take on top class opposition anywhere in Europe.

The company, which has looked after Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, in previous years, will use its 40 years of experience to find suitable hotels and flights for the club and their fans.

Mike Scholefield, director at TMG, said:

"This is a special contract for us because although we work with top British clubs, we haven't had the chance to work with a Midlands club for quite a long time.

"Our role is to make sure the players, management, sponsors and supporters can make the most of every match abroad. We make sure every detail is dealt with- the hotels, the flights, the transport logistics at the host city- and we also find out about local attractions for fans wanting to stay a bit longer.

"Aston Villa could have the longest European campaign of any English club if they are successful this year. We want the team to take care of things on the pitch while we take car of things off it.

"It's imperative for football clubs that they deal with knowledgable travel companies."