Bristol Rovers’ League One clash with Port Vale this Saturday will still kick-off at 3pm with the Gas installing a big screen after full-time in front of the Thatchers End to allow fans to watch England’s World Cup quarter-final against France.
Rovers are not among the EFL clubs to have requested an early kick-off after Gareth Southgate’s side confirmed their place in the last eight in Qatar with a 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday night.
At present, 11 of 31 EFL fixtures on Saturday - including four in League One - are taking place at earlier kick-off times, ranging from 12pm to 2pm, but the remainder will start at the normal 3pm time slot.
Reports on Monday indicated that several EFL clubs are in discussions about kick-off alterations, meaning further matches could change, on the basis it would allow supporters, particularly those facing long away trips, time to return home to watch the England game.
At present, Port Vale have more than 500 fans making the four-hour round-trip - up to seven by train - to Bristol and won’t have time to get back to Stoke once the fixture concludes at 5pm. The EFL clarified on Monday that a one-off kick-off change in these circumstances, must have the agreement of both clubs before being permitted.
League Two AFC Wimbledon posted on Twitter that they had asked their opponents this weekend, Swindon Town, to move to an earlier kick-off time at the County Ground only to change their mind because it was “deemed requesting to move the kick-off time may be detrimental to fans who have already bought tickets and made travel arrangements.”
Rovers will keep the Fan Zone at the Mem open after full-time before fans who wish to stay in the ground can take their place in the Thatchers End, at no extra cost, to cheer on England against Les Bleus with a 5m x 3m screen being installed. Access will be for all fans with a match ticket, not just those with Thatchers tickets.
There are also a number of pre-match festivities taking place including mulled cider and “a certain someone will be giving out presents to all well-behaved children”.
Saturday's game against Port Vale is the only World Cup clash affecting the Gas concerning England as, should they be successful against France, their semi-final will take place on Wednesday, December 14, 24 hours after Rovers' Papa John's tie against MK Dons, while the final in Qatar is on Sunday, December 18 and the Gas play Charlton Athletic on Saturday, December 17.
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