July 2007

Premier League win for Warwickshire travel firm

A Warwickshire based travel firm has netted a presigious hat-trick by landing a major contract with the Premier League.

Travel Management Group, based in Leamington Spa, is one of the organisers of the Barclays Asia Trophy which is being held in Hong Kong on July 24 and 27.

Liverpool, Portsmouth and Fulham will be taking part in the pre-season competition and all travel and accommodation arrangements have been handled by TMG.

It is the third time the company have been involved in the Trophy, which is held every other year.

Jason Smith, director of TMG Sport, has been overseeing arrangements for the last six months.

"This tournament is a highlight in the TMG calendar and it is a measure of the trust placed in the business that we are looking after three high profile premiership sides.

"We have major experience of organising travel arrangements for many top-flight football teams and it is pleasing to have secured this contract for the third time in a row."

As well as transport and accommodation the firm has been working hard on less obvious considerations such as nutrition at the hotels and training grounds- liaising closely with club doctors.

Mr Smith added: "It is fantastic to be part of a football event in Asia as the fans are so passionate and, with Liverpool being one of the most popular teams out there, the atmosphere will be electric."

The four team tournament line up will be completed by the winners of Hong Kong's FA Cup, South China, with the 40000 capacity Hong Kong stadium hosting all games.

Portsmouth will take on Fulham in the first semi-final on July 24, with Liverpool facing the Chinese representatives later that day. The third place play-off and final will then be played on July 27, with all matches to be screened live by host broadcaster PCCW and Sky Sports.

TMG won the travel contract for the inaugral 2003 competition held ini Malaysia and were chosen again for the last tournament in Thailand in 2005.

The company will be flying out more than 140 players, managers, football club staff, chairman, match officials and Premier League representatives.

ENDS