Midnite, Southampton’s official training kit partner, is once again supporting Saints fans by offering free luxury coach travel for next Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final, following strong fan demand and planned train disruption.

Earlier this season, the Midnite Express covered the near 500-mile round trip to Bramall Lane as the Saints played Sheffield United, another of Midnite’s team partners. After Southampton defeated Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium to reach the FA cup semi-final, Southampton content creator, Mike Smale from MatchDayVlogs posed a vital request to Midnite – could the Midnite Express return for the round-trip to Wembley?

Midnite heard the call and asked other Saints fans their thoughts. Was it really time to bring back the Midnite Express? The response was resounding. Saints fans were ringing out to “bring back the Midnite Express” on Midnite and Southampton’s social channels.

But Midnite hasn’t just listened to the comments, they’ve heard the message loud and clear. With the rising travel costs, it’s more important than ever for fans to have a way to support their team. If there was ever a time for the Midnite Express to return, it had to be for Wembley.

Midnite knew what they had to do – the Midnite Express would return.

On Saturday, April 25, as Southampton prepare to face down Manchester City, three luxury coaches will transport more than 100 fans from St Mary’s to Wembley for one of the club’s biggest matches in recent years.

This upcoming trip carries added significance as it marks 50 years since Southampton’s famous FA Cup win. The Saints defied the odds to beat Manchester United at Wembley in 1976, when Bobby Stokes scored in the 83rd minute of the game. It was the first time Southampton won a major trophy and remains a pivotal part of the club’s history.

Midnite also recently paid tribute to that historic moment with a dedicated TIFO during Southampton’s clash with Arsenal. Created in collaboration with a fan-led TIFO committee, the display is another of Midnite’s ongoing initiatives to connect and support Southampton fans in and around game days.

Last time the Midnite Express operated for Saints fans, the three Midnite coaches were each helmed by Southampton legends James Beattie, Franny Benali and Matt Le Tissier, and this time fans travelling to Wembley will be joined by Southampton legends Shane Long, the returning Benali and Ken Monkou, helping to build the matchday atmosphere from the moment the journey begins.

Andrew Mook, Head of Brand Marketing at Midnite, added: “The response to the Midnite Express this season has been incredible and when fans asked for it to return, we were keen to deliver.

“Supporting Saints fans is central to what we do, whether that is easing the challenges around travel or helping create memorable experiences around the game.

“This is a huge moment for Southampton, especially in such an important anniversary year, and we are proud to help fans get there to support their team.

“We hope this journey will make the match day experience even better.”