The Stockport-Sheffield route always seems to be crowded, wish they would put on bigger trains (bring back HSTs on the Hope Valley!:D ). Though I was lucky on one ride back to Manchester from Sheffield, the TPX was running late, and arrived just before a CT, majority of passengers went for the TPX so Central was more quiet than might have been.

I think david they were all quite packed on this day as Manchester United Football Club where [playing at home.

Does anyone know if there is a specific type of unit used on the Football Specials or is it anything goes.

Usually there is a 323 that takes passengers to Old Trafford stadium, using a 323 on a service to Deansgate, but extended to the fotball ground station close by.

Ha yes I remember coming back on the Hope Valley in similar circumstances. When I did the Chesterfield run in 06 there were quite a few passengers going to watch the England v Paraguay match on the big screen in the cnetre of Manchester, with hopes of winning the world cup...shame we wont see anything similar for Euro08 this year ;)