Why 2,072 Newcastle United fans face a travel problem after Millwall EFL Cup tie | OneFootball

The strong contingent of Magpies fans face an arduous journey back to Tyneside on Tuesday night

Newcastle United's supporters are known for being some of the most loyal and passionate in the country, but they are set to face issues when making the long journey back to Tyneside after Tuesday night's EFL Cup tie at Millwall.

The third round of the EFL Cup this season has been spread across two weeks due to the nature of September's fixture schedule as a result of there being multiple Premier League sides now involved in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, plus the extended international break.

However, the Magpies were one of the remaining top-flight sides who kickstarted their cup campaign last month, with Mathias Jaissle's outfit overcoming a stern test from West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park, winning 3-2.

Their reward for defeating the Baggies on August 26th is a trip to The Den to face Alex Neil's Lions, who defeated Queens Park Rangers and Cambridge United in the competition's earlier rounds.

A trip to The Den can often be seen as intimidating for visiting teams and their supporters due to the reputation which continues to surround sections of Millwall's fanbase, as well as the layout of the stadium.

That said, Newcastle fans certainly will be hoping their side make it into the round of 16 draw given the effort and distances involved.

Newcastle United's 2000+ supporters face travel issues after Millwall, EFL Cup tie

Action Images

It was revealed earlier this month that Newcastle's supporters had received just 2,072 tickets for Tuesday night's fixture in SE16, even though clubs such as Coventry City were allocated 3,024 for a second round tie in 2025/26.

Magpies supporters had sold out all tickets within the opening days of September, with an adult ticket coming in at £26, although it is post-match where any major issues may come to the fore.

It is approximately five hours from Tyneside to The Den by car, but for those opting to travel by train could be left in a tricky situation.

The final train which departs London King's Cross in the direction of Newcastle without any disruption often does so at 22:03, arriving in the North East city at 01:38AM after three hours and 35 minutes of travel time.

However, with the game likely to finish at 21:50 due to added-time if the result is decided in 90 minutes, it is still unlikely that this train would be made unless supporters left The Den early, and if it goes to penalties, the chances of making the train are effectively zero.

Newcastle United issue further supporter warnings ahead of Millwall cup clash

Action Images

For those arriving by train from the North East, a further warning has also been issued by Newcastle on their official club website ahead of Tuesday's 8PM kick-off, with the match selected as the main televised fixture by Sky Sports.

With South Bermondsey station adjacent to the stadium after a train journey from London Bridge, fans are being asked to follow the specific walkway into the compound area outside the North Stand, although it has been noted there is no disabled access on this specific route or whilst leaving Surrey Quays station, which is approximately 15 minutes away.

Supporters have also been warned that there is no bag-drop facility on arrival, and that only for medical reasons will those larger than A4 size be permitted into the Den.

Newcastle United have strong recent pedigree in the EFL Cup

Action Images

Although there has been plenty of change at Newcastle this summer, with Jaissle replacing Eddie Howe as head coach, as well as seeing the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon all depart, it has been a solid start to the season for the Geordies.

As such, they will also hope to maintain their strong recent record in this particular competition, which, in March 2025, saw the club end a 70-year trophy drought by defeating Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

In fact, Newcastle have only been knocked out prior to, at least, the quarter-final stage just once in the past six seasons, whilst Millwall are looking to make it past this particular stage for the first time since 1994/95.