SAINTS fans heading to Wembley for their side’s FA Cup semi-final clash are to be shoehorned out of the city by 8am, seven hours before kick-off, as more than 10,000 marathon runners descend on Southampton.

The city council says coaches will leave St Mary’s Stadium at the early time on April 22 to allow for preparations for the ABP Marathon to be completed.

This includes setting up the marathon route, which goes into the stadium, passing the pitch.

But supporters of the Premier League side – who have a 33,411 allocation for their season-defining match against Chelsea – will also have a battle on their hands when they reach the capital, as it’s also the day of the London Marathon.

A spokesperson for the council said: “ReesLeisure – the company behind the marathon events – has worked closely with Southampton FC to ensure that all supporters heading to Wembley, and runners coming to the city, are able to get to their destinations with ease.

“With more than 10,000 participants taking part in the ABP Southampton Marathon, half marathon and 10k events, and over 30,000 seats allocated to Saints supporters at Wembley, there will be a great number of people travelling in and out of the city by road and rail.

"Working with partner organisations we will ensure that the day runs as smoothly as possible and are asking residents and visitors to allow ample time for their journeys.”

The club has also put on additional pick-up points in Eastleigh and Winchester to ease the pressure on the city.

However, supporters heading to the game by other means are being warned to travel early to avoid missing the match, especially those going by road.

“Road closure signs on the affected routes have begun to be put in place already, and can be seen around Southampton now,” the city council spokesperson added.

“From next week, ABP Southampton Marathon events team will be distributing letters to residents, with a specific section aimed at helping supporters trying to get to Wembley.

“The east side of the city will be almost entirely open on the race day and unaffected, with large sections of the west side also unaffected, including access to and from the city via the M271 and West Quay Road.

"Some roads are only closed on one side, so that there is still a flow in and out of the city; roads will be re-opening again as soon as the last runner has crossed them, in some cases this will be 1pm at the latest.”

ReesLeisure have also set up a dedicated email/contact for anyone who would like personalised help with routes on the day and this has already been well used to date: events@reesleisure.co.uk