CRYSTAL Palace have offered to pay for the coach travel of Hartlepool United supporters when they make the trip down south for their FA Cup fourth round meeting.

The CEO of the Premier League side Phil Alexander has made the decision to subsidise the coach travel as a gesture to their League Two opponents.

The game at Selhurst Park was rejected to be televised meaning that Pools missed out budget boosting broadcast fees from the game. However, the cost of coach travel will now be paid for by the Eagles.

Pools Chief Operating Officer Stephen Hobin said: “During my conversations this week with Phil Alexander, CEO of Crystal Palace, Phil informed me that the club would like to contribute in some way to subsidise the Official Coach Travel for our forthcoming FA Cup fixture at Selhurst Park.  

“This is an extremely generous offer which has allowed us to only charge £12.50 for supporters who book a seat on one of our Official Coaches from the North East to London. 

“It goes without saying that as a League Two club, newly promoted back to the EFL we were naturally disappointed to not be selected for live broadcast and benefit from the substantial fees offered to those clubs fortunate enough to be selected.

“That is despite our extraordinary run in cup competitions this season beating 5 League One clubs, a Championship club and Everton thus far.

“This kind of gesture restores your faith in the football family and we are all very much looking forward to what will be a very special occasion for the many thousands of Poolies who will make the trip south.  Thanks once again to all at Crystal Palace FC.”

Pools are due to meet Palace on Saturday 5th February in a 3pm kick off.