A Sunderland football fan says he plans to travel to London’s Wembley Stadium via Spain because it works out cheaper than getting a UK train or bus.
James Jelly, 33, is one of tens of thousands of Sunderland fans expected to head to London for Saturday’s League One Play-Off final against Wycombe.
But while many of the club’s supporters will make the journey down, Mr Jelly is making a detour via Menorca.
James Jelly will travel from Sunderland to Wembley via Menorca
Nick Potts
Sunderland play Wycombe on Saturday
Zac Goodwin
The purchasing manager has paid £12.50 to fly RyanAir to Spain on Thursday, before flying back to Stansted for £10.50 the following day.
He will then get a lift from Stansted to London, where he will stay with a relative.
Mr Jelly told The Sun: “I can’t wait for it now I’ve booked it.
"I’m going to pack my shorts and make a little holiday out of it.
“I’ll have a couple of pints and a walk around Menorca.
“One lad I know paid £260 for a return to London on the train and British Airways wanted £161.99 for a direct flight."
Mr Jelly has even sorted himself a lift back to Sunderland after Saturday’s match, where he will be reunited with his fiancee Victoria Stewart.
He said he managed to win her over by his plans after she saw how much he was saving ahead of their wedding in August.
He added: “She thinks I’m crazy.”