EXCLUSIVE: Former Manchester United player, Ben Foster, has shared a little-known secret about how footballers travel to and from away games in the UK. In an episode of his podcast, Fozcast, Foster revealed that there is an exclusive airport terminal at Birmingham Airport that is reserved for the use of rich and famous individuals, including football players.
Foster, who had successful spells at Manchester United, West Brom, and Watford, explained that when teams flew to away games, they would arrive at Birmingham Airport and park their cars on the airstrip. There is a side part of the airport where cargo planes land, and this serves as a private terminal for the players. Instead of going through the main airport terminal like regular passengers, they would simply show their passports and walk onto the plane just 20 minutes later.
The convenience didn’t end there. When the team landed at their destination, the team bus would already be waiting for them on the tarmac. Foster described this experience as “fantastic” and highlighted how it made the whole travel process seamless for the players.
After arriving at their destination, the team would usually head straight to a team hotel or proceed directly to the stadium. This exclusive airport terminal at Birmingham Airport provided a level of privacy and efficiency that allowed footballers to focus on their game without any unnecessary distractions.
Interestingly, Foster also shared an experience from his time at Wrexham, where he ended his career last summer. Despite Wrexham’s low position in the football pyramid, the club sometimes traveled on a private jet funded by their owners, Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. This luxury mode of transportation further exemplifies the lengths some football clubs go to ensure their players’ comfort and convenience while traveling.
The revelation of this exclusive airport terminal sheds light on the behind-the-scenes aspects of footballers’ lives that are often concealed from the public eye. It showcases the lengths clubs, especially those with financial resources, are willing to go to provide their players with the best possible experience, even when it comes to travel.
In conclusion, the exclusive airport terminal at Birmingham Airport provides a unique insight into the world of footballers’ travel arrangements. With its private and efficient nature, it allows players to focus on their game without the hassle of regular airport procedures. This revelation reminds us that being a professional footballer involves more than just what happens on the pitch, and it highlights the dedication of clubs to ensure their players’ comfort and convenience.