Four days of engineering work, meaning that trains will be replaced by buses, has resulted in an apology from Network Rail to Brentford fans.

The work conflicts with when the club has a match against Manchester United as Kew Bridge station will be closed.

Fans of both clubs are being reminded of the closure and to use alternative routes on Saturday 13th August to get to the Gtech Community Stadium.

While the work is carried out between Barnes and Feltham, via Hounslow to make the railway more reliable, buses will replace trains for four days from Saturday 13th to 16th August.

Network Rail’s managing director for Wessex route, Mark Killick, said: “We know our work will make getting to Saturday’s match more difficult and we’re really sorry for the disruption. This is part of a massive £375m scheme to improve the railway in the area by replacing old 1970s signalling equipment with modern kit.

“Resignalling schemes like this one, and the track work that goes with it, are one of the best ways we have of improving the reliability of our network, so it’s really important we do the job and I’m grateful to our customers for their patience.

“By doing this work over four days, rather that splitting it up between weekends, means we can get much more done and we can make more progress on improving the railway with less disruption to our customers.”

Christian Neill, Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway, added: “The modernisation work that Network Rail is carrying out will significantly boost the reliability and performance of the railway for many years to come.

“The decision to close the railway for four days, including two working days on the Monday and Tuesday, has not been taken lightly. We urge all customers intending to travel from Saturday morning until the end of Tuesday to check before they travel and make use of the alternative transport options available.”

Sally Stephens, Community Relations Director at Brentford FC, added: “We’ve been working closely with South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail about the planned engineering works that will impact our first home game of the season.

“It’s clearly frustrating for our fans to have their journeys disrupted for our prestigious home season opener against Manchester United but we welcome the clear advanced communication. All supporters are advised to arrive early on Saturday and to check their route before they travel.

“We’d like to thank those customers impacted by these works for their patience and understanding as this vital upgrade is carried out.”