Ellisons Travel

[Gazroberts80]

RE: Ellisons Travel

(18/02/2019 01:43)PO59 MXJ Wrote:  Its either the contract the team have with Ellisons or to do with the manager. Ronald Koeman didn’t like the Altano (3WSM which is currently allocated to Bournemouth) and as Neoplan wont do the Starliner on RHD anymore, the i8 was the only real option. 55LYU i think Everton had (now allocated to Sheff Wednesday). Liverpool seem to get a new one every 3 years. Leicester have the oldest coach in the fleet LC08 FOX which was new in 2011 for Liverpool FC. They’re due a new one along with Chelsea and Southampton.

Thanks for the information, makes a lot of sense that if Koeman didn’t like the Van Hool the only real alternative option if they wanted a new team coach was the i8. I’m surprised that no team has looked at the Astromega with Man United having one as their team coach, through their contract with Eavesway. It enables 2-1 seating which significantly improves comfort levels. I realise it has its negatives with the team/coaching staff being split between the two decks. Of course it is more costly to acquire and run but for the likes of Man City the cost difference would be rather insignificant. In my view however a RHD Skyliner would be the ultimate coach to make a statement, although that will never happen.

I noticed much to my surprise that Leicester were still using the 2011 Van Hool this season. I’m guessing they used this coach in the season they became Premier League Champions, so I imagine there is a significant sentimental attachment to their team coach. I imagine that the registration plate on this coach was purchased by the club rather than Ellison’s as it’s Leicester FC specific. The personalised plates on other team coaches like WSM 3 and 3 WSM being of significance to Ellison’s rather than the club whose team coach it is.

It will be interesting to see if Southampton get a crest on their new team coach or go for a wrap like Liverpool and Man City. Personally I prefer the classic Ellison’s livery which looks far more sophisticated than the “Brexit bus” scheme on the Liverpool coach (that may be down to the fact I’m an Everton fan).

With the Southampton coach due to be replaced will that mean there will only be one Starliner left in the form of the Euro 6 (ex Spurs team coach) NLE 145? Hopefully that will be around for another year or two. It will be a sad day when the last Starliner leaves the fleet as it has been such an iconic brand that’s been so long associated with Ellisons. Hopefully the company will pay a fitting tribute to the Starliner when the last one leaves the fleet.