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Manchester City players catch the train to London

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The Day We Caught the Train: City stars made to wait on the platform as they head down to London for Fulham match

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UPDATED:

16:25 GMT, 28 September 2012

The life of a professional footballer – especially one at wealthy Manchester City – is usually a succession of trips in private helicopters, personal jets and luxury sports cars.

But sometimes they just have to slum it with the rest of us.

City's squad took the train down to London for their Barclays Premier League match with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, which meant a wait on the chilly platform at Stockport station.

And some of these pampered superstars didn't look too happy to be there – huddling against the cold in woolly hats and playing on their phones.

Going loco: The City players wait to board their train to London at Stockport station, with something on Carlos Tevez's phone offering a welcome distraction

Going Loco: The City players wait to board their train to London at Stockport station, with something on Carlos Tevez's phone offering a welcome distraction

Long haul: Led by Pablo Zabaleta, the players make their way to the train with their luggage

Long haul: Led by Pablo Zabaleta, the players make their way to the train with their luggage

Time to kill: David Silva is deep in conversation as City head down to London for their match with Fulham

Time to kill: David Silva is deep in conversation as City prepare to head down to London for their match with Fulham

But David Silva seemed to enjoy the
alternative mode of transport, laughing and joking to pass the time,
while something on Carlos Tevez's phone screen seemed to amuse his
teammates.

City head to the capital hoping for a
comfortable win to kick-start their season, which sees them unbeaten in
the league but nowhere near their form from last season.

Train spotting: City's players wait for the service to London, where they will hope to improve their indifferent form by beating Fulham

Train spotting: City's players wait for the service to London, where they will hope to improve their indifferent form by beating Fulham

Something for the journey: Joe Hart grabs some reading material before getting on the train

Yaya Toure waiting for a train at Stockport station

Seasoned travellers: Joe Hart looks prepared for the journey as he strides along the platform (left), but Yaya Toure doesn't look so pleased to be there

They let their concentration slip to
hand victory to Real Madrid in the Champions League last week, having
twice led in the game, were pegged back by Arsenal at the weekend and
then were dumped out of the League Cup by Aston Villa.

But despite their indifferent start, manager Roberto Mancini is convinced his side can retain their title.

He said: 'We need to stay calm and work hard. We will win the title (but) I agree it is more difficult the second year.'

Bit nippy! Sergio Aguero zips up against the Stockport cold, while James Milner is kept entertained by Tevez

Bit nippy! Sergio Aguero zips up against the Stockport cold, while James Milner is kept entertained by Tevez

No way! Tevez can't believe what's on his screen, while Scott Sinclair is similarly engaged

No way! Tevez can't believe what's on his screen, while Scott Sinclair is similarly engaged

FA Cup final from 1871 to be restaged

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An Oval ball for the FA Cup with first final to be restaged at London cricket ground

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 12 April 2012

Surrey County Cricket Club are to restage the first FA Cup final, held in 1872, at The Kia Oval, Kennington.

The match, between The Wanderers and Royal Engineers, will be played in November during the week leading up to the FA Cup first-round proper. Both clubs are still in existence.

The Oval’s central role in the oldest football tournament in the world will be recognised as 19 of the first 21 FA Cup finals were held at the famous cricket ground.

Home: The Oval in Kennington, London, hosted the first FA Cup final

Home: The Oval in Kennington, London, hosted the first FA Cup final

Surrey hope that funds raised will go to local and military charities and that the fixture will become an annual event.

Guest professionals and former Cup winners are to be invited to the game that will be played in the lead up to Remembrance Day.

In the late 19th century, The Oval was the country’s national sports stadium, staging rugby’s first ever international – England v Scotland in 1872 – and numerous football internationals during the same period. The ground has also hosted Australian Rules football, baseball and American Football.

Winner: Morton Betts scored the only goal of the first ever FA Cup final in 1872

Winner: Morton Betts scored the only goal of the first ever FA Cup final in 1872

The football match will be played on the outfield, following the end of the cricket season.

The original game was played at The Oval on March 16, 1872, when The Wanderers beat the Royal Engineers 1-0 thanks to a goal from Morton Betts.

These days The Wanderers compete in the Surrey South Eastern Combination after being reformed in 2009. Royal Engineers, who represent the corps of Royal Engineers, play in their own Army cup competitions.

Surrey are also working on the idea of a museum to recognise The Oval as one of the most significant sporting venues in the country.

This re-enactment will please traditionalists, who have further reason to criticise the FA Cup this weekend. With both semi-finals being played at Wembley, kick-off times have incurred the wrath of supporters. Liverpool and Everton must travel from the North West to play on Saturday at 12.30pm, while Chelsea and Tottenham play at 6pm on Sunday.