Network Rail has issued an apology to Brentford for scheduling engineering works on the day of a big match at the GTech Community Stadium.

The Bees are set to play their first home game of the season against Manchester United on Saturday, 13 August.

But in an own goal by Network Rail, both Kew Bridge and Brentford stations will be closed while signalling work is carried out on the Hounslow loop.

Network Rail's managing director for Wessex route, Mark Killick, said the company was "really sorry for the disruption", while Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway, Christian Neill, said the decision to close the railway had "not been taken lightly".

Killick added: "We know our work will make getting to Saturday's match more difficult.

"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." 

A bus replacement service will be in operation from Saturday (August 13) to Tuesday (August 16), however substantial traffic delays are expected in the area due to roadworks on the A4 which will reduce it to one lane westbound between Hogarth Roundabout and Chiswick Roundabout.

It will also not be possible to enter Gunnersbury Station for one hour after the final whistle.

Brentford FC has recommended a number of other stations within a 20-25 minute walking distance of the stadium.

These include South Acton, Chiswick Park, South Ealing, Turnham Green and Kew Gardens.

Brentford FC Community Relations Director, Sally Stephens, said: "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."