Published: Wednesday, 14th May, 2008 09:00
'Aye Ready' for Rangers fans
By David O'Leary
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GOING FOR GLORY: Borders Rangers fans are 'aye ready' to travel to Manchester ahead of their club's vital UEFA Cup Final clash against Zenit St Petersburg.
Pic by: Alwyn Johnston
THE INVASION is already underway.
Hordes of Rangers fans are flocking to Manchester in the hope of a firsthand glimpse of history.
It is estimated that over 100,000 fans are to descend on the city ahead of tonight’s showdown with Russian side, Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup final.
The Borders will be well represented in the invading force with over 60 fans expected to travel down from Galashiels, 30 from Walkerburn and 40 from Selkirk.
The fans will be hoping that the club completes the second leg of an incredible four-trophy clean sweep.
The Scottish side have already landed the Scottish League Cup and can move two points clear of arch rivals Celtic in the title race, if they win their two games in hand.
They will also face Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final on May 24.
However, ahead of that is the small matter of a European final.
It is 32 years since Rangers last won a European honour and that night in Barcelona there was Russian opposition also, in the form of Dinamo Moscow.
John Philip, Secretary of Galashiels’ branch of Glasgow Rangers Supporters club believes that whether this is a good omen or not, Rangers will prove too much for their Russian opponents.
He said, “There’s been a lot of criticism thrown at the team for playing ‘anti-football’ but that’s rubbish.
“Look at Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, they didn’t go all guns blazing in their European games but kept it tight and hit on the break.
“It’s only now that the British clubs have realised this, what we’re playing is good European football if anything.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere and Manchester will be a sea of blue, white and red, if the numbers are true. I’ve got a ticket for the game but those without one will have a good time anyway watching it on the big screens.”
Michael Young, from Selkirk who’s also attending the final, echoed these views.
“The ‘crack’ will be amazing and I think we’ll definitely win.
“We’re heading down the morning of the game and heading back after it, hopefully as winners.
“There will be no fatigue affecting the team as many I think are hoping; the fans will drive the team on anyway if there is. Also, after he called the team boring, it will be great to get one over on Fernando Ricksen.”
The travelling fans will be well received in the city after Greater Manchester Police relented on their initial warning off of ticketless fans.
Three fan zones with big screens and entertainment are now set up in Albert Square, the open area in front of Manchester's town hall, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens - all in the city centre.
Manchester has lifted its city centre booze ban to allow both sets of fans whet their whistle beforehand.
Of course, only time will tell which set will be celebrating come the final whistle around 9.30 tonight.
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