Party time on the road to Uefa Cup final

May 15 2008 Report by Gary Fanning

HUNDREDS of Rangers fans across Lanarkshire this week headed to Manchester for the Uefa Cup final.

Larkhall and District Rangers Supporters Club put on a 49-seater bus for the Ibrox side’s first European final for 36 years.

The 120,000 Gers fans who flocked to Manchester saw their side lost 2-0 to Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg, managed by former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat.

However, jubilant Rangers fans were in party mood when they left St Tam’s car park in Wellgate Street, Larkhall, at 7.45am on Wednesday.

And at least 39 of them were guaranteed to see the game.

William Paterson (72), the club’s bus convener, has supported Rangers home and away for the past 40 years, was one of them with a UEFA Cup final ticket.

“I think we have a 50-50 chance of winning,“ he said. “We had to apply for the tickets individually and are disappointed that no supporters clubs were allocated tickets.

“I go to every game home and away in Scotland and England.

“A few of the lads have been to every game in Europe.

“I don’t go to the away games in Europe — as I am scared of flying.

“I hope to be coming back to Ibrox from Aberdeen next Thursday at midnight to celebrate the League Championship title.

“Walter Smith has tightened up the defence and that is why we are doing much better than last season.”

Uefa Cup fever also hit Stonehouse with many Rangers fans trying desperately to get their hands on the precious briefs.

Two supporters buses left Stonehouse Violet on Wednesday morning heading for Manchester.

Others had already arrived in the city earlier this week to visit relatives or friends in the area.

The Advertiser’s Stonehouse correspondent Andrew Clark said: “The one subject for discussion in the village’s clubs and pubs has been ‘have you got a ticket, or can you get me one’.

“Others were already away in the Manchester area earlier this week, as they discovered a need to visit a long-forgotten relative or friend in Manchester, Bury, Bolton or parts around the north-west of England.

“Ties at the village bowling clubs have been cancelled for the big day, as many of the bowlers will be among those who have the tickets for the big match.

“They were some of the lucky ones who got the precious tickets.”