Rangers FC Thread

[C64]

Anyone else feel that the 25k capacity for the live beam-back to Ibrox is nowhere near enough?

I reckon they'd have been better off putting that massive screen somewhere like Bellahouson Park or Glasgow Green. I can see thousands of sad kids getting turned away from Ibrox once the 25k capacity is reached.

[allycoops]

Turn up by 19.15 or you wont get in, Ibrox will be full by 5pm witchy, its a shame mate and they should have had a screen somewhere else too, the screen they are flying in is one of only 2 in the world supposed to be 110 feet wide.
now thats a ~~~~in telly. free program for all teh kids and supposed to be free buses running from city centre.

Think theres gona be alot of disappointed peeps everywhere inc manchester over tickets , double hotel bookings etc,

Central station in glasgow will be a nightmare on wed as will the trains, they reckon they are filled five times over with rail staff told to keep on taking bookings, even though there wont be enough room on the trains etc.all the fans wont get on and will have to wait till the next available one

[allycoops]

Fanzone area





video news from manchester

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1138292711/bctid1542695338

[allycoops]

Fans warned: Don?t turn up if you haven?t booked a seat

by Jonathan Paisley

THOUSANDS of Rangers fans with train tickets to Manchester could be turned away at Glasgow Central.

Virgin Trains have warned supporters who have bought tickets without seat numbers that there is little chance there will be any room for them on the packed trains.

More than 9000 seats have been snapped up for Manchester-bound services on May 13 and 14. The situation affects fans with Open or Saver tickets planning to travel to the Uefa Cup Final.

The train company will be operating a queue system at Central Station and fans with seat reservations will get priority boarding.

advertisementThe problem for Virgin is they just don't know how many Open and Saver tickets have been bought since they are on sale across the UK Extra standing capacity will then be offered to passengers with advance tickets without allocated seats, with the others at the end of the queue, unlikely to be able to get on the train.

Virgin Trains spokesman Allan McLean said: "Our advice to passengers without a reserved seat is to take the ticket back and request a refund.

"We have decided to warn fans in advance rather than ruin their day by having them turn up and be disappointed by being unable to travel to the match.

"Anybody not holding a seat reservation runs the risk of not being able to travel on their preferred service."

Mr McLean added: "We will be doing everything we can on the day to try to accommodate everyone who wants to travel.

"We have 3000 seats out of Glasgow on Wednesday and we are running at capacity."

First Trans Pennine Express will also be running trains from Glasgow to Manchester.

Meanwhile, Rangers fans have booked almost every available hotel room in the north-west of England for next week's final.

Travelling supporters have filled an estimated 50,000 beds in Greater Manchester and nearly as many again in Blackpool - the resort that is fast turning into a base camp for the Scottish fans ahead of the clash with Zenit St Petersburg.

Tourism officials in Manchester yesterday admitted they were recommending Rangers fans look for accommodation as far away as Leeds.

Rangers fans were forced to compete for hotel rooms with mortgage advisers, who are holding a major conference in Manchester next week.

Thousands of supporters have chosen to go to Blackpool, which has 2000 hotels and guesthouses with space for 60,000 people.

Publication date 09/05/08

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display...2258933.0.0.php

[Devilfish]

Hamburg fans @ Rangers last night.

[allycoops]

Rino joins Bayern Munich

Now thats one Guy I'd love to see wearing a Rangers Jersey again

Bayern Munich have already reached an agreement with AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, according to reports.

The Italy international has been targeted by the Bundesliga club to boost their team for an assault on the Champions League next season while striker Luca Toni has repeatedly stated he would welcome a compatriot in the Bayern team next season.

According to Italy's Italia 1 television, the Bavarians have been able to convince the 30-year-old to join with a lucrative contract offer and are now set for talks with his club over a fee.

Earlier this week, Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer claimed Gattuso would be "perfect" for Bayern.

With Milan having signed Mathieu Flamini from Arsenal, Gattuso may now be allowed to leave should the club receive the right offer, believed to be around 20million euros.

The Rossoneri may also ask for unsettled Bayern full-back Willy Sagnol as a makeweight for a deal, according to reports in Italy and Germany.

[allycoops]

Ibrox meeting this morning with mancheser police and officials

All discussions regarding arrangements for supporters of Rangers Football Club travelling to Manchester next week for the UEFA Cup Final have now taken place. The culmination of negotiations was the attendance at a Press Conference at Ibrox of the Police Commander for the event together with the Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester City Council.
Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police dispelled rumours that Rangers supporters would not be welcome in Manchester next week as some press reports had alleged. All supporters travelling to Manchester can expect a warm welcome and a wide range of facilities are being provided to ensure that our supporters enjoy the event whether in the City Centre or at the Stadium. The following information is provided for the guidance of supporters.
? All supporters are urged to visit the website of Manchester City Council where continual updates on a wide variety of supporter related issues will be provided from now until the match, please visit http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/index.php


? Supporters are travelling to Manchester on a variety of routes and using various modes of transport. Clearly with numbers up to 100,000 expected to travel there will be considerable pressure on the transport infrastructure. Supporters are advised to leave extra time for travel particularly those using the M6 and associated routes to travel south.

? Guidance on coach parking and car parking will be updated for supporters over this weekend and it is important that supporters refer to the above website. This site will advise supporters of routes to be followed to the Stadium and parking arrangements. Supporters wishing to park at the Stadium in coaches should register at the following site - [email protected].

? In Manchester City Centre there are now 3 dedicated Fanzones which can accommodate a total of 23,000 supporters. These Fanzones are located as follows:
o Albert Square in the City Centre of Manchester adjacent to the Town Hall, is the main Fanzone dedicated to Rangers Supporters and holds approx 10,000 people.
o Cathedral Gardens is a smaller Fanzone also in the City Centre close to the Arndale Shopping Centre and is also dedicated to Rangers Supporters, this area can accommodate 5,000 people.
o Piccadilly Gardens is the third Fanzone and is primarily allocated to Zenit St Petersburg supporters and can hold around 8,000 people.

? Fanzones will open at 9 o?clock with alcohol being on sale from 10 o?clock onwards at Albert Square and 11 o?clock at Cathedral Gardens.

? It is important for supporters to recognise that the Fanzones themselves are accessible without tickets and are essentially freeflow areas. Despite the above information Rangers supporters and Russian supporters will be allowed to mix freely throughout the City including in the Fanzones. Effectively the whole City Centre has now been designated as one giant Fanzone with several main thoroughfares closed to traffic allowing supporters to move around freely. Alcohol will be sold at bars in all Fanzones although the closure time of these bars has not yet been decided by the Police.

? The Piccadilly Gardens Fanzone, although intended primarily for the Russian supporters will be available for use by Rangers supporters from kick off onwards due to the fact that most Russian supporters will have tickets for the match. The Police anticipate almost total use of this area by Rangers fans from this time onwards.

? One of the most important issues for supporters without tickets going to Manchester is the opportunity to view the match on giant screens in the Fanzones. It has now been announced that there will be 2 large screens in Albert Square, 2 large screens in Cathedral Gardens and 1 giant screen at Piccadilly Gardens. In addition it is estimated that around 21,000 people can be accommodated in the various licensed premises around the City Centre.

? On the subject of alcohol there is a by-law prohibiting public consumption effective in Manchester, this being said, Chief Superintendent Donnellan has publicly stated that the attitude of his officers will be relaxed in this regard. This means that drinking in the Fanzones and other public Squares will be allowed but Police will discourage people from consuming alcohol whilst moving between locations or walking along main streets. It should be appreciated that this concession by the Police depends on a responsible attitude from our supporters.

? A positive impression of our supporters has been portrayed to authorities in Manchester by the Club and by Strathclyde Police and this has undoubtedly resulted in the more relaxed approach which is now evident. However, supporters should be aware that the police policy is that where there is anti social behaviour only one warning will be given.

? The City of Manchester Stadium is situated close to Manchester City centre, taking approximately 30 mins to walk between the two. There is a specially designated walk route clearly signed in orange to guide Rangers supporters safely to and from the designated Fanzones to the Stadium. Details of these signs can be found in the fan information contained at www.manchester.gov.uk there will be a shuttle bus service running between the Fanzones and the Stadium which is free when showing your match ticket. Obviously this shuttle service will be extremely busy in the lead up to kick off and supporters are encouraged wherever possible to walk to the Stadium on the designated route. Supporters parking in coaches at the Stadium on arrival can obviously use the shuttle service to access the City Centre.

? As stated above further information will be made available on Coach parking over the weekend. There are 420 coach parking spaces available at the stadium in two separate car parks and there is a second coach park for 400 coaches at Lancashire Cricket Club close to Old Trafford Stadium. Supporters wishing to use the coach parks at the Stadium should register following the instructions contained on the www.manchester.gov.uk website.

? Police have advised that a number of counterfeit tickets produced in the Liverpool area have been put on sale in Glasgow. These tickets will not allow access to the Stadium due to technical features only contained on valid tickets. Supporters are urged not to buy tickets from unofficial sources on any account.

? A map of the Stadium is attached for the information of supporters clearly outlining the seating block numbers. click here
The Club have been immensely proud of our supporters conduct across Europe this season. The UEFA Cup Final is the pinnacle of all our efforts both on and off the field. We would ask supporters to continue to Follow with Pride in Manchester and ensure that the reputation we have built up this season during our European campaign is maintained. Whether you are going to Manchester simply to enjoy the atmosphere in the Fanzones or in the City Centre or whether you are going to the match itself, please remember you are all ambassadors for Rangers Football Club. Thank you for all your efforts so far

[biffo1]

well all i can say from a man u fan is all the best to Rangers , hope they do the biz in the final ,and bring the trophy back .

[allycoops]

new approach to Training @ Murray Park

well all i can say from a man u fan is all the best to Rangers , hope they do the biz in the final ,and bring the trophy back .

Cheers biffo for the above mate

The sand dunes at Gullane are now but a sepia-tinted memory. Ice baths, compression garments and truckloads of pasta are on the menu as Rangers seek to conserve their energy for the last leg of a marathon season. The Ibrox club have immersed themselves in the latest sports science techniques and hope that the benefits continue for the next few weeks as they seek to close out a potentially history-making season.

Adam Owen is the hub of the club's sports science department and has revolutionised their approach to preparation and recovery time. The 28-year-old was recommended by Kenny McDowall, the Rangers first team coach, who worked alongside him at rivals Celtic.

Owen enjoyed a modest playing career north and south of the border, before moving into coaching at Parkhead, Sheffield Wednesday and then his current sports science role at Murray Park.


"He Owen has made a big difference," said Walter Smith, the Rangers manager. "In the last few games we have been finishing strongly and that's a testimony to the work he put in, especially in the early part of the season. We've had to cut back on our training because of the number of matches we have, but the work he did in the early part of the season has been fantastic.

"Kenny McDowall worked with Adam before and had no hesitation in recommending him. It's been interesting from my own point of view, in comparison to how we did it a few years ago. We used to do a lot more running in pre-season training. They now do far shorter runs and they tell me that it gets the same benefit. At this stage, if we weren't in the physical condition we were in then we would be showing the signs."

Owen's sports science revolution has been hastened by his ability to integrate into the dressing room. At 28, he is a contemporary of most of the players and has found willing converts to his gospel. Steven Whittaker, the Rangers midfielder, praised the contribution of Owen. "Adam's a great lad, he's always encouraging us to eat and drink the right stuff at the right times. He has travelled to different clubs to see the way they do it as well.

"Even when you want to chill out he is stuffing food like pasta, and juice in your face. It's all for your benefit, though. Sports science is always developing, even from when I started until now. There's lots of things you can do. I try and eat after every game, and we get compression garments and ice baths as well. Hopefully all these bits and pieces will come together to make us stronger."

Rangers' training sessions are now structured and delivered by McDowall, assistant manager Ally McCoist and Owen. If the latter has helped to maintain the players' energy levels, then the McCoist and McDowall combination has helped keep the dressing room buoyant during this most arduous of seasons.

"This year, not only did we have a lot of new players, but the entire backroom staff has changed as well," added Smith. "Ally, Kenny and Adam have done all the training this year. I do most of the team shaping and team talks. It's interesting to see how they go about it - in a totally different way from I did previously.

It works.

"Both Ally and Kenny have worked extremely hard to create a good atmosphere on the training ground. That helps a great deal in terms of how we have handled this situation we are in. There is a good feeling in our camp overall and that is due to the work that they do.

"They, more than myself or anyone else, have created an environment where people want to come in and work. That's been reflected in the way we have handled the games over the season. It's quite remarkable that they have done that in such a short space of time."

[gazz10]

Yip i cant agree more lets bring that mickey mouse cup back to glasgow, 120 mins plus 5 kicks, been doing all season, so come on barry get your troops up n ready for it, and i hope you been practising.....

[allycoops]

Manchester police have assured Rangers supporters they will get a warm welcome in the city for next week's Uefa Cup Final against FC Zenit St Petersburg.

There had been suggestions that fans without tickets should stay away.

Greater Manchester Police said they were preparing for up to 100,000 football fans to descend on the city.

Several fan zones with giant screens are to be set up and it is estimated that the city economy will receive a ?5m boost.

The Manchester authorities have spent the day in Glasgow discussing how to deal with the issues surrounding the game.



Ch Supt Gerry Donnellan, the match commander, met representatives from Rangers and Strathclyde Police.

He said: "We are anticipating a very large but a very friendly crowd to Manchester. The policing operation will be appropriate to that.

"We want people to enjoy coming to Manchester and also enjoy the experience of watching a world class football match."

Manchester City Council has said it would set up three fan zones with big screens and entertainment.

Officials also conceded that trying to stop fans drinking would be like telling them to "stop breathing".


A by-law in Manchester bans drinking in some public areas - but supporters are unlikely to face police action if they drink in the designated areas.

The authorities did not go as far as saying the by-law would be suspended for the match, but suggested fans would be allowed to drink in the areas set aside for them.

City-wide venues

The council's assistant chief executive, Vicky Rosin, said they were expecting "unprecedented numbers" of Rangers fans.

She added: "Those particular areas are designated for fans but then there are pubs and clubs right across the city that will be open and welcoming fans and many of them will have screens within them to watch the game."

Rangers fans have been queueing throughout the day at Ibrox Stadium to collect their tickets for the match.

The club plays FC Zenit of St Petersburg at the City of Manchester stadium on Wednesday.

[C64]

Yip i cant agree more lets bring that mickey mouse cup back to glasgow

I wish it was US that were trying to win that 'mickey mouse cup'

'Mon the Huns in Europe.

'Mon Dundee United in the SPL, hump them 2 - 0

[allycoops]

nice one witchy mate about UEfa, ~~~~ ya about the league though mate,

:rangers3:

[allycoops]

what a sight this will be

A RED, white and blue convoy will head from Ibrox to Manchester for Wednesday's UEFA Cup final.

The plans were unveiled as Manchester threw its arms wide open to welcome the 100,000-plus Rangers fans heading for the clash with Zenit St Petersburg.

The city is laying on two - possibly three - fan zones for the army of supporters desperate to soak up the atmosphere.

And Rangers fans are signing up for the 220-mile car conga, which will leave their home ground at 10am on Tuesday.

The multi-coloured cavalcade will head into the city centre, out to Strathclyde Park in Lanarkshire then down the M74 towards Manchester.

One fan taking part said: "We've got a great big convoy rockin' down the road.

"Everyone is being urged to bring along flags, scarves, banners - the lot.

"We want motors decked out in club colours for a carnival procession all the way to the host city.

"Folk have promised to decorate cars, bikes, buses and whatever other transport turns up on the day from scooters to skateboards.

"It is also hoped to have car stickers made up to plaster across the windows and flags flying out of windows and sunroofs.

"There is only one planned stop to refuel and grab some munchies and nip to the loo."

It is estimated the number of coaches already booked to travel down from Glasgow would stretch 13 miles if laid bumper to bumper.

A Rangers spokesman confirmed "just under 17,000" fans had tickets after getting extra from UEFA.

The thousands without tickets will be able to enjoy booze, food and the match in the city centre fan zones.

Giant screens are to be set up to ensure no one misses a kick at the City of Manchester Stadium.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Manchester will be an open city.

"Supporters are urged not to travel without a ticket.

"But realistically, city chiefs know that thousands will want to be near their club during the crucial match.

"We had originally only planned one fan zone for each set of supporters but, because of the fact so many will travel and it looks like Rangers fans will have the majority of tickets, we have had to set up a second site."

As well as the fan zones in Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens, there will be a series of three-a-side football tournaments and shuttle buses to the stadium.

A third fan zone - in Cathedral Gardens - may be unveiled later this week.

It's understood the fan zones may be mixed.

Council chiefs urged local businesses, pubs and hotels to create a carnival atmosphere.

They also warned supporters not to let their home cities down, saying fans should act as "ambassadors".

Councillor Pat Karney said: "It's going to be a fantastic busy day and we are making plans so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

"Fans will be ambassadors for their clubs and their cities, so our message to them is, 'Please don't let down your home city'.

"Manchester is excellent at hosting major events and - just like at the Commonwealth Games - we want people to welcome our visitors and enjoy the busy atmosphere."

Council and police chiefs will continue to work on the plans right up until the day of the game.

The match commander for the final will be in Glasgow tomorrow to iron out plans.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan will be joined by Manchester City Council's assistant chief executive Vicky Rosin for the meeting at Ibrox.

Mr Donnellan said: "Manchester loves its football and we are delighted that the city is hosting this final.

"We are experts in policing major football events and we want the day to be as enjoyable as possible for supporters, residents and businesses.

"Everyone in Manchester has a part to play in creating an enjoyable and busy atmosphere.

"We want pubs and hotels to be open and to be properly staffed so that we can give visitors a proper welcome.

"We want to deliver a successful event for everyone who lives and works in Manchester and for our visitors."

Police also dismissed claims that hotel bookings for fans will be cancelled unless premises have stewards because the cops will not be able to respond to flashpoints.

A spokesman said: "We will have extra resources in the city centre on the day of the final and will be in a position to deal with any incidents accordingly.

"We have asked local businesses, and in particular hotels and licensed premises, to take a detailed look at their security arrangements. This is purely to advise them to ensure they have the correct security in place to enable them to deal with the expected extra demand."

Accommodation is virtually impossible to find in Manchester and Stephen Miles, chairman of the city's hoteliers association, admitted they had been inundated with requests.

He said: "We have had calls asking if the city can cope with the 100,000 fans they believe are heading our way.

"I think the truth is that many will only head here for the day and others will have to stay in cities around Manchester.

"But it will be a huge challenge." Pubs, bars and clubs are also gearing up for the invasion.

Phil Burke, spokesman for the Manchester Pub and Club Network, said: "We've been preparing for this since last August.

"We have always known it was going to be incredibly busy in the city on that day.

"We have special measures in place to deal with all the fans, many of whom won't have tickets.

"And we have all been working very closely with the police to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves in the right kind of atmosphere."

Rangers fans flying to the game will be segregated from their Russian counterparts, a spokesman for Manchester airport confirmed.

Special measures have been set up to deal with around 10,000 supporters from both clubs who are expected at the airport.

Rangers fans will arrive and depart from terminal 3, while Zenit's fans will travel through terminal 1.

Additional security staff are being laid on and Russian speakers will be there to help fans.

Detailed information about fan zones, travel and parking arrangements will be available through Manchester City Council's website www.manchester.gov.uk within the next few days.

WELCOME TO FANCHESTER

Rangers fans heading into Manchester without a ticket for the big game will be able to soak up the atmosphere in one of the fan zones - three are being planned - with big screens to watch the match. Mini football tournaments will also be arranged and buses will run between the city centre and the stadium

[DirtyAce]

I cant wait for Wednesday to arrive, its gonna be my greatest day of being a ranger.

We can do it, come on the teddy bears.