Stuart Bathgate's Manchester blog

Wednesday 14 May, 5.00pm

JUST hours to go now, and the slow crawl to the City of Manchester Stadium is well under way. Police estimates, traditionally conservative, have stated that around 80,000 Rangers fans have congregated for a second day in the town centre, supplemented by around 13,000 supporters of Zenit St Petersburg.

The majority of those supporters are set to stay more or less where they are, and watch this evening's game on one of the giant screens in the centre. Those luckier ones with tickets, by contrast, have begun to gather themselves and their paraphernalia together, and set off on the longish march out to Eastlands.

It's only a 25-minute walk from Piccadilly, at least it is if you can keep to a straight line, which some of the celebrants we've witnessed clearly can no longer manage. And it's baking hot as well, which is adding to the problems for some of the would-be pedestrians.

In parts of the town, the weight of numbers is such that the tram service has been suspended. This is just as well, because these trams snake almost silently through the streets, sneaking up on the unsuspecting.

So, a lot of people have been partying hard, showing their determination to have a good time irrespective of the result. Even for many of them, though, the predominant mood on match day is one of waiting with increasing impatience for the action to begin.

It's not only the players who find that time lies heavy on their hands as the countdown to kick-off goes on. For spectators, too, the feeling is slightly like being a backshift worker – little to do but tread water until the real purpose of the day is at hand.

So you laze around your hotel room, trying to tell yourself you're sleepier than you really are and need to have a lie down for a while.

You don't want to peak too soon and find yourself frazzled, do you?

Well, some of us don't. Others are more willing to take a chance.


Tuesday 13 May, 5.13pm

WE got on the road south just in time. As we approached Biggar, news came on the radio that a 100-vehicle convoy was about to leave Ibrox, parade around George Square and then begin the long procession to Manchester. Traffic disruption was going to be severe.

As it was, although that hold-up was avoided, it was not long before we encountered the first flotilla of Rangers supporters – the Fife Loyal RSC, squeezed into a mini-van and making steady progress.

The southerly trickle of fans became a steady flow the nearer the Border we reached, and all this the day before the final. Scarves were streaming behind each vehicle, and many had Union Jack flags on display as well.

Annandale Water Services in Dumfries and Galloway had become an oasis for Rangers fans on the road. Almost all appeared to be pacing themselves well, taking coffee and snacks on board rather than anything stronger. That could wait.

Once south of the Border, the flow began to dry up again. With around 100,000 Rangers supporters expected in Manchester for tonight's UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg, it was obvious there was going to be a shortage of accommodation in the city itself. Many would have to find a bed for the night elsewhere, with Blackpool one of the most popular destinations for the pre-match festivities. It has to be said, though, that the offer by one press agency to cover the Scottish invasion of the town was guilty of a touch of exaggeration when it claimed that 100,000 – yes, that same figure again – would be in Blackpool alone.

Even when the Glasgow Fair fortnight was at its height, in the days when few could afford foreign holidays and opted instead for the delights of the Lancashire seaside, there was surely nothing close to a six-figure number who made it to Blackpool.

Approaching Manchester, there was even less sign that a major event was about to take place. No signs for the stadium itself, for example, until we were about a mile or two away.

It's better by far, of course, in the city centre itself, where directions to fanzones, tram stops and the venue are omnipresent. And if you can't work out where you're going, there are more than enough police and council workers around to help.

Anyway, we got to the ground just as Walter Smith was walking into the media tent for the eve-of-match press conference. Only three or four supporters were there to wish him all the best. A few more will be in place come 7.45 this evening.