Meeting for Bears going to Seville

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

Ibrox Suite, Sunday 29th November, 1.30pm

 

As most will know, there was a meeting held at Murray Park last Monday before the club issued their decision that they were going to take a full allocation of Seville tickets.

 

That meeting consisted of representatives of the Rangers Assembly, Flight Options, Nithsdale and Kinning Park RSC's together with Martin Bain, Kenny Scott and other officals from the club.

 

The meeting was to discuss ways to allow our true fans to travel to the game, and have an official ticket for the Rangers area of the ground, what security measures are in place for us, where buses will be dropping off before the game etc, and obviously how we can try to ensure that there is no trouble from within our support, as it is clear UEFA will take a very firm stance with us should be have to go before them again.

 

As a follow-up to that meeting, there is another open meeting to all supporters who are intending travelling to Seville, and also for anyone organising transport in Spain to the stadium from holiday resorts etc.

 

This meeting is essentially to discuss what we can do as individual supporters to ensure we get fair treatment, to pass on all the information we have regarding what will happen when we get there, ticket distribution, stewarding, policing, and transport.

 

The meeting is in the Ibrox Suite, located between the Copland and Govan stands at Ibrox at 1.30 this coming Sunday, the 29th November, and will be chaired by Billy Montgomery.

 

This is not an official meeting arranged by the club, but has the backing of the club as they try to ensure we have the best information possible, and to allow us to ensure we can look out for each other, and make the trip a memorable one.

 

There are some special links between the two clubs, with our legendary manager Jock Wallace also having been manager of Seville, and not forgetting the tin man himself, Ted McMinn, who played there for a spell also.

 

I look forward to seeing as many of you at Ibrox on Sunday as possible.

[Bluedell 5,624]

Great idea. Hopefully this will help the situation for all involved.

[Frankie 8,562]

Yep, good stuff and I'd recommend anyone who is going to Seville and can make this meeting, attend Ibrox and listen to what these good bears have to say.

 

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

Just a wee bump as a reminder of this meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1.30pm.

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

A delegation of fans that are travelling to Seville met in the Ibrox Suite on Sunday 29 November 2009 to discuss arrangements for the trip. Kenny Scott, Rangers FC Head of Security, and Jim Hannah, Rangers FC Supporters Liaison Manager, were present.

 

Attendees were informed of the outcome of meetings with the Spanish authorities regarding arrangements for the match on 9 December 2009. The Police and other authorities in Seville do not anticipate any problems with our visit. Fans were advised about drop-off and pick-up points for coaches and procedures for security checkpoints outside the turnstiles. In sharp contrast to Bucharest, there will be seven entry turnstiles for Rangers fans to enable good access. Kenny Scott stated that the stadium access points, catering outlets and toilet facilities are all of a good standard.

 

Rangers FC will be advising details of the ticket pick-up arrangements shortly.

Rangers FC will take 10 stewards (4 can speak Spanish) and they will be supported by six liaison officers from Strathclyde Police. After the difficulties in Bucharest, some stewards will be equipped with head cameras to ensure that all the agreed arrangements in the vicinity of the stadium are adhered to by the Spanish authorities.

 

One key point to note is that there is no space in the Rangers section to accommodate flags and banners neither is there trackside space to lay them out. The representatives of several Rangers Supporters Clubs (RSC's) in attendance agreed that, on this occasion, it would be sensible not to take their flags to the stadium, and that we would ask our fellow RSC's to follow suit.

 

Plans are in place to provide all fans with a leaflet highlighting our links with Sevilla FC - legendary manager Jock Wallace had a spell with them and Ted McMinn played there. Ted will be travelling over for the match as a Rangers FC ambassador.

 

Other initiatives are being explored to help make the trip an enjoyable experience for all fans and to ensure that the reputation of Rangers fans is of the highest order.

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

Sorry for the delay in getting this up guys, been really busy at work today, and the release was only issued about an hour ago.

 

I believe we have to be a bit grown up about this. The easiest thing would have been for the club to say we are not taking tickets at all, but they have shown faith in us, and we have to ensure we repay that faith.

 

On this occassion the club have asked for our assistance in not taking our flags inside the stadium, as there is a lack of space for them to be displayed, and in return the club will continue to try to arrange, wherever possible, for an area to be set aside for our flags, like what happened in Stuttgart earlier this season. That was arranged by the club for the local stewards to take our flags and display them behind the goal. We have assurances that the club will continue to do this for every future trip.

 

Speaking to several of the RSC reps that were in attendance, they could all see that was a small sacrifice to make to try to ensure that things go smoothly. I personally dont buy the scenario made by some that the Spanish dont want our flags because of Gibralter, or any display of Britishness, as the Spanish have not asked that we dont bring our flags, it is a sort of personal repsonsibility thing we are trying to promote.

 

It is also worth noting that at the meeting it was asked if we could look into having another meeting, perhaps in the spring, to look towards next season, and sort of a fans forum to try to put forward some suggestions towards improving European travel for supporters, be that through the existing Travel Club, RSC's, or independant travellers. We will probably see about trying to do this, if there is a demand for it from supporters, as it appears the club are ready to listen to the fans in this post-Murray era. Time will tell I suppose, and we should see how the Seville match goes before looking too far ahead.

[craig 5,199]

 

It is also worth noting that at the meeting it was asked if we could look into having another meeting, perhaps in the spring, to look towards next season, and sort of a fans forum to try to put forward some suggestions towards improving European travel for supporters, be that through the existing Travel Club, RSC's, or independant travellers. We will probably see about trying to do this, if there is a demand for it from supporters, as it appears the club are ready to listen to the fans in this post-Murray era. Time will tell I suppose, and we should see how the Seville match goes before looking too far ahead.

 

Assuming, of course, we finish high enough in the league to gain entry to Europe next season :fish:

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

Assuming, of course, we finish high enough in the league to gain entry to Europe next season :fish:

 

That, my friend, is not even worth considering. Number 53 is on its way :spl: (he said hopefully)

[Tannochsidebear 2,405]

I regret to announce that the tin man will not be able to make it now to Seville as an ambassador. We knew he was having some personal issues that may have prevented him from going, but we were all hopeful he would be able to make it, but he has had confirmation that he can now not attend.

 

I am sure I speak for all Rangers fans in wishing big Ted all the best.

[Frankie 8,562]

That's a pity mate; perhaps someone in Jock's family could step in?

 

Thanks a lot for helping facilitate this open debate for all fans interested in the subject. More power to your elbow.