Seven Minutes of Football

May, 2011. Another final game of the season, another league decider away from home, and once again, I'm parked in the stand behind the goals. Two years ago, it was Dundee, this time, Kilmarnock.

The video is the first seven minutes of the game. This is how I love to see Rangers play; with pace and attacking teams. Three or four passes to get to the other end of the pitch, and in this game, three attacks brought three goals.

I couldn't actually believe what I was seeing. We'd all had a few pints on the train down to the south west of Scotland (Johnny in particular was rather imbibed!), but it was incredible. The place erupted and the early goals made for an enjoyable and relaxed afternoon!

24th May, Tannadice - A Reflection

On the 24th of May, Tannadice cemented itself in my opinion as a favourite football away day. As one of only a few thousand present in the 'Shed' I felt somewhat honoured to be in attendance watching Rangers obtain their 52nd Scottish League title. The game itself was fine, but it was the buildup which had the most impact.

There must have been at least 100 re-dials to Tannadice about a month beforehand to secure the tickets. With United selling them to the fans direct, I went ahead and got some. As the games progressed, the title swayed in the favour of Rangers, then Celtic, then back to Rangers after a series of bizarre results. Rangers were in pole position and suddenly the £22 tickets I had were changing hands for several hundred pounds. It would have taken a lot more than that, as I was taking Dani to her first Rangers game and I knew the atmosphere would be electric!

Tension built up and on the way to Dundee, every second or third car was filled with supporters, with Celtic busses travelling south on the opposite carriageway. The wait outside the ground was heightened with JC's weak bladder! We got in, the songs started 20 minutes before the match and finished about an hour after. Rangers scored an early goal, then one before half time and a third early in the second half. The songs continued, the helicopter flew overhead and the match was over. We headed south and passed those same Celtic coaches travelling north, it was somewhat amusing.

It has brought about a sense of happiness amongst everyone, suddenly the imminent Champions League fixtures has everyone foaming at the mouth. As for the atmosphere, I haven't sampled anything like that since the Sturm Graz game in September 2000. The song of the day? Well one someone has thankfully added to YouTube, Glasgow Rangers Champions....