WATCH out Derby, the Tartan Army is coming – and it's here to party.
That's the message from the expected 10,000 Glasgow Rangers fans who are due to descend on the city next Saturday for their friendly with Derby County.
John Vicars, chief operating officer at the Rams' iPro Stadium, has confirmed that the Scottish club has so far sold 8,200 for the clash, with a crowd of 15,000 expected.
To add to the atmosphere, former Rams and Rangers favourite Ted McMinn, a hugely popular player at both clubs, is to be the guest of honour at the match.
McMinn said: "It is going to be a fantastic match and I am sure the Rangers fans will be here in Derby to party.
"When there is a game like this, played at a big stadium with a large away fan allocation, you can always rely on Rangers to travel in numbers and fill it.
"They won't be bothered about how they get back to Scotland, so long as they arrive in time to get back to work on Monday.
"I'm really looking forward to it. It's a real privilege to be guest of honour and let's hope there's a big crowd."
Rangers last played at the stadium in 2007 for McMinn's testimonial match.
That attracted more than 33,000 fans, of which 12,000 were supporting the away team.
John Macmillan, general secretary of the Rangers Supporters' Association, said fans would travel far and wide to get to Derby.
He said: "Because the club is making its way back to the Scottish Premier League, our allocation of tickets for away games at smaller stadiums the past couple of seasons has limited the numbers able to travel.
"So the chance to play at a bigger stadium with a far higher ticket allocation is really attractive.
"There will be thousands come from Scotland but we have thousands of supporters south of the border who will come from all over to watch their team play.
"It should be a great atmosphere."
The match is the final pre-season friendly for Steve McClaren's men before the Championship opener at home to Rotherham United on August 9.
Superintendent Gary Parkin will be Derbyshire Police's match commander at the Rangers game.
He said: "We have been liaising with Police Scotland and joint intelligence with them has so far shown there are no plans for any disorder or problems before, during or after the match.
"Some Rangers fans have been known to bring flares to matches but we will have a specialist pyrotechnics dog outside the stadium checking people and bags as they try to go through the turnstiles.
"Rangers fans will be welcomed in the city where I am sure they will come to have a tremendous day out.
"I am sure there will be a party atmosphere."
Ralf Edge is the landlord of the Alexandra Hotel in Siddals Road, Derby, a popular watering hole for fans before Derby County matches.
He said: "We have been stocking up in preparation of the Ranger fans coming and they are welcome to come to the Alex.
"Speaking to those who remember when they last came, the Rangers fans drank a lot of beer.
"I'm sure they will all behave themselves and the day will be a huge success."
mnaylor@derbytelegraph.co.uk
