Celtic v Blackburn...

[SMc_Celtic]

Hello there Rovers fans!

Nice forum you have here!

Just popped in to see what the gossip is leading up to the big match between both our much loved clubs.

First of all, tickets....I am so so glad you are giving us 8,000. Great gesture. Rovers could have been awkward about it and given us the standard 5%. We could have filled Ewood on our own, but 8,000 is a decent allocation.

Pity there seems to be a possible shortage for your visit to Celtic Park. I hope all you travelling manage to get tickets.

What will be guaranteed though is an incredible atmosphere at each ground. If you are considering travelling to Glasgow, please don't miss the chance! Get up here! You will have a brilliant time. You will never experience an atmosphere like it. You will also be welcomed by Celtic fans in Glasgow....please feel free to visit the 'Gallowgate'.....which leads to Celtic Park and is full of Celtic pubs. You will be made to feel at home.

I'll definitely be down for the game at Ewood. Any suggestions where to visit before the game? best pubs to go to etc.?

Hope it's a great match.....I won't be making predictions!

Cheers,

SMc

P.S. All the best for tomorrow v Newcastle....hope you stuff them!

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

''First of all, tickets....I am so so glad you are giving us 8,000. Great gesture. Rovers could have been awkward about it and given us the standard 5%. We could have filled Ewood on our own, but 8,000 is a decent allocation.''

No need for the sarcasm my Selik friend!!!!!!!

:'>

[Baz]

Can you please let us know where the tickets we have been allocated at Celtic Park are in the ground, and how good / bad are the restricted / severly restricted views.

As for pubs try the Fernhurst right next to the Darwin End stand where you will all be sat

[SMc_Celtic]

Simon! I was being serious....no sarcasm there! 8,000 is excellent. I was expecting around 3,000. Suppose it's a sensible idea.....considering another 10,000 would probably still make the trip.

It will be a great occassion anyway!

Baz....yes......the away area at Celtic Park is in the small corner next to the old stand. The restricted view is due to one of the columns of the old stand blocking the view of a line of people behind it. If you have the option of restricted view or no ticket at all...TAKE THE TICKET! it's still worth it.

I'll try and find a pic somewhere of the away area so you can have a look.

Cheers

[Ste B]

Are there any away pubs near Parkhead that Rovers fans can go in

[Radagast]

Not ones that you could leave with all your teeth in place, no.

As I've said before, city centre is the best bet and its only about 10 minutes on the bus or 20-30 walking (possibly more advisable, the traffic will be a nightmare).

[Glenn]

SMc - http://www.awayguide.net and click on Blackburn for info on where to drink etc.

[Rovermatt]

Are there any away pubs near Parkhead that Rovers fans can go in

Without wanting to cause offence to anyone, Celtic Park is located in the middle of a huge area resembling Kabul. You can get a taxi out there but they won't come in for you of their own accord. Two years ago I ended up walking three miles back to the hotel after the St.Mirren championship game, through Glasgow's east-end. It certainly reminded me of home. I quickly discovered that our blue and white colours would be very welcome all year round in certain 'pubs' in that area.

[Baz]

I'll try and find a pic somewhere of the away area so you can have a look.

Cheers SMc_Celtic, that would be quite useful!

[SMc_Celtic]

SteB....there are no real 'Away' pubs around the stadium. As I said before though, you will be welcome in the Celtic pubs en route to the stadium.

Radaghast's comments were uncalled for, you are in no danger. Best bet is to spend the afternoon in the City centre which is great for pubs/restaurants etc. Couple of hours before the game, get a taxi the short distance to the 'Gallowgate'. There you will find the street leading to the stadium, full of Celtic pubs. Honestly, you will be looked after in these places and I promise you will have a great time soaking up the atmosphere before the match. From there, you can see Celtic Park which is only a 10-15min walk away.

Rovermatt, I agree Parkhead is not the best area in Glasgow....but taxis don't refuse to go there! They avoid it on match days because of the large crowds....not because there is any danger!

Those who make the journey will have a great time, and experience probably the best atmosphere you ever have!

I'll go and find a pic of the away area as promised!

Cheers

[Rovermatt]

Rovermatt, I agree Parkhead is not the best area in Glasgow....but taxis don't refuse to go there! They avoid it on match days because of the large crowds....not because there is any danger!

Fair enough.

Surely though the crowds would be an incentive for their going there.

[SMc_Celtic]

No chance mate....they hate it! just get bogged down in traffic. Best to wander into town by foot after games. Even if you do get a taxi...it won't be able to move due to the 60,000 all trying to get home (or to the pub!)

So....how did you manage to get to the St mirren game? nice one! Did you enjoy the atmosphere?

[Baz]

Any hints on car parking as well?

[Claytons Left Boot]

I've been to Parkhead around 15 - 20 times but the last time was in 1991. Approach from the east down London Road and you should find somewhere. It's rough though with a capital "R". Expect a little "minder" to watch your car. Give him a quid and promise another quid when you return after the game.It's well worth the cost!

[Rovermatt]

So....how did you manage to get to the St mirren game? nice one! Did you enjoy the atmosphere?

Well my dad wrote a book about the legendary Belfast Celtic and brought some of the old players over to meet O'Neill who knows a number of them.

Coming from a Celtic family, the whole thing was like a trip to bloody Mecca. The atmosphere was alright yeah, :'>

[SMc_Celtic]

That's excellent Rovermatt....nice story!

Not making the trip up for this match?

[polmikcfc]

Rovermatt,

Watched the highlights of the Newcastle Game, I noticed a lot of banners at each end, one end with the Red Hand of Ulster flag and one with the Irish Tricolour. Do Rovers have a big Irish following ???

P.S Any good city centre pubs before the game ??

Cheers

[Ste B]

The Barbary Coast - Sams Bar, Sun, Star, Bar Ibiza, Stage Door, St Johns Tavern and ZyBar are the best places to go to.  

Rest are OK, not sure if some of the poncey bar type places on church st such as Marleys, Jam, The old Yates etc are open during the day.   all about 2 mins walk from Blackburn train station.   If not, there plenty of other pubs, whether they will make exceptions and not let colours in on that day remains to be seen, but is possible.

Pubs near the ground normally are home fans only except the Fernhurst, which is a pretty big place, and people end up boozing outside  Then again it depends what time you're planning on hitting Blackburn.

[polmikcfc]

Should be in Blackburn about Midday, most of the Celtic suport will be arriving at 12.00- 1.00pm.  As far as I know there is a lot travelling without tickets, just coming down for the day out and watch the game down there. Reckon there should be a good 12-15,000 travelling.

Should be a great game.

Cheers for the Pub guide ..

[Ste B]

I've got the afternoon of the home game booked off as well to go round a few pubs.  Hope theres not too many of you that we can't get served

[tonygreenbank]

Lets hope then that there is a big screen set up somewhere for the extra fans or better still watch it at home in Glasgow.

[Rovermatt]

That's excellent Rovermatt....nice story!

Not making the trip up for this match?

Story? it's true I tell you I'm not coming over to Glasgow but I am going to Ewood for the 2nd leg.

Polmikcfc, as far as I know Rovers do have a large following over here in Ireland. They would have less than the big three clubs but more Irish support than many of the other Premier League teams.

[Baz]

Lets hope then that there is a big screen set up somewhere for the extra fans or better still watch it at home in Glasgow.

Anyone mentioned 'the hill' yet or are we best to leave that alone?

Im sure the pubs will be showing BBC1 anyway for those who cant be bothered to pay.

[SMc_Celtic]

Thanks for the pub list ....that will come in handy!

I hope to arrive as early as possible.....probably 12.00...so plenty of time to check out the pubs! Don't have my ticket yet, but will definitely get one!

Rovermatt.....I believe you.....I meant it was genuinely a 'nice' story!