Mechanics chairman bids to increase Mosset Park capacity for Gers game
WITH the demand for Forres Mechanics versus Rangers tickets building up to boiling point, the "Gazette" exclusively reveals purchasing details in todays issue.
Mechanics chairman, Dr James Anderson, is to further raise the profile of the club tomorrow, first by filming part of an episode of Sky 1’s Saturday morning television show ‘Soccer AM’, then, by attempting to increase Mosset Park’s capacity during a crunch-meeting with Moray Council.
"I got a call asking if we’d like the forthcoming tie to feature in Soccer AM and if Sky could film myself and some of the players," said Dr Anderson.
"Of course I said "yes" so the Forres boys in the team - Ross (Chucky) Macpherson, Matty Davidson, Simon Allan, Mathew Fraser, Steven Fraser - and myself are meeting with them tomorrow. I’m not of the age group that watches the programme so I’ll just have to see what transpires. I’ve to wear a kilt anyway and Chucky and Matty are all grins."
After the fun and games to be televised in the near future, Dr Anderson will get down to the serious business of increasing the availability of tickets for the forthcoming Scottish Cup tie with Rangers to supply the massive demand.
"After the filming with Soccer AM I have a meeting with Moray Council and I’m looking to get the capacity increased by 1000," he said.
"Even 2500 would be a modest request. We will have a look at the ground together rather than via email and discussion over the phone."
Forres Mechanics have had ongoing discussions with Moray Council and Grampian Police about the impact of such a high profile match in the town and, in particular, the expected influx of Rangers fans on the day.
"The police will also be present on Wednesday," confirmed Dr Anderson. "I have had several discussions with them so far - they have been very accommodating and are happy with the general plan we are putting in place. I believe that safety would be enhanced if the supporters are inside the ground rather than large numbers of disappointed and frustrated individuals looking over the wall at empty spaces inside."
He confirmed that the police are aware of the potential difficulties that may arise as a result of the expected away support on arrival, in particular the dangers of the bypass.
"There may be further speed restrictions placed on the day. The last thing anyone wants is rows of people at the roadside. Any further alterations are dependent on ongoing discussions."
Dr Anderson said that there are no significant alterations planned for Mosset Park itself but that the supporters will be cordoned off. Rangers fans will be designated the east end of the ground, entering from Bogton Road.
He was adamant that the match would be played in Forres after calls from some supporters to move the game to a larger venue to maximise the potential revenue for the club.
"It’s going to be very much a Forres day. To play the game elsewhere would mean losing the romantic impact and its an opportunity for the club to create a piece of history. It also improves our chances by playing on home ground. An ideal result would be a draw on the 29th, a win at Ibrox then bring on the Celtic ... but we are playing for a win."
Having recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise, Dr Anderson has been thrilled by the attention the tie has been bringing to Forres throughout the UK.
"The most impressive aspect is the interest that the local community is expressing, supporters or not but I have had a registered delivery from Glasgow with a fiver and three lottery tickets enclosed requesting a programme, club badge and match ticket. While I was away a lady on the cruise overheard me say I was from Forres and asked if I knew anything about Mechanics. She said her father was chairman of Liverpool FC during the Shankly era. She was from the Isle of Man but knew of Forres because of the match and the town’s performances in Britain in Bloom."
