Blackpool is well used to dealing with invasions from Scotland since as far back as the Victorian era when factories closed during the traditional Glasgow during Fair Fortnight.
Many headed to the popular seaside resort for a well-earned break and they descended on the Lancashire town en masse. And the locals are set to see huge numbers arrive again on that July weekend but this time the punters are going for more than just a holiday with Rangers in town.
A trip to Bloomfield Road for the Ibrox outfit last season for a pre-season friendly had to be binned for Covid reasons. But Giovanni van Bronckhorst is taking his side down this weekend as he looks to get 90 minutes into his players’ legs after the frustration of the weekend game against Sunderland in Albufeira being called off at half-time due to floodlight failure.
And thousands of Rangers fans are set to make the journey with tickets being snapped up for all parts of the stadium which holds just over 16,000. With Everton also set to visit after Gers, the Blackpool Gazette state: “It’s understood in excess of 8,000 fans are due to make the trip to the Fylde coast, although many will also be local residents with a strong contingent of Rangers fans already living in the wider Blackpool area.
"Rangers fans have been given both the East and South Stands, with more ticket sales anticipated between now and Saturday. Gers fans have also been given access to the Corner Flag restaurant in the South-East corner of the ground as well as the Heineken hospitality lounge.”
Former Hibs managerial target Michael Appleton - who had Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram at Oxford United - is now at the Blackpool helm after he was appointed as Neil Critchley's replacement when he left to become Steven Gerrard's No. 2 following Michael Beale's departure.
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