MORE than 20,000 Tartan Army footsoldiers will descend on Boston next June to see Scotland kick off their Stateside World Cup campaign.
Expats in the Massachusetts city — home of legendary US sitcom Cheers — were stunned yesterday when fans’ chiefs predicted the huge arrival to drink to our historic return to the global footballing stage.
Steve Clarke’s Hampden heroes will play their first two matches against Haiti and Morocco in Boston’s Gillette Stadium on June 13 and 19.
Then globe-trotting footsoldiers face a 1,500 mile journey to Miami, Florida, for June 24’s glamour game against Brazil in the Hard Rock Stadium.
Meanwhile, the home guard back in Scotland are set to be “bleary-eyed” as our opener won’t get underway until 2am over here, with the other two Group C games kicking off at 11am.
Locals in Boston who have Scots roots told of their joy at being able to welcome our fans.
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Peter Preble, 59, president of the St Andrew’s Society of Massachusetts, said: “It’s a once in a lifetime event. We’re going to have to come up with something big.
“I’m kind overwhelmed with the news, but I think it’s just great. My mind is just spinning in thousands of different directions.
“We’ll welcome the fans to our great city with open arms.
“We get to host, show off our city and our hospitality. We’ll be ready for them.
“We need to have some more Massachusetts tartan material woven up so we have something for people to take home.”
West of Scotland Tartan Army stalwart Hamish Husband, 67, said: “I would hope as many Scots that can afford it will go and enjoy the atmosphere of the World Cup.
“We’ll bring a unique tartan flavour to where Scotland will play, with kilts and bagpipes.
“The whole thing will be expensive and many fans will pay for this by using their credit cards and savings.”
We told how the push is on over here to allow nightclubs to screen the matches in packed venues.
And Stuart Murphy, chief executive of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, said yesterday: “My best mate lives in Boston and has invited me to come stay with him.
“But not everybody is going to be lucky enough to go, with most of us cheering on the boys back home.
“Pubs and clubs must be given the chance to show games and employers should try and make things as easy as possible for their staff to get involved.
“There’s going to be some bleary eyes and sore heads in workplaces and classrooms across the nation.”
The final whistle in the Haiti game will not blow until 4am.
Donald MacLeod, founder of The Garage and The Cathouse nightspots in Glasgow, said: “Clubs are the perfect place to show ties kicking off so late because we already have the experience and the infrastructure in place.
£Politicians must back us and make sure licenses are extended and transport and other infrastructure is in place.”
YES SIRS, YOU CAN DO IT!
BACCARA star Mayte Mateos hopes her Yes Sir, I Can Boogie disco classic inspires Scotland to World Cup glory.
The Spanish singer’s 1977 hit with late duet partner Maria Mendiola was a Tartan Army anthem at Euro 2024.
Now Mayte, 74, is backing us to achieve global success next summer.
She said: “I support Scotland. I felt such an impression, the first time when I saw Scotland play Yes, Sir, I Can Boogie and I heard my voice. I’m really, really proud.
“It was incredible. It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve had in all my career, like a beautiful dream that came true.
“I hope Scotland can win. I wish them the best because I feel like I’m involved in their story.”
A video of ex-Scotland player Andy Considine, 34, belting out the tune in drag on his stag do went viral online in 2015.
Supporters adopted it after we beat Serbia in 2020 to reach the Euros.
Mayte said: “I think the song will last forever.”
By contrast, England’s matches are more TV-friendly with 9pm starts against Croatia in Dallas and Ghana in Boston, before a 10pm kick-off against Panama in New Jersey.
Legendary commentator Archie Macpherson, 91, is backing the Tartan Army to do the nation proud on the world stage once again.
He said: “We need faith, we need fidelity, we need the utmost belief that we can get something out of this.
“We need to be with the team all the way. The Scottish supporters are marvellous when they’re abroad. It can only help the cause.”
The veteran of six World Cups added: “I hope they have a great time. It’s not every day you get to the final stages of the World Cup.”
Barrhead Travel managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell told how the firm has spent 14 months setting up World Cup travel deals.
She said: “We’ve been busy on all fronts.
“We’ve tried to get as creative as we can to make the most of this opportunity. Our branches have been open until 10pm.
“We’ve even had customers in the branches booking after they watched the draw. It’s been a great experience. If the act quickly, we’ll be able to fulfil their dreams.
“The camaraderie and the energy have been absolutely incredible. It’s been electric.” Ms Tempest-Mitchell added that a package for flights and five nights, without match tickets, start at £1,149.
Brendan Napier, commercial director of Scottish Football Marketing, added: “We know thousands of Scotland’s most dedicated supporters will have been poring over the details of how best to get to next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
“It should reassure them to hear directly from experts in the industry, who will ensure they get the best possible advice and packages to choose from.
“It’s shaping up to be a memorable summer.”
Glasgow City Council is among those being urged to extend pub and club operating hours here and ensure extra transport for fans.
A spokesman said: “It is something the licensing board will need to consider in consultation with stakeholders in the licensing system.
