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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Rory Cassidy

Rangers shot at Europa League glory is family affair as parents bring kids to Seville

It is a family affair in Seville as different generations of Rangers fans prepare for a tilt at European glory.

Plenty of mums and dads have made their way to Spain with their children for the game, with many Rangers fans seeing it as the chance to share a bit of history with their loved ones.

James Dick didn’t want to take his then-nine-year-old son, Ali, out of school when Rangers reached the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester in 2008.

But the 55-year-old is shelling out to take Ali, now 23, to Seville from Stirling, and both have tickets for today’s game.

James said: "I have been following Rangers since my first season ticket in 1984.

"It was great taking Ali to his first game as a wee man and seeing his passion for supporting the club grow from there.

"He had the privilege of being the match mascot for a Champions League tie with Barcelona and that is where our European adventure started.

"It was sad not being able to go to Manchester with Ali and never did I think we would get another opportunity given what the club has been through in recent times.

"I am really looking forward to going to this final with Ali as we have been through many ups and downs following the club from Berwick to Brechin and Braga.

"We are able to attend a European Final together as best mates and the chances of being able to do that are once in a lifetime stuff. Just as well his mother is so understanding!"

Ali said: "I've had a season ticket at Ibrox for as long as I can remember.

"To get to a European final is one thing, but to be able to experience it with my best mate in my dad, and actually go to the game, is honestly a dream come true.

"After everything that’s happened to the club, we never thought we’d get here.

"We've been everywhere the last decade, from joking away days to Berwick were a European adventure in League Two, to Braga a couple of years ago for my 21st.

"To have the opportunity to be where we are today and the timing of it all feels so special and I’m sure something I’ll never forget!"

Gary Miller, 54, travelled to Seville with wife Margaret, 57, and their son Steven, 16.

They made their way from their home in Stirling to Edinburgh airport and flew via Barcelona.

Speaking after they landed at Seville Airport Gary said: "It's costing an absolute fortune - £4,000 all in before we've even bought a pint - but we wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Gary Miller with wife Margaret and son Steven (Tony Nicoletti Daily Record)

"We were initially booked up for just the Tuesday and Wednesday nights, but then the way the flights worked out we needed to add on Sunday and Monday as well.

"I was in Manchester in 2008 and I got a ticket this time round as well through MyGers.

"But I'm giving the ticket to Steven so he can go and experience it.

"I've already seen us in a European final, so now Steven will get the chance as well.

"I'm confident. We’ve beaten better teams on the way to the final, we can definitely do it."

Steven added: "I'm absolutely buzzing for the game, I can't wait.

"I just want us to bring the trophy home."

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