WEEKEND TRAVEL BLOG V WEST HAM UNITED @ IBROX 26th/27th July 2026

SATURDAY 26th JULY:

Arrived at London Stansted mid morning, it was evident early that there were a lot of West Ham United fans around ready to fly out for the weekend.

Wearing my Rangers tee I immediately struck up conversation over the amber nectar and the supporters were explaining that they were really looking forward to a couple of nights out in Glasgow, and as well as supporting there team experiencing the Ibrox match day experience.

They were a great bunch of lads and explained that the club has sold in excess of 50,000 season tickets for the forthcoming championship season.

Arrived early afternoon, checked in to the hotel and made my way immediately to Ibrox for the 3pm stadium tour. It was noticeable that about half the circa 25 people of the tour were Hammers fans.

John the guide was excellent with both knowledge and humour, and the 2 hour tour was a fantastic experience.

It really does affirm the rich history of the club which makes us proud, and the unique character of Ibrox cannot be replicated anywhere.

I think in comparison with other club's tours, Rangers enable fans to get very close and personal to various areas that are not for obvious reasons generally accessible, and should be commended for that.

Afterwards went to the Rangers store and gave my credit card a severe battering before going back into the city centre for a couple of beers and a meal. A great day and relatively early night.

SUNDAY 26th JULY:

Matchday!!! Ambled around the city centre before heading to Ibrox on the subway and getting to the ground early. It was great to savour the pre-match atmosphere building up every 15 minutes with the arrival of hundreds more supporters. Got into the Copland stand quite early, and Ibrox looked sensational with the July sunshine gracing the pitch.

With over 45,000 in attendance the atmosphere was great despite the game being pretty underwhelming.

It is always difficult to gauge pre-season games with new players and different combinations being tested, which in turn can lead to lack of continuity in performance.

I felt the game really highlighted to need for two wingers to add width to the team, and an attacking midfielder as soon as possible as we approach the start of the SPL season and European qualifiers. Hopefully we can see some further signings this week (and outgoings?) the strengthen the squad.

After the game I visited the Louden Tavern to blow the froth of a couple, before getting the subway back to the city centre and an evening meal-not such as early night!!!

MONDAY 27th JULY:

Got to Glasgow International early for the return flight to London Stansted.

Reflected on a great weekend in the city of Glasgow, it was fantastic to talk to so many Rangers supporters over the two days. It just confirmed to me that Rangers is indeed a way of life, in which supporters show through their passion and commitment to the club in many ways. It is a true 'family'.

On a final note as I am not a regular visitor to Ibrox (unfortunately) I wanted to commend the club for their detailed 'Supporter Information' on the club's website, which helped me navigate my way around the two days.

Marcus

HATW 1872.