1:03pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
By Cherry Thomas
Bolton is reaping the rewards of a Blue Army boost as more than 100,000 Glasgow Rangers fans travelled into Manchester ahead of tonight's UEFA Cup Final.
Hundreds of fans were in the town this morning ahead of the club's biggest match for years against Zenit St Petersburg at the City of Manchester stadium.
Hotels and guest house were full of fans unable to book a room in Manchester. Although Rangers have an allocation of just 13,000 tickets it seemed the whole of the blue half of Glasgow is determined to say at least "We were there."
And pubs in Bolton town centre enjoyed a pre-match boost, with beer flowing from the moment they opened ahead of the showpiece match.
Maz Saleem owns Glendale Guest House, Bradford Street, The Haulgh.
He said: "We have had a lot of demand, I think everybody in Greater Manchester has.
"I've taken lots of bookings and we've had loads of phone calls.
"I think the match has had a big impact on Bolton because nowhere is available in Manchester."
Pam Orford, who owns Morden Grange Guest House, Chadwick Street, The Haulgh said: "We have had lots of queries and are pretty much full, except one cancellation.
"I have been sending people all over the place for weeks.
"I don't think we get much trade from Manchester but on occasions Bolton can benefit."
Highgrove Guest House, Manchester Road, in the town centre has also been busy.
Owner Dave Buckler said: "Starting about three weeks ago, we have had phone calls every ten minutes asking if we've got any rooms but we were already nearly full."
And the Rangers fans were delighted to be in the North-west for the big match.
Ally Deignon, aged 46, of Edinburgh, is staying at the Pack Horse Hotel in the town centre and said: "I couldn't get a room in Manchester. I started trying a couple of weeks ago but there was no availability.
"I managed to get a late cancellation in Bolton.
"There are hundreds of fans here and there's a fantastic atmosphere."
Jordan Baillie, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, arrived in Bolton this morning.
The 26-year-old is staying at Heyesleigh Guest House, Castle Street, The Haulgh.
He said: "There are lots of fans here so there's a good atmosphere, but it'll be even better in Manchester.
"I'll be here for the weekend if we win."
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