MONTROSE WILL today welcomethousands of Rangers fans as the teams square up for the first-ever televised game at Links Park.
The sell-out game will draw Gers fans up to the Angus town and is expected to be a festive boost to the area.
Local hotels, pubs, bakers andbutchers are all hoping to reap the rewards from Rangers’ visit to Links Park, which is being shown live to a worldwide audience on ESPN.
The club has invested in safety improvements to increase the ground capacity from 3,300 to 4,934 for the visitors’ first visit to Links Park on league duty.
Montrose are 9/1 to pull off a shock against the league leaders but localbookies have already been taking bets on the home side.
The Gable Endies will be looking to make history with their first win against Rangers after six previous meetings going all the way back to 1925.
The weather forecast did not look good last week but it has changed and the game is expected to go ahead, with the pitch in perfect condition.
Montrose chairman Derek Sim said: “We’re looking forward to a capacity crowd and Montrose being on television.
“I think when you go into any game against Rangers you know it’s going to be a stiff challenge.
“But at the same time, I don’t think any player goes into a game not actuallythinking they are going to win.
“We only need to look at the result earlier this week between Bradford and Arsenal to see that shocks can happen.”
Montrose are urging fans to arrive early as there will be restricted parking around Links Park.
Montrose fans are asked to enter the ground using the Links Avenue turnstiles, with the away support to enter through the Wellington Street turnstiles.
Willie Johnston Lounge members and corporate guests within the main stand should arrive by 11am from the Wellington Street end of the ground as normal.
Flag sticks, surfing flags and rucksacks will not be permitted inside the ground and checks will be carried out.
A special match programme will also be on sale.