Scotland visit Dortmund on Wednesday. The memories of many ‘Well fans will drift back almost ten years to Motherwell's UEFA Cup game.
Just like the current Scotland team, the ‘Well had just disposed of Faroese opposition before their trip to Germany.Havnar Botfelag were humbled 4-1 in the away leg in front of 480 fans and a young Alex Burns was on the score sheet!
Hundreds of fans set off to follow the ‘Well by train, bus, car and plane.The town centres of both Dortmund and Bochum were swelled by happy fans in claret and amber.A friendly welcome was on hand and the atmosphere at the Wesftalon began to build throughout the afternoon.
By early evening the area outside the ground was packed with fans
swapping scarves and handshakes.The BVB shop did a roaring trade as the Scots fans stocked up with souvenirs.
One touching moment came in the airport after the game.The fans taking the quick route home had been bussed to the terminal ahead of the team.The players arrived around midnight and were clapped and cheered through the concourse by the FirPark faithful. There’s a tear in my eye as I type this!
Let’s hope the national team has more success in Dortmund that Motherwell did in 1994.But the Tartan Army will not return with any better memories than the hundreds of ‘Well fans who still remember the trip with fondness.