Between the semi final, when we put St Johnstone to the sword, and the big day itself there was over a month for the club and its fans to enjoy the build up.
Tickets went on sale at the beginning of May and roughly 7,500 of the 16,059 allocation were snapped up on day one. Crowds snaked around Fir Park and a lengthy queue formed in Brandon Parade where an outlet of the ‘Well shop did a roaring trade. Season ticket holders were each allowed four tickets and there were rumblings that there might be some fans left at the gate. There was no need for panic.
As May 21 drew closer the town centre burst out in the colours. Shop windows played their part and bunting flew at the cross. Face painters were kept busy and the media began to interview anyone with a connection to the 1991 team. The Trust held a Forum where fans were ablw to wallow in the nostalgia associated with our last Scottish Cup win. A dream panel entertained in the Cooper Suite.
The club organised a fleet of buses to join the many hired by pubs and others to ferry fans to Hampden. The weather failed to cooperate and there was steady heavy rain before, during and after the match. The fact that the team was unable to make a decent contest of the grand day out didn’t help.
One side of Edinburgh will suffer the same sad Saturday this week – let’s hope they remember that pleasure are greatest in anticipation!