‘Brechin have hit jackpot already’
BRECHIN CITY chairman Ken Ferguson is daring to dream as his side prepare to cross swords with Celtic – but insists the Hedgemen are already winners after landing the plum tie.
The Glebe Park outfit, who are 16 points adrift at the foot of the Championship, will get a financial boost after being drawn against Brendan Rodgers’ champions, with the gate receipts split between the sides.
It will also ensure an unforgettable afternoon for the players and fans alike during a tortuous league campaign, with around 1000 supporters expected to make the trip from Angus. Brechin have not faced Celtic in a competitive fixture for 33 years.
Ferguson said: “When the draw was made, everybody was extremely happy to see that come out. We’ve waited a long time to get a big game from the Scottish Cup. A game like this will put us in a far stronger financial footing.
“Clubs like us at our level have to constantly try and balance our ambition and keep the books in check so a game like this comes along and it pays off some of the financial damage we’ve maybe done in previous years.”
Ferguson has also urged his players, and manager Jim Weir, to enjoy their respite from an increasingly futile battle to avoid the drop.
He added: “The cup’s going to bring some relief from the challenges that we’re facing in the league.
“They’re all looking forward to it, they’re a great bunch of boys. We’re not having a great season but their heads have never gone down. They’re battling away every single week and I’m sure they’re all greatly looking forward to Saturday.
“We’re playing good football, we’ve got some excellent players but everybody knows our league position so there’s a massive challenge there.”