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Saints fan Ross Gardiner on trip of a lifetime to Russia for the World Cup
All roads lead to Russia for Fair City football fanatic Ross Gardiner.
The former St John’s Academy student has set off on a grand adventure which will see him fulfil a lifetime ambition of watching a World Cup live.
While Scotland missed out on qualification, Ross, a former Perthshire Advertiser reporter, couldn’t resist the opportunity to attend the globe’s finest sporting spectacle.
Russia’s south westerly city of Volgograd has been pinpointed on the map as the 21-year-old meanders his way through Europe before arriving later this month.
And his special trip will be made all the more enjoyable when Perth pals Martin Hawkins (45) and Steven Bartlett (22) join the party.
“I had decided to take some time out to do some travelling and when I found out there were still tickets available for the World Cup, I couldn’t resist,” Ross explained.
“Russia has always been a place which has fascinated me, and I’ve always been desperate to go, so it was an absolute no-brainier.
“A couple of my friends both expressed an interest, and so we’re now all going.
“Myself and Martin are going to Japan versus Poland in Volgograd on June 28, and Steven is heading to Panama versus Tunisia on the same day in Saransk.
“There’s a chance the result of the Saransk match could send England home, so I’m sure there will be people tuning in back home. Splitting up will be quite an experience.
“After the matches, we’re going to meet up again and tick off as many of the other host cities and fan zones as possible.
“To see the final live in Moscow would be fantastic.”
Ross expects the atmosphere to be electric across the country as fans pour into Russia from all corners of the globe. He said: “The World Cup is the absolute pinnacle of sport and of togetherness – no matter who you are or where you are, everything grinds to a halt for the tournament.
“Obviously it would have been much better to see Scotland competing but in the meantime, I’ll settle for just soaking up the atmosphere of another match.
“This tournament is giving the world the easiest access to Russia and, while it was a controversial decision to award the tournament there, lots of red tape has been dropped and the government seem keen to take the opportunity to show themselves off in a good light.
“I think the world will be watching this tournament in a different way to previous competitions, and I don’t think anyone knows what to expect.”
Ross has been abroad to watch St Johnstone but he reckons this will be a completely different experience.
“I’m a big St Johnstone fan, and I’ve been going to matches around the country for around 15 years,” Ross told the PA.
“I’ve been lucky enough to see my club win trophies and play in Europe, but I don’t think anything will match the atmosphere in Russia.
“I’m overlanding it the whole way, from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, then down to Russia, having set off on June 4.”
Fellow Fair City football fan Martin is equally excited about soaking up the World Cup atmosphere.
“I always wanted to go to the World Cup since being hooked on Spain 1982,” said Martin, who heads off this weekend.
“I should have gone to Italy 90, had my graduation during USA 94 and professional exams during France 98.
“Since Scotland have failed to qualify ever since I’ve just never been.
“The opportunity to travel to Russia came at short notice and with a free visa with the tickets and other benefits it was too good a chance to turn down.
“I’ve no idea what to expect. I’m sure the locals will be welcoming to the world and it should be a global party.
“I’m flying to Denmark and then Finland at the weekend before we travel by train to St Petersburg. It’s then Moscow before heading to Volgograd.
“I’ve left my return open to see how it’s turning out and how easy it is to get additional tickets.” Ross will be watching the Japan versus Poland Group H match at the Volgograd Arena Statue of Mother Homeland at the Mamayev Kurgan World War Two memorial in Volgograd
We’re aiming to tick off as many of the other host cities and fan zones as possible