Myreside will have a better atmosphere than Scotstoun
SAYS ANDY IRVINE
ANDY IRVINE insists Edinburgh Rugby’s move to Myreside is the first step in their bid to supplant Glasgow Warriors as the dominant force in Scottish rugby.
The legendary Scotland full-back, who is chairman of the capital club, believes the move away from Murrayfield will lead to a better atmosphere at home games — and that the 5,500 capacity ground will even surpass Scotstoun.
That in turn, he insists, will help Edinburgh eventually bridge the gap that currently exists between them and their fellow pro team, with Warriors having enjoyed Guinness Pro12 success in recent years while their neighbours have been left struggling in the bottom half of the table.
‘Now that they have put up the stands at Myreside, I can tell you that this will even be a better atmosphere than Scotstoun,’ said Irvine. ‘The fans will be much closer to the players and it is a slightly tighter ground than Scotstoun.
‘Glasgow have done really well moving from Firhill to Scotstoun but this is going to be better than there. Myreside won’t be as big but believe me it will be a better atmosphere because Scotstoun has the running track.
‘I also believe Edinburgh can outdo Glasgow on the field and off the field, as well.’
More than 3,000 tickets have already been sold for Edinburgh’s opening game at Myreside against Timisoara Saracens of Romania in the European Challenge Cup on Friday evening.
It is the first of six matches to be played there this season, with Edinburgh, subject to approval from the local council, wanting to make the move permanent.
With only a win over Timisoara required to qualify for the knock-out stages of the European Challenge Cup, Irvine is confident it will be a night to remember.
‘I had been advocating for years to get out of Murrayfield as it is not a home venue for Edinburgh and it is more a neutral venue,’ he continued.
‘For instance, when Cardiff come to Murrayfield or Munster it is hardly an away fixture as they are playing at a top pitch at the national stadium.
‘When they come to Myreside, they will find things different. We want our own players to feel they have an advantage because it is their new home and the noise from the fans close up will make a difference.
‘We want our supporters to enjoy the occasion and the atmosphere and I am certain it will be electric and absolutely rocking. From a playing point of view, you should not under-estimate just how much the fans getting behind you from close on the touchlines has an impact on the team.’ As he took a walk round Myreside, where he visited countless times with Heriot’s as they took on Watsonians and for Edinburgh against touring teams, the memories came flooding back. One that stood out was being part of an Edinburgh team that put up a spirited display against New Zealand back in 1979.
They may have lost 16-4 on October 31 of that year but among the top stars on show for Edinburgh were Scotland internationals like Irvine, Bruce Hay, Dougie Morgan, Jim Calder and Iain Milne.
For their part, the All Blacks team included legends from that era such as Stu Wilson, Andy Haden, Murray Mexted and Graham Mourie.
‘Myreside has a great rugby tradition and some top games have been staged here over the years, which is another reason for Edinburgh to move here and keep that going,’ said Irvine.
‘I played here for Edinburgh against the All Blacks, against Australia, against Romania, against Fiji. I played inter-district games against Glasgow and others.
‘It is fantastic to be Edinburgh chairman at such an important period in their history at Myreside which is one of the best grounds around.
‘Our first game here could be very special as the chances of winning our first game against Timisoara Saracens on Friday are pretty good, especially coming off a tremendous win over Harlequins.
‘Also, we can qualify for the knock-out stages of the Challenge Cup by winning which would make it an extra special night.
‘I just hope the players get the support from the public and are rewarded for their efforts with a big turn-out.’
Edinburgh managing director Jonny Petrie added his support, over the move but went on to reveal that a decision over acting head coach Duncan Hodge’s future would be made by end of the season.
‘Duncan’s had a really good start,’ said Petrie.
‘He is head coach just now and we’re in the middle of conversations with him at the moment.
‘It’s in his hands and he’s doing a good job and we’re talking to him about what the future will look like.
‘I think he’d be the first to admit that there have been some inconsistencies in our performance where you have back-to-back wins against Harlequins, and then we lose at home to the likes of Zebre.
‘Duncan is under contract to us this season and beyond and we’re working with him to develop the squad for next year.’
Petrie also divulged that Edinburgh were in talks with prop WP Nel after Sportsmail revealed the tighthead has received contract offers from Toulon, Clermont and now Bordeaux, worth £400,000 a year.
‘WP is a world-class tight-head prop so I don’t doubt there’s interest from other clubs,’ he admitted. ‘We’re deep in conversation about looking to try and keep him at the club, as we are with our other big players as well.
‘He is a big family man and his family are settled here in Edinburgh. We’ve had some positive conversations and we’d be looking to bring that to a resolution over the next little while.’