|
|
Czech Oot The Bairns!Falkirk F.C On Tour |
 |
|
"We're
on the march wi' Yogi's Army, we're on the way to Ceske Bee..." |
|
Not since the early seventies have Falkirk played on mainland Europe (in France and supported by the Royal Navy on shore leave). A few seasons ago, a pre-season trip to Ireland was the closest we came. Now, in 2003 and thanks to both the clubs success and that of the sponsor Budweiser Budvar, the Bairns ventured into the deep unknown. The town of Ceske Budejovice played host to their first foreign army since the Soviets left although this invasion was much more friendlier in nature. A small photographic journal of how the fans enjoyed the tour. Photos kindly provided by Alex Hastings, Kirstie and Eric Cook. |
The Bairns in
Ceske Budejovice
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The t-shirts made for the occasion and there are kilts galore. The famous Elliots flag covers the town square of Ceske Budejovice, cameraman Alex Hastings and friend in the party mood. The square is filled with people and it's not even market day! Then its "all-aboard" as the legions of Navy Blue make a rather shoogly 60km journey to the even more peaceful town of Nove Vcelnice. Did the locals know they were coming?.......they soon did! | |
At The Nove Vcelnice Tournament
 |
 |
 |
| The international tournament of Nove Vcelnice is about to get underway and the fans bring the party into the tiny ground. Falkirk beat Mlada Boleslav before going down in the final to SK Ceske Budejovice. | ||
 |
 |
| What do you give the captain of the team also sponsored by Budvar, from the town where they make Budvar? Well......! Someone also worthy of a prize (and a pair off scissors), was Mulletman, seated next to two Bairns | |
Party Time!
 |
 |
 |
 |
| A big welcome for the Bairns. Andrew was in the Czech Republic with his grandson, enjoying the football and the atmosphere. Two fans walk past what was rumoured to be a new signing from Dunfermline and one Bairn enjoyed the hospitality a bit too much. 50p a pint would make you do that! | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| At the barbequeue, the Bairns - players and fans alike - were able to mix freely. Lee Miller and heir apparent Andy Rodgers pose with one fan, trialist Tonton Mkoukou soaks up the sun with two fans (the smaller version of Scott MacKenzie no less), fan Yvonne says her goodbyes to Lee Miller while Russell Latapy meets two admirers of his skill and hairstyle. Two of the girls adopt local barman for the support and "Latapy and Samuel" retire for the night. |
The Friendly Against SK Ceske Budejovice
 |
 |
 |
|
|
The
fans gather again, both in the town centre of Ceske Budejovice (which
has never seen anything like it) and in the stand (temporary as SKCB
are also redeveloping). Match is just about ready to kick-off (Falkirk
were no match for the locals and lost 2-0)
|
|
The Long & Winding Road
 |
| After several days of football, tourist outings, eating & drinking, more football, more eating and drinking and not forgetting football,eating and drinking, there is only one thing left to do on the bus home! |
The Falkirk F.C Squad for the 2003 Czech Tour
 |
|
Lidem
Ceskych Budejovic a Nove Vcelnice ...
My bychom radi podekovali vsem za pohostinnost a pratelstvi, ktere jste nam prokazali pri nasi navsteve u Vas. Tesime se opet na setkani s Vami. Vasi novy Skotsti pratele! Fanousci FC Falkirk |