Peter Hetherston: Coatbridge is Celtic daft.. but all the town is talking about now is Rovers' trip to Ibrox
11 February 2014 08:23 AM By Gavinà Berry
HETHERSTON still owns a pub in his hometown and says the Celtic supporters' club which runs buses from his boozer will be diverting to Ibrox to back Albion in the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup.
PETER HETHERSTON insists Albion Rovers can count on the backing of the Celtic-daft people of Coatbridge in their Scottish Cup clash with Rangers.
With the Hoops now out of the competition, Hetherston revealed the Celtic supporters? club that runs out of his Silky?s bar in the town are already planning a trip to Ibrox to cheer on the League Two side.
The former midfielder, who once bossed Rovers, admits the minnows are the second team for most people in Coatbridge with the majority Celtic fans.
But after the Parkhead men were dumped out by Aberdeen, one of Hetherston?s former clubs, he knows those fans will be desperate for their local side to upset the odds at Ibrox.
The Cliftonhill outfit's reward for reaching their first Cup quarter-final in 80 years was a dream draw to face Rangers.
Hetherston is delighted for Rovers and reckons their travelling support will be swelled by Hoops fans.
The 49-year-old said: " I was born and bred in Coatbridge and have a great affinity with the club but here in the town Albion Rovers is your second team because most people support Celtic.
Coatbridge has always had a big Celtic fan-base and I believe Rovers get a bigger crowd when they play on a Friday night because it doesn't clash with Celtic's games.
But with Celtic out of the Cup the whole of Coatbridge will be supporting Albion Rovers that night. I think the locals would want anyone to beat Rangers.