The first major TBO display of the season came in early August when c****c made their way to Ibrox. On what was a great day for the Bears (it being the first time we had played them since Helicopter Sunday) c****c were reminded just exactly why We Are The People with a great display of message banners. These included ‘Welcome to the Mo Camara Show' '51 and Counting, 39 and Struggling' and ‘Lennon's a Bigot' (As we all know Neil managed to live up to this statement rather well). Along with the banners there was a confetti storm as the teams entered the pitch and the fantastic Bill Struth banner was displayed in the TBO section at half time.
TBO were also instrumental in the two displays of ticker (TIFO) tape at Parkhead this season. Twice the corner of the ground allocated to the Bears became awash with the blue, red and white as the teams entered the field. At the final OF game of the season as well as the ticker tape thousands of red, blue and white ballons were given to fans entering Parkhead, meaning there was even more colour than usual. Take a moment here to compare the organisation of TBO with those of the Jhungle Bhoys. In the last OF game of the season they still couldn't manage a display when we visited, despite the game being at Parkhead. Add in the fact that they were already champions and I think it becomes clear who leads the way here.
This year also saw TBO make their mark on the European scene for the first time. November saw a large number of members travelling to Porto and although there was no organised display as such some members helped fly the enormous ‘TIFO' style flags in the away end. This however was nothing compared to the display which took place before the vital Champions League game against Inter Milan in December. As the teams entered the field they were treated to what was an unbelievable sight. In one of the most impressive card displays ever organised The Broomloan Road and Copland Road stands represented a Saltire whilst the Govan stand was an enourmous Union Flag. It truly was an awe inspiring sight. Yet again a huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped lay out the cards at Ibrox prior to this game. TBO were truly astounded by the number of people willing to come and help.
TBO were also involved with was the card display against Villareal. On another enthralling European night Ibrox was again transformed by TIFO card into a sea of blue, red and white accompmanied with the message that We Are The People emblazoned across the Govan Stand. In my opinion no other club in the UK has come close to rivalling the TBO displays this season and TBO already have plans for future European adventures.
2005 also saw the unveiling of another legends banner. This time it was the turn of double treble winner Jock Wallace. The banner was unfurled for the first time from the top of a block of flats just outside Ibrox before the home game against Dunfermline. As one of the most successful ever Rangers managers the banner is a great tribute and has been on show regularly at Ibrox over the last few months.
Despite the lack of success on the field sprits have remained high within the ranks of TBO throughout the season. As well as the larger displays a number of smaller scale displays have taken place in the TBO section in BF4. Every home game has seen the section awash with colour and noise (although this season we have all found it hard at times to start singing when we are confronted with the rubbish on the pitch!) and we now have a large collection of ‘two stick banners' (all the hard work of TBO members) which are displayed every home game.
We have also launched a range of our own scarves (which have completely sold out – however there will be more on sale next season!) and just last weekend held a very successful End of Season dance.
Relations have also improved with the club itself and we believe they are slowly beginning to understand what we are about. There is still room from improvement however and this was clearly illustrated when we were refused permission to have a display against Aberdeen despite RFC giving Aberdeen permission to do a display at Ibrox for the same game! We also felt let down by the club when they ‘cashed in' somewhat on the success of the Inter Milan display by offering framed pictures of it for sale. Hopefully with continued dialogue between RFC and TBO we can continue to work together.
TBO are not content to rest on their laurels and intend to raise the bar again next season for other supporters groups. If you are interested in joining us or if you would like to find out more about TBO visit our website at
www.theblueorder.co.uk.
From here you can also access our forum where active members of TBO can be contacted. Those without internet access can write to TBO at the following address:
The Blue Order Suite 350 98 Woodlands Road GLASGOW G3 6HB
WATP
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