A LIFELONG Rangers fan has plenty to shout about after scoring a one-of-a-kind tribute to Ibrox Stadium.
Russell Sneddon fought off supporters from around the world to net a miniature replica of the Light Blues’ pitch sent all the way from America.
The model, created by architect David Resnik and first shown on his Stadiums for Ants social media accounts, was raffled off by the Rangers Charity Foundation with all the money raised going to the good cause.
The 45-year-old said: “I was over the moon when I found out.
READ MORE: David Resnik brings joy with Rangers' Ibrox Stadium shortly after Old Trafford success
“I just put a couple of pound in to try my luck.
“It’s clever what he’s doing and the detail is amazing.
“My fiancée said ‘did you see tha amount of names in that box?!’ when they were doing the draw.
“I’ve never won anything in my life, so I guess I’ll need to get the lottery ticket on now!”
The stunning replica will now take pride and place in the Cumbernauld man’s home after he was joined by fiancée Gabrielle Watson and daughter Amelia Watson at the real thing on Thursday to pick it up under the lights.
For Rusell, it means even more this year as for the first time since he started following the Gers, he hasn’t been able to be inside the stadium due to the ongoing pandemic.
“My first game was Alex MacDonald’s testimonial [in 1984] at Tyncastle,” he said.
“I was actually living in Penicuik so my dad said he’d take me along and we’d get a season ticket for whichever team I liked.
“I saw Davie Cooper play football and that’s when I became a Rangers fan.
“He’s one of Scotland’s sons.
“There are memories you make by going to the football.
“I remember being at Tyncastle and you could soak up the atmosphere of the home fans.
“I’ve had seats at Ibrox pretty much ever since then.
“I’ve followed the team right through the journey [from Third Division back to Premiership] and I’ll never give up.”
The good times don’t stop there for Russell, a teaching assistant in his hometown’s Redburn School, who revealed he and Gabrielle have moved their wedding forward to the end of December to bring some joy to a difficult 2020.
“We’re actually getting married next month but we have brought it forward to have a small wedding on the 29th of December at the Castlecary Hotel in Cumbernauld,” he said.
“We want to see this year out with something happy because it’s not been a happy year.”
Linda Shields, senior charity and finance executive from the Rangers Foundataion, said: “Everyone at the Foundation has been blown away by the success of our mini Ibrox raffle.
“David Resnick’s work really captured the spirit and imagination of the fans, who were unwavering in their support.
“We cannot thank David enough but, as a small gesture, have dedicated an Ibrox brick to him, so he’ll always be part of the Rangers Family. We hope that Russell enjoys his exclusive prize and would like to thank everyone for taking part!”
David Resnik said: “This club, from what I can tell, has a collective heart that really does beat as one, and is made up of people across the spectrum of humanity.
“To you, The People, my hat is well and truly off.”
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