Gordon Strachan urges Scotland not to ‘park the bus’ at the Euros

Scotland and Aberdeen legend Gordon Strachan has urged Steve Clarke’s team not to ‘park the bus’ at this summer’s Euros in Germany.

The former Scotland boss admitted he was excited to watch the team perform and has told them to take the shackles off and play with freedom in their bid to make it out the group stages in a tournament for the first time ever.

Speaking on board a First Bus at Hampden, the 67-year-old Gothenburg Great claimed that while he was getting the chance to learn more about parking the bus in front of the famous Hampden steps, he hoped Clarke and his side would do anything but.

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The Scotland legend said: “What Steve and the side have done is fantastic for the country and I think we’re all looking forward to the Euros with genuine optimism – which can be dodgy territory for us Scots!

“But you only need to look at the qualifying campaign to see how good the team can be, with the famous night against Spain and that amazing comeback in Norway.

“It’s brilliant to be at Hampden today with First Bus and after seeing the driver park the bus, I’m not too sure if I’d fancy doing it all that much myself.

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“While Steve’s got us organised magnificently, I hope he’s thinking the same in footballing terms and we go out and shock a few people with the talent and style the players have shown over the past couple of years.”

After qualifying with relative ease, Scotland will open the Euros against hosts Germany on Friday night, before taking on Switzerland and then Hungary in their other group games.

Strachan himself has fond memories of playing Germany, scoring a famous goal in the 1986 World Cup and then managing the side in 2014 in a memorable match in Dortmund, remembered fondly for a wonderful Ikechi Anya solo effort.

Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, said: “Euros fever is well and truly underway in Scotland and I’m one of thousands across the country who can’t wait to cheer on the boys and hope we can enjoy a few performances to remember.

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“While we’re well familiar with the parking of buses, with the quality in our team these days, I can’t wait to watch us have a real go and what better way than by opening the tournament against the hosts tomorrow evening.

“To any fans boarding our fleet to travel to watch the games or for lucky ticket holders heading to the airport, we hope you make full use of our city-wide services in Glasgow and Aberdeen and enjoy the start of this fantastic summer of sport ahead!”

For those looking to watch the Euros from Glasgow or Aberdeen, football fans can make the most of their night out and use First Bus as their designated driver, with usual timetable services running city wide to key pubs and city centre spots from as little as £2 per adult.