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Old Firm Contribute £118M and 3,056 Jobs to Scottish Economy
The Glasgow City Marketing Bureau today (June 29) joined with Celtic and Rangers Football Clubs to reveal the findings of an independent survey which show that the Old Firm Clubs contributed £118 million¹ to the Scottish economy during season 2003/04. The survey also concludes that Celtic and Rangers created 3,056 jobs across Scotland, with 876 people directly employed by the Clubs. The study, conducted by the Fraser of Allander Institute and funded by Glasgow City Council and both clubs, is the most thorough research of the economic impact of football teams on the local economy ever undertaken in the UK. It was commissioned to understand the full economic impact on Glasgow and Scotland of the Old Firm and in particular to establish the value of tourism expenditure in the city and country as a result of fans attending Old Firm matches. The research revealed that total expenditure by supporters attending Old Firm matches during season 2003/04 was £204 million, of which £192.5 million was spent in Scotland. More than 75 per cent of total supporter expenditure occurs in Glasgow, with 63 per cent of this spend going to the Clubs and 37 per cent being spent on food and drink, travel and hotels. Old Firm fans living in Glasgow spent £15 million in Scotland as a result of matches compared with £57 million by supporters from the rest of Scotland, and £22 million by fans living outside Scotland. Fans residing outside Scotland generated 23 per cent of supporter expenditure in Scotland. Councillor Alex Mosson, Chairman of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “This report highlights the significant economic benefit to Glasgow and Scotland of the Old Firm. The net added value is three times that which was achieved for Scotland as a result of Edinburgh’s Summer Festivals in 2004.” Peter Lawwell, Chief Executive of Celtic FC, said: “We are pleased that the study confirms the positive impact of the Old Firm and demonstrates the huge contribution which both Clubs make to the Scottish economy.” Martin Bain, Rangers Chief Executive added: “The findings of this report demonstrate the huge impact of the Old Firm in Scotland. Both Clubs are institutions and have a huge influence on society, not just in terms of finance but also in wider terms in the community.” ENDS June 29, 2005 For further information please contact: Nancy McLardie Head of PR Glasgow City Marketing Bureau Tel: 0141 566 0830 or mobile: 07710 349394 Carol Patton/Gillian McKelvie Press Office Rangers Football Club Tel: 0141 580 8606 / 8538 or mobile: 07899 948284 Iain Jamieson Public Relations Department Celtic Football Club Tel: 0141 551 4235 or mobile: 07776 143646 Notes to Editors:
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