England supporters are descending on Boston as the city bids farewell to the Tartan Army, whose presence made an extraordinary impression on locals throughout the World Cup.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 England fans have arrived ahead of their Group stage match against Ghana on Tuesday, replacing the Scottish supporters who have moved on to Miami.
The Tartan Army left behind a legacy that will be difficult to follow, having captured the hearts of Bostonians during Scotland’s first two World Cup appearances since 1998.
Brandon Finnan, manager of the Cask ‘n Flagon pub near Fenway Park, recalled the Scottish fans’ visit with obvious affection, saying: “We probably ran out of almost every beer at some point, but it was a lot of fun.”
Finnan spoke warmly about how the Scottish supporters conducted themselves throughout their stay in the city, praising their behaviour and generosity toward staff.
“They took time to understand how our tipping works, they cleaned up. And I think they brought a lot of happiness to the city when we needed it,” he said.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed a letter of intent to establish Boston and Glasgow as sister cities, a remarkable diplomatic gesture born directly from the Tartan Army’s warm reception.
The Boston Globe newspaper took out a full-page advert in honour of the Scottish fans, reading: “You came for the World Cup, but gave us something more. For a week, you turned train stations into singalongs, Fenway into a football ground, and an ordinary June into something we’ll be talking about for years.”
Boston Red Sox President Sam Kennedy also wrote to the Scottish FA thanking it for “something none of us will forget”, after hundreds of fans attended a baseball match at Fenway Park on 14 June.
“Kilts and Scottish flags filled our ballpark with a spirit that has no equivalent in American sport,” Kennedy wrote, adding: “The Tartan Army treated our home like their own, and we are better for it.”
Finnan offered an honest assessment of the challenge facing England supporters looking to replicate that warmth, suggesting the dynamic would feel somewhat different.
“I think England plays more of a favourite’s role, whereas Scotland is more of an underdog, so I think it’ll be a little bit different,” he said, noting his beer stocks had since been fully replenished.
Brian McDonnell, manager of The Dubliner pub in the city centre, said the Scots had been an exceptional crowd to host and admitted it was sad to see them depart Boston.
“We won’t maybe be hanging up an English flag outside as much as the Scottish flag, but they’re still welcome and will still have a good time,” he added.
On Monday night, footage appeared to show Marcus Mumford, lead singer of folk band Mumford and Sons, being booed during a gig at Fenway Park after jokingly blaming Scotland for the rainy weather.
Thomas Concannon, England Fans’ Embassy lead at the Football Supporters’ Association, expressed confidence that England fans would rise to the occasion in the city.
“We were pleased to see how well received the Scotland fans were here and how good a time they had. We are sure that England fans will match the Scottish party atmosphere and be equally brilliant guests, minus the bagpipes,” he said.
Frank Fishman, who runs the ticket office for the Red Sox, said he held no doubts about the English supporters, drawing a distinction between football culture and people culture.
“England and Scotland may be apples and oranges in terms of their football culture, but I don’t believe the same can be said about the people culture,” he said, adding that he had high expectations of kindness from British visitors.
