KyoPityus
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Szusza Ferenc stadion
Saturday 4:30pm Live in sport1 tv
The Sun
Forget your old firm THIS is the big derby!
Forget your old firm THIS is the big derby!
WILLIE McSTAY thought he'd experienced all the football passion, hostility and intensity he could ever expect in Old Firm derbies.
Then he flew to Hungary to begin a new life as Ujpest boss and learned of their ferocious rivalry with Ferencvaros.
Now McStay is just 48 hours from seeing exactly what the fuss is all about.
And he's getting the same nerves in the pit of his stomach that he did in the build-up to playing Rangers with Celtic.
The ex-Hoops star and reserve coach takes on Ferencvaros at Ujpest's modest 15,500 capacity Szusza Ferenc stadium.
Never mind a decent start to the league campaign, McStay knows Saturday's grudge match is THE fixture that can guarantee him legend status with the supporters.
He told SunSport: "Imagine if Celtic and Rangers hadn't played for three years, then the Old Firm derby was back on.
"Just think of what the build-up and expectation would be like.
"Well, it's exactly the same here - it's the first time in three years Ujpest have played Ferencvaros.
"And both sets of fans are absolutely desperate for Saturday. I'm not going to say it's a bigger derby than Celtic-Rangers because, realistically, that's a game of worldwide significance.
"But in Budapest it's every bit as important, it's just as intense, and it means just as much to our supporters and those of Ferencvaros.
"It's more than just a football match for them - winning is EVERYTHING and because it's the first meeting in three years it's become so much more important to get a result.
"I certainly don't need any more reminders. I'd only just arrived in Budapest to take on this job when someone mentioned to me 'Do you know about Ferencvaros?'.
"I replied 'Yes, I'm aware of Ferencvaros'.
"The lad then said to me 'No, do you REALLY know?'.
"I was a bit taken aback. But it was made absolutely clear to me that victory was essential.
"We've made a good start in the league and we're sitting third. We passed up a chance to go top at the weekend. But I know victory on Saturday could really make me in the eyes of our fans.
"The intensity in the city is amazing. The build-up for the game started weeks, months, maybe even years ago. Ferencvaros were relegated three years ago because of financial irregularities. It deprived the fans of the derby.
"It's taken them since then to get back up and they have managed it because of their link-up with Sheffield United.
"The United owner also has a controlling stake in Ferencvaros and their playing staff has a big English contingent.
"Bobby Davison, who played for Leeds United among other clubs, is their manager while the former Blackburn and Notts County defender Craig Short is also part of the coaching team.
"It's the first time both clubs have had British managers, so that has added extra interest.
"The rivalry between the clubs borders on hatred. It's fierce.
"The build-up to a Celtic-Rangers is always special.
"Ujpest-Ferencvaros is not in that category, but the closer we get to Saturday it almost feels the same.
"There's been such a scramble for tickets. Ferencvaros were given 2,000 and they were sold in just 36 minutes.
"I've got the same kind of nerves I had before playing in Old Firm games. It's an edge you get, a real sense of expectancy before a big game.
"And Saturday is big for everyone involved with Ujpest. It would be fantastic to get a win.
"Then me and my assistant Joe McBride can visit the Caledonian Bar in Budapest on Sunday and cheer on Celtic.
"What a double that would be - Ujpest beating Ferencvaros and Celtic winning against Rangers at Ibrox."
Hungary's football authorities discussed the idea of moving the derby to the Ferenc Puskas national stadium.
But McStay enhanced his growing popularity by spearheading the bid to keep the match at Ujpest's home.
The 47-year-old revealed: "I thought it was important we played at our ground.
"Ferencvaros could have brought more fans to the national stadium and that would have been a disadvantage for us.
"I got right behind a campaign to keep it at our place and I'm glad we succeeded."
McStay is loving life at Ujpest and added: "I've never regretted coming here. It's a great experience for me as a coach and manager. It's enhancing my reputation.
"My family come out as often as possible. My parents have just arrived along with my son and they'll be staying on for the game on Saturday.
"My brothers Paul and Raymond might also come out."
) in your hand to watch the game - and less chance of having your other leg broken too - - but it's never nice to miss a derby - - just in case this is the day Fradi win 6-0 at their place!! 
- though I hope some of the other Sheffield people have been better for you. It's not good enough Terry blaming the fans for everything (unless they've been total idiots and are actually to blame!!)
