Hearts glamour tie to give city multi-million pound boost

The millionaires of Spurs will go head-to-head with the Jambos at Tynecastle on August 18 to fight it out for a place in the Europa League, with the return leg taking place in London a week later.

A huge police operation is being planned in the city to cater for thousands of travelling fans and those who will crowd into city bars to watch the glamour tie.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce spokesman Graham Bell said the match - one of the biggest in the Tynecastle club's history - could see around 2 million spent in the city, with B&Bs, hotels, pubs, restaurants and shops expected to reap the rewards.

Additional advertising deals and corporate events will push the total even higher, while the fact the match is being held at the height of the Festival could be worth tens of millions more to the Capital in years to come, as the city is showcased to potential tourists.

Mr Bell said: "It's a welcome move. If people come up from London, they will be having a meal, walking about, spending money. We hope that they will enjoy Edinburgh enough that they want to come back again.

"Every opportunity like this is an occasion when we can attract people to being regular friends of Edinburgh. We have an opportunity not just to celebrate a sporting event, but to welcome new friends."

William Block, 29, manager of Haymarket's Ryries Bar, said he expected business to increase by between ten and 20 per cent on the night.

"It's obviously going to be really good for business," he said. "There will be a lot more people around the area and drinking in pubs."

Premier League Spurs, in the competition after a successful foray into the Champions League last season, qualified for the play-offs automatically, while Hearts booked their place with a 4-1 win over Paksi.

Lifelong Hearts fan Michael Gallagher, who bought his sons, Finley and Kian, a season ticket for the Jambos when they were just weeks old, said: "Obviously I'm excited - it's a brilliant draw for Hearts and I can't wait for the game.

"It was the draw I was hoping for when I found out Tottenham was in the pot. Obviously it will be a hard game, but if we get a decent result in the first leg, I think we are in with a fighting chance."The 41-year-old, from Mayfield, who has been a shareholder in the club for more than ten years and a season ticket holder for more than 20, added: "With me having the three season tickets and shares, the phone's already been going with people looking for tickets.

"There's no better atmosphere in Scotland than at Tynecastle on a European night - the place will be electric."

Hearts legend Gary Mackay said the draw was "wonderful" news for his former club.

"The only disappointment is it doesn't make it very easy to get to the group stages, but nothing's impossible in football," he said.

Following the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, yesterday, Lothian and Borders Police said they were planning for the big match. A spokesman said: "An appropriate police response will be deployed to ensure public order and safety is maintained before, during and after the match."