THE BANNER OF GLENBUCK

A new project is underway to revive the forgotten football heartland of Glenbuck.

The tiny village located in East Ayrshire has produced more than 50 professional footballers (seven of which earned Scotland caps) and of course is birthplace of the legendary Bill Shankly.

Robert Gillan has tasked himself with the job of providing Glenbuck the lasting recognition it deserves.

He said: “This has been a project very close to my heart as I live three miles away from Glenbuck. Many a time I have picked up the project and for various reasons never had the time or self belief to carry it forward. This year Bill Shankly would have been 100 years old, he and all the other footballers are my inspiration.”

Robert’s project would certainly be an apt anniversary for Glenbuck’s most famous son. The Banner of Glenbuck is a project that is aiming to create a football academy and museum in Glenbuck. The aim is to teach youngsters who come into the academy the great footballing history of Glenbuck and follow on the legacy of the Glenbuck Cherrypickers and Glenbuck Athletic in producing players of a top level.

Despite only having a population of 1,000, Glenbuck was home to two fine junior footballing outfits that produced international quality players. No other place its size can match Glenbuck’s achievements in the history of football and although the industrial community has gone the footballing legacy must be preserved.

The major obstacle facing Robert is achieving the publicity and securing the funding to get this project off the ground. However he has coaches and people on board willing to help and are fully determined to succeed.

As well as remembering the rich past the football academy is looking to create another breed of top footballers from Glenbuck in the future. Robert is looking to incorporate teams from South Lanark and East Ayrshire in the Banner of Glenbuck project. He is also hoping to set up clinics in Cumnock (East Ayrshire) and Douglas (South Lanark) soon for anyone who wants to learn more about Glenbuck’s heritage or even better help with the project.

Contact details
Mobile: 07557947691
E-mail: glenbuckfootballacademy@gmail
Twitter: @glenbuck2012