LOCAL HERO

Reds star Andy, who found fame second time around, now helps kids get a shot at success

ANDY ROBERTSON is one of football’s most famous examples of grabbing a second chance in life.

Now the Liverpool and Scotland star wants to give something back to his home country and the city of Glasgow, by setting up a foundation to offer a first chance to those in society who have been denied it.

Full-back Robertson was a rabid Celtic fan as a kid, idolising Henrik Larsson (right) and even serving as a ball boy on some of the famous Parkhead European nights against the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan.

So when he was cut from the club’s youth academy aged just 15 it felt like his life had fallen apart, and it took him several years to rebuild his confidence and career.

But Robertson is conscious that never mind his own second opportunity, many people are left behind from the start, and have tasted nothing but disadvantage from birth.

So he is creating a foundation in his name, to continue the work he has done as a player to help communities affected by poverty and discrimination.

Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Robertson said he’s been working on the plan during the pandemic lockdown.

He said: “Everyone hears about a second chance, but what about people who maybe haven’t had as fair a start to life as others?

“We’re going to try to intervene with that, try to get them jobs, a better education and try to make a difference. If we make a difference to one person then I’ll be happy.”

Robertson worked part-time jobs to fund his desire to become a footballer, despite being kicked out by Celtic, although his parents wanted him to attend university. “I applied to do PE teaching at West of Scotland, but I wasn’t interested in it,” he said. “I hated education – I wasn’t good at it!”

Instead, he forced his way through from the Under-19s at part-time Queens Park, and took a job at Marks & Spencer on Sauchiehall Street to make ends meet. Robertson retains his roots with Glasgow and has already done a lot of work there to help disadvantaged kids, and to keep food banks open during the coronavirus crisis. He has also fronted, as Scotland captain, a large donation from the national team to the NHS. “We have all been inspired by the selflessness of nurses, doctors and healthcare workers,” he said.

“It only reinforces how vital the NHS is to our country and how we must cherish and protect it.”