Celtic legend wants pitch perfect future
Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld backed a pitch project aiming to create sporting stars in the town he has called home for four decades.
The Celtic great is supporting the new multi-sport floodlit pitch at Whiteshawgate in Strathaven, a joint scheme between Strathaven Dynamo AFC and Strathaven Rugby Club.
Bertie was shown how the work was progressing at the facility by Dynamo chairman Frank McGraw.
And the former Celtic and Scotland hero, who also managed Partick Thistle and Hamilton Accies, cannot wait to see youngsters having a kickabout.
He said: “I’ve lived in Strathaven for 40 years and I must admit I love it. It’s got everything going for it.
“Not long after I moved here, the Dynamos approached me and asked me if I would be interested in getting involved.
“Strathaven Dynamo have always given people the opportunity to progress.
“All we needed were the facilities and these have now arrived and that is so important.
“You couldn’t have asked for a better thing for the town because it is only half-a-mile from the Common Green and it has really lit my candle.”
The Hoops hero believes that, with the new pitch, sporting stars of the future will come from the town.
“If we don’t get someone coming through with a bit of quality I would be surprised,” he said.
“I’ve watched the players training and playing and some of them are quality. They just need that bit of determination to get that bit forward.
“The progress has come. We’re going to have a great facility. We’ve got great individuals and a great crowd that run the Dynamos, from the chair down, all doing a wonderful job.
“I think I got offered the role of club ambassador because I played at a high level.
“I coached, I managed and I’d be delighted if we can get progress and if we can get someone from Strathaven to make the grade. We’ve got everything going for us here now.
“Everything in sport is here now for the town. If you look at it there’s the rugby here, the golf course is 200 yards away, the swimming pool is down just beyond the Common Green.
“The only thing they didn’t have was a full-size, allweather, 3G floodlit pitch and that was so important.”
Bertie also jokingly added that he was looking forward to visiting the revamped rugby club.
He smiled: “I’ve also been up here before with the rugby club because they sell a good pint at the clubhouse.
“Rugby is a fabulous game – but far too physical for me.”
The Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust (W3ST) is the charity behind the project and is still encouraging donations.
To find out more visit www.facebook.com/ White shaw gate 3 G Sports Trust