Second coming of Third Lanark
THE name once commanded respect as one of the great pioneers in Scottish football.
Formed from a regiment of army volunteers, Third Lanark won the League and Cup in their illustrious history before the team was driven to extinction by financial mismanagement.
Now, almost 50 years after the gates to its ground were closed, the club has risen from the dead and is plotting to march up the professional ranks thanks to a thriving youth set-up and a wealthy expat benefactor.
After resurrecting itself as an amateur outfit in 2008, Third Lanark’s new backers believe it could be a matter of years before in the Scottish Premiership.
Club chairman Ian Alexander said: ‘The team plays in the Glasgow Amateur League and are top of their division, playing exceptionally good football.
‘It is definitely realistic to see Third Lanark back in the Scottish League set-up. I see us going Junior in the next one to two years. By then, I think we would be fit financially and in terms of playing strength to compete there. After that, it would be possible to try to move up to the professional leagues.
‘We are serious about doing something at this club.’
The club grew from noble roots only to collapse in financial ignominy, playing its last game at Cathkin Park in 1 67, only six years after finishing third behind Rangers and Kilmarnock in the country’s top division.
But, following moves by die-hard fans including Pat McGeady, the uncle of former Celtic star Aiden, a new Thirds amateur team has attracted a major benefactor – construction and real estate magnate John Sweeney, a lifelong Thirds fan who emigrated to Canada.
Third Lanark have entered into a groundsharing scheme at Vale of Clyde’s Fullarton Park in Tollcross.
But the club still hopes one day to return to its former home at Cathkin Park.
Mr Alexander said: ‘It just wasn’t right to let this club disappear. We are alive and kicking. We are in discussions with the council about moving back to Cathkin Park.’