MSP for East Kilbride Linda Fabiani has given her backing for the redevelopment of the Showpark in the East Kilbride village which could see SFL Third Division side Clyde FC share facilities with local junior side East Kilbride Thistle and set up a permanent home in the town.
Linda told OnlyAnExcuse this week said she would welcome Clyde FC to East Kilbride as a number of the club’s supporters already reside in the town, and welcomes the addition of a new stadium and pitches which can be used by both clubs and offer younger footballers the opportunity to develop their skills at top-class facilities.
“I would welcome a relocation by Clyde FC to East Kilbride, if the town feels it can accommodate the club within a suitable venue.
“I know that when Clyde first decided to move to Cumbernauld that there were calls for them to come to East Kilbride instead, as many of the clubs original supporters already lived in the town.
“The population growth of East Kilbride was provided by the migration of people from the overcrowded tenements of Glasgow and this included many residents of Rutherglen, who at that time where natural supporters of the Bully Wee as the local team.”
Last week Linda visited the current ground to meet East Kilbride Thistle staff and many of their youth players after the EK Thistle Girls under-13′s won the Scottish Cup.
She also explains the town has been crying out for a professional club for decades and believes the move would suit all parties concerned, including current Showpark residents East Kilbride Thistle, who play in the Super League 1st Division.
“There were calls going back to the 1970s for a professional team to move into the town and many people will remember the Kelvin Bowl, which was hollowed out and ready to accommodate the building of a stadium but sat undeveloped for many years.
“With Clyde FC already part of the professional league, they would appear the most attractive option in the immediate term if the people of the town showed some enthusiasm for such a proposal.
“If Clyde were to move to East Kilbride then I’m sure they would benefit from the fact that there is a generation of their older supporters already living here and they would turn out to support the team.”
Would you welcome Clyde FC to East Kilbride? Sign up and let us know in the comments below!