Carluke stadium named after Hearts hero John Cumming

CARLUKE'S new £3.5 million sports arena in Carnwath Road is to be named after the finest footballer ever born in the town.

Legend John Cumming, who played for Carluke Rovers before winning two league titles, one Scottish Cup and four league cups with Hearts in the 1950s and 60s, also won nine Scotland caps.

John died in December 2008, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease, but his name will now live on for many years to come.

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Choking back tears, John's widow Jane (76) this week told the Gazette of her immense pride at the accolade for her late hubby.

Jane, who was recently thrilled to receive a stunning painting by artist Nicola Cairns of John wearing Hearts colours, said: "Having the sports arena named after John is a tremendous honour.

"Councillor Eileen Logan phoned my daughter Jean Laird a few weeks after John's death.

"Eileen asked Jean how I would feel about calling the arena The John Cumming Stadium, Carluke, and Jean told her that I'd be over the moon.

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"I've since told Eileen that it was such a nice gesture on her part."

The official opening of The John Cumming Stadium was originally scheduled for August but it was put back to later in the year after two unrecorded mine shafts were discovered.

John's grandson Andrew added: "We could not think of a better memorial for him. His happiest moments in life came from playing football and helping the local community."

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke Gazette which is in the shops now.