Lanark Co-operative Youth Club manager Willie Wilson remembers treble winning year of 1966

Scottish football fans’ noses have been put out of joint many times when English commentators harp on about 1966 and their World Cup triumph.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jun 2011, 09:00 BST

But the Gazette can this week highlight another notable football success story closer to home – albeit 45 years ago – achieved by Lanark Co-operative Youth Club team managed by Willie Wilson.

Remarkable Kirkfieldbank-born boss Willie (81), of South Vennel, landed the treble of Lanarkshire League, Lanarkshire Cup and Willie Richmond Cup for his team in 1966.

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“We were unbeaten in the league all season,” Willie said. “And our top goalscorer Robert Greenshields netted an incredible 56 times. It was a great team.

“My instructions to the boys before they went out were always the same – don’t make any mistakes in the first 20 minutes, and, if in doubt, boot it out.

“If we then scored after that opening period, the players always knew they were looking good to win.”

For more on this story pick up a copy of the Carluke and Lanark Gazette, which is in the shops now.