Robert Gillan’s plan for Bill Shankly football academy

GLESPIN man Robert Gillan is in the process of setting up a football academy in tribute to legendary former Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Apr 2013, 09:00 BST
Robert Gillan (44) from Glespin is trying to set up a football academy and museum to Bill Shankley Glespin 22/4/13Robert Gillan (44) from Glespin is trying to set up a football academy and museum to Bill Shankley Glespin 22/4/13
Robert Gillan (44) from Glespin is trying to set up a football academy and museum to Bill Shankley Glespin 22/4/13

Shankly – who was born and raised in the tiny Ayrshire mining village of Glenbuck – went on to play 12 times for Scotland and won 11 trophies as Liverpool boss between 1959 and ’74.

And Robert (44), of Ayr Road, is establishing Glenbuck Football Academy in a bid to create a lasting legacy to Shankly and the other 50+ professional footballers who emerged from the village between 1870 and the mid 20th century.

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“Bill was a socialist who always provided a lot of inspiration for his players,” Robert said.

“He was a bit like I am now in that he lived and breathed football and was a family man.

“I want to start up a coaching academy under the Glenbuck name very soon and hope to run classes at Douglas Primary School from 7pm every Tuesday and Thursday.”

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is out now.

Related topics:Liverpool FCScotland