RUTHERGLEN’S contingency of Clyde fans are awaiting the return of the Bully Wee to the town next weekend.
For John Brown’s men will make a welcome return to the Burgh on Saturday, July 19 when they take on Rutherglen Glencairn in the official opening match of the New Southcroft Stadium.
This will be the first time that Clyde have played a match in their traditional home since their final league game at Shawfield on April 29 1986, when they won 4-2 against Alloa Athletic.
It brought to an end an 88 year association with Rutherglen.
Brown is expected to bring a fully fit first team squad to face Glencairn in a game that the town’s football fans can’t wait to embark on, and a match that will play an important part in the pre-season preparation for both sides.
Brown said: “We are pleased with the schedule we have organised and are looking forward to the game against Rutherglen Glencairn. We were delighted to accept their invitation to play them in a pre-season friendly and officially open their new ground.
“Pre- season matches gives us a perfect opportunity to ensure the players are ready for the kick-off and can hit the ground running. That is our goal."
Meanwhile, John Taylor, director at Clyde FC is delighted to see the club return to their original roots.
He said this week: “We were invited to play in the official opening match at New Southcroft by Glencairn and had no hesitation whatsoever in accepting the invitation.
“We will be having a buffet after the game with the squad and management and we’re thoroughly looking forward to seeing their all new facilities and set up.
“It’s well known that our roots are from Rutherglen and that we still maintain a very strong support base in Rutherglen and surrounding areas, so we are delighted to be heading back to the town.
“A lot of the staff at Broadwood have been born and bred in Rutherglen and therefore it’s vitally important to us to stay in touch with the local community there as we love going back and playing games and hosting events in the area.
“This is a very important fixture for both Clyde and Glencairn as we realise and understand the significance this match has on the local fans. Clyde is delighted with any opportunity where we can promote the game in good healthy spirits with other footballing sides.
“We hope to see a lot of faces in the crowd for what will no doubt be a fantastic match.”
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