GLENCAIRN will open New Southcroft Park with a glamour friendly against first division Clyde on July 19.
The game will mark the end of nearly two years travelling to a host of grounds masquerading as their home.
And it will also mark Clyde’s first return to their spiritual home of Rutherglen since 1986.
Glens were handed the keys to their new stadium in February but had to wait and let the new park settle before risking a game on it.
That time is nearly upon them now and General Secretary, Alex Forbes, is thrilled that the Glens will finally have a place to call home once again: “We’re overjoyed. It’s about time and now we can start looking to the future.”
Glens co-manager, Scott Smith, was often critical of the old Southcroft, with it’s crumbling terraces and tight pitch. But he now feels the club have one of the finest set-up’s in junior football and will be the envy of many other bigger sides.
But he added he is less chuffed that the Clyde game coincides with his summer holidays: “I’m really, really looking forward to playing there.
“It’s just typical though that I won’t be there for that game.
“We could probably have picked easier opponents but it’s a cracker for the supporters.
“I’ve said before it might take us a wee while to get used to the park but it will also help us sign players because people will want to play at a ground like it.”
Glens were finally turfed out of Southcroft in November 2006 after decades of speculation. The old ground is now nearly completely demolished with the new M74 motorway set to cut right through it.
The first ever game there had been against a Rangers select in 1896 and the Gers sent a youth team there in 1996 to celebrate it’s centenary.
Glens will be more than satisfied with Clyde this time who have posted an intention to take their entire first team squad to the game.
Bossed by former-Rangers player John Brown, the Bully Wee also boasted the likes of Jorg Albertz in their line-up towards the end of last season.
For the club, a return from Cumbernauld to the Royal Burgh however briefly, will be a trip down memory lane, a fact not lost on director John Ruddy.
John said: “We are absolutely delighted that they have offered us the chance to come and play and open their new stadium.
“We hope that all the present and past Clyde fans from Rutherglen will come out and support not just ourselves, but also Glencairn, a club we have great affection for.”
The game will kick-off at 3pm. Glens have also confirmed the second game at New Southcroft will be on Saturday July 26 against Fauldhouse, this time with a 2pm start.
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