Peeblesshire News | Sport | Back from the dead

Friday, 9th January, 2009

Published: Friday, 14th November, 2008 12:30

Back from the dead

By David O'Leary

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Linton Hotspur are doin’ a Dirty Den and returning from the dead.

But they’ll be hoping for a less fatal outcome than the soap character’s.

Until its demise in 1971, Linton Hotspur was a well-established community football club, generating significant interest from the people of the village.

Lack of commitment to the cause and a resulting inability to field a team ultimately lead to the disbanding of the club in the latter years as interest began to wane.

However a group of over 15 villagers now want to have a team playing in the Borders Embroideries Amateur League by the start of next season.

They hope to play on the village football park and talks are on going with SBC and the local community council regarding the erection of changing facilities.

Linton Hotspur committee member, Tom Davidson, believes that the returning club will be a success that will add a lot to the area.

He said: “We have a squad of around 20 at present for senior level and there is over 60 kids who play on Saturday mornings in the council run session.

“We feel that with some more additions we’d have a very healthy club in the village. There’s at present a lot of footballers from the village playing for other towns and such, hopefully they’ll all return to play for their local side.

“We presented our case to the community council which was well received and supported.

“We will now formally write to SBC asking for permission to increase the pitch to full size and the erection of changing facilities.

“Our return could also inspire others to do likewise which could also herald the return of the rugby and athletics clubs.”

Margaret Harrison, Chair of West Linton Community Council echoes this view. She said: “This is great for the village and should be applauded. It’s fantastic to see that there are so many keen individuals out there wishing to get involved.

“This could also go a long way to reinvigorating other sports within the town also.”

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