Former pupils of Holyrood Secondary School will turn the clock back tomorrow to remember former team-mate and Celtic youth team striker Paul McGrillen.
Players from the 1987 and 1988 Scottish Cup winning teams, including one time Celtic, St Mirren and Partick Thistle midfielder PC David Elliot will take part in a six-a-side tournament consisting of four teams.
At stake on the day is the Paul McGrillen Cup named in honour of the former Motherwell and Falkirk player who took his own life in 2009 at the age of 37.
Elliot was a team-mate of McGrillen and is one of the driving forces behind tomorrow’s match and recalls his school football days fondly.
“Schools football was a big part of our football development,” he recalled. “Holyrood was a great school to be at, we took our football seriously but it tied in with our education.
“A lot of teachers gave up their time for the team and that was appreciated. After football I moved into the police force and have my education to thank for that.
“Winning the Scottish Schools Cup at Hampden is a fantastic memory for all of us. In May 87 I was in the Holyrood team that beat Stranraer Academy 6-2 at Hampden, in January 89 I made my first team debut for Celtic against Hamilton.
“When we won the cup at Hampden the main stand was half full, it was a great night. Loads of folk from the school were there as well as a lot of others from the south side.”
These days clubs have their own academies aimed at bringing through players but Elliot can’t help looking back fondly on his schooldays and the football adventures.
“When you have to travel in a mini-bus to Aberdeen to face Bridge of Don Academy it certainly builds bonds between the players,” he added.
“Working your way through the rounds in the Scottish Cup was a big adventure. There were a lot of really strong school teams at the time, Holy Cross in Hamilton had some great players at the time.
“A lot of our players are still living and working around the south side and it’s great to get together again and remember Paul.
“He was a great player who had a good career in the game, a few of the team went on to play for Clyde and Queens Park although the fitness levels vary a lot these days!
“We’ll have a good game on Saturday, Tony McLaren from Breathing Space will referee the match then it’s off to the Orchard Park Hotel afterwards for some serious post match analysis.
“Everything is laid on for us there, we’ll keep an eye on the Euros but mainly we’ll be remembering the school team and raising some money for Breathing Space.”
Kick off is 2pm at
The Pitches Glasgow Southside Centre
137 Shawbridge Street,
Pollokshaws, Glasgow G43 1QQ.
CLICK HERE to visit Breathing Space
