THE man behind the re-launch of Third Lanark dreams of one day returning the club to senior football.
Simon Weir purchased the Third Lanark Athletic Club Limited name two years ago, after discovering his great-grandfather played for the Hi-Hi in 1916.
But their demise in 1967 still irks the chairman who feels enough wasn’t done to keep Thirds afloat, and believes they should have been afforded the same time and support newco Rangers have been granted.
The Cathkin Park club played their last senior game five years short of their century on April 28, 1967 and were wound up just 40 days later.
They disappeared from the Scottish game without any clamour to give them a chance to seek new owners and Weir said: “Apart from within their own fan base there was little by the way of support from within football and outside of football to save the club.
“There was no time given to allow a takeover which may have come from a couple of interested parties. That period was one of the most successful in Scottish football as Scotland defeated England, Celtic won the European Cup, Rangers were in the Cup Winners Cup Final and Killie reached the Fairs Cup semi-final.
“Basically no one was that interested or wanted to take the time to help.
“Thirds were founder members of the SFL but were removed really quickly when you look back at the events.
“Rangers have been in administration for nearly five months and lots of plans have been put forward to keep them going.”
While Thirds were denied time to restructure in the 60s, it may be on their side this time around.
Weir added: “Maybe what is happening just now will lead to a pyramid system being introduced that will work to our benefit.
“We are working our way up from the bottom and looking to progress via the amateur ranks to the juniors and it would be great to reach the ultimate prize of a return to senior football.”