Third Lanark AC

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In 1996 the first ever comprehensive History of Third Lanark AC was published. The author Bert Bell, was greatly encouraged in it's pursuit by the tremendous support from former Cathkin fans and players. Many former players in fact attended the launch on 16th August 1996, with Dave Hilley giving a superb account of his own Cathkin times, as did the late Ally McLeod.

Dave summed up the day and feelings of all by saying ' we all miss the Hi Hi's very much, but if we can't have our Team then Bert has provided the best alternative'.

Although some 37 years have passed since its end, the HI Hi's have refused to accept a decent burial. Perhaps now, providing this historical review satisfies most, a final and proper farewell can be said.

The Thirds story has been written following extensive research, particularly because there were no club records available. He has benefited greatly from the facts acquired from his own comprehensive collection of Third Lanark memorabilia. Personal visits have also been made to many former Cathkinites in an endeavour to ensure maximum accuracy, and factual anecdotes, which add the real Cathcart Road flavour to the contents.

The book is not necessarily a detailed account of every individual happening, but more an attempt to capture the moods, excitement, and atmosphere along with the football romance which prevailed in and around Cathkin for so many years.

It is intended for football fans in general and particularly for the thousands who so faithfully followed the fortunes of this once great wee club. It will recall the doubtful pleasure of sitting in the old grandstand which was for so long the butt of comedians' jokes throughout the land. It will envelop for as many, the terrific camaraderie and love for this institution, which was inherent in each Cathkin visit.

Third Lanark was all about people and the pleasure which the author derived in the preparation and compilation of this history, was only equalled by the almost embarrassing encouragement from his personal contacts in its pursuit.

There are still many 'steeped in red', who will feel that perhaps this chronicle is simply a warm wallow in nostalgia. We cannot forget, however, that to the real Cathkin man in the football sense what else is left for those STILL SEEING RED?

The book subsequently became so popular that the entire print run sold out, three times and the book is sadly now out of print. If you would like to buy a copy why not email Bert Bell who holds a database of names of interested parties. If there is enough of an interest the publishers may reprint.