A REMARKABLE book detailing the illustrious history of a Three Towns football club has now been completed as part of their 120th anniversary celebrations.
George McGrattan was approached by Ardrossan Winton Rovers in January 2020, asked with writing a the book recounting their journey since they were founded in 1900.
He duly agreed, though the Covid pandemic, and ensuing 16 game-less months for the Winton, put the breaks on releasing this in line with their anniversary year.
However, this gave George the opportunity to carry out further research, and produce a remarkable account of over 120 years of history.
And so he produced 'Ardrossan Winton Rovers Football Club: The First 120 Years - and a few more'.
The book will officially launch this Saturday, October 1, being placed on sale from an hour before the Winton Park side's home fixture against Royal Albert - which kicks off at 2pm.
From 2pm on Saturday, the book will also be available to purchase from the Seahorse Bookstore in Winton Buildings near Asda in Ardrossan.
Winton chairman Pat Breen commented: “George has been a friend of Winton Rovers for several years, helping where he can behind the scenes. I am very grateful to him for recording our past and hope that you enjoy reading the book.”
The book contains over 90 pages and 120 photographs both historical and from the present day - including one of each Youth Academy team.
Inside the book includes some of the intriguing stories so many would have never heard previously.
This includes: The unlikely setting in which Winton was founded, their first opponents, their four Scottish Junior Cup semi-final ties in one season, Winton players who won national honours, the player who scored a hat-trick on his debut and was banned for six months, the former Winton player who succeeded Jock Stein as manager of a senior Scottish club, games against Celtic and Rangers, Winton managers, Supporters’ Clubs, the Youth Academy and Winton’s Future.
George even credited old files from the Herald as "an excellent source of information" when penning the book.
Ardrossan Winton Rovers Football Club: The First 120 Years - and a few more can be purchased at a cost of £10. Further details on the book can be found on the club’s website at WintonRoversFC.org.uk and on Facebook and Twitter.
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