THE first game of football was played at the newly developed Holm Park at the weekend.

There was plenty of excitement on the opening day with Clydebank runaway 8-1 winners over Yoker Athletic.

The friendly match kicked off at 2pm on Saturday, July 13.

Kieran McAnespie, Clydebank manager, told the Post: “We’ve been playing there for the last few years so it was nice to get back and create a more community feel around the place.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done with the interior and the pavilion but it was a brilliant day on Saturday – on and off the pitch. There was plenty of fans there and the weather was absolutely perfect for it.

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“The pitch being redeveloped allows ourselves, Yoker, and the community, the chance to move forward in the right direction all with the council’s backing.

“From a selfish point of view, and looking at what we want to achieve as a club, it gives us a really solid foundation to go and do that.”

Professional graffiti artist “Barry the Cat” painted a mural on a wall outside Holm Park.

Peter McKenna, Yoker co-manager, said: “The big thing for us on Saturday was the return to Holm Park rather than the result. For the community of Clydebank and Yoker, it was a fantastic day.

“The sun was shining, the fans were out in great numbers and the whole place is looking stunning with the murals and the photos in the dressing rooms.

“It’s about time the community got something like this, it’s just great for everybody in this area. You can’t ask for anything better than what we have here now.”

Work to Holm Park commenced in January this year which saw the installation of a 3G pitch, floodlights and improved boundary fencing, under the administration of Holm Park Community Football Academy.

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Representatives from Clydebank FC, Yoker Athletic and West Dunbartonshire Council make up the academy.

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said: “The newly redeveloped facilities look fantastic and will be a great asset to our local communities. It’s taken a lot of hard work over many years to deliver these facilities and everyone involved deserves great credit for their efforts.”

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson said: “I have great admiration for the people who have steadfastly worked over many, many years to make a home for Clydebank FC and Yoker Athletic, and I think I speak for the whole community when I say we are delighted that they now have that home. I wish them the very best for the future”.