GLENBUCK is within touching distance of a place in Scottish Football’s Hall of Fame.

The campaign group got the phone call they had been praying for last week when the official word was received from Hampden Park.

Michele Palilla said: “Robert Gillan called Richard McBrearty, who is curator of the Scottish Football History Museum.

“Robert was told that our campaign has been shortlisted and we will find out on Sunday, October 21 if Glenbuck and the Glenbuck Cherrypickers will be inducted in the Scottish Football Hall of Fame 2018.

“We are in a list of 12 nominees. From this, the panel will pick five winners so personally I am very confident as our campaign has been a complete success with a fantastic response from the public. Well done to us all.”

Reaction from the campaigners was understandably joyous.

Ben Browning said: “Great effort everybody. Well done. Brilliant news. It is an honour to be on the shortlist.”

Barbara Alexander, Bill Shankly’s niece, said: “Thanks again for the support the Cumnock Chronicle has given Glenbuck and my dear uncle.”

It has been an amazing journey so far and helped by Michele and Ben joining the campaign as well as Robert, whose book Shankly’s Village pays homage to the tiny mining community which had a big heart and an even bigger footballing pedigree.

Calling themselves The Pilgrims, the campaigners are now looking out the dinner suits and...the champagne, maybe?

The Scottish Football Hall Of Fame is a permanent feature within the Scottish Football Museum.

It honours the legendary players, managers and officials who have reached the pinnacle of their profession and have made a significant contribution to Scotland’s football reputation through their skill, spirit and determination.