GLENBUCK’S most famous footballing ambassador never actually played for the local team.

A common misconception was that Bill Shankly turned out for Glenbuck Cherrypickers but it was another junior team, not too far away, that had him in their ranks.

At age 18, Shanks signed for Cronberry Eglinton as the Cherrypickers had ceased to exist after their Ayrshire Cup win of 1930/31.

Several of his friends played for them as did his four older brothers, who all became professionals including Bob, who managed Dundee and Hibs.

Football was a way out from a tough existence down the mines which resulted in the area producing a remarkable conveyor belt of footballing talent.

As well as Bill Shankly, it is understood that Glenbuck provided around 50 players who played professionally, including many who represented Scotland.

It is an amazing statistic, given that there were only around 1,200 residents at most in the village.

This has resulted in several documentaries being produced, with the latest one being a labour of love for a Liverpool fan, Simon Thorton.

The Chronicle joined Shanks’ niece Barbara Alexander when she met Simon and Glenbuck’s Sam Purdie at his memorial stone recently.

They were putting the final touches to the film, called Making Shankly, with panoramic scenes being captured by a drone high above the area.

Robert Gillan, founder of Glenbuck Football Academy, said: “Glenbuck was only a wee village but it has given rise to so many fantastic players who have served as an inspiration to people all over the world. Bill Shankly was an idol to so many and he still motivates people to this day.”

Shanks became as famous for his gruff manner and his numerous quotes, several of which referred to his mining background.

He once said: “Pressure is working down the pit. Pressure is having no work at all. Pressure is trying to escape relegation on 50 shillings a week. Pressure is not the European Cup or the championship or the cup final. That’s the reward.”