Muirkirk PS received a special visit from the niece of football legend Bill Shankly last week, who presented them with a full Liverpool FC strip on behalf of the club’s supporters’ union.

Barbara Alexander was honoured to represent The Spirit of Shankly and to hear from pupils Jack, Chloe, Keavie, Declan, Errin and Lea who spoke about the Glenbuck star and his legacy in their community.

Handing the strips over, Barbara said: “Don’t worry, those red Liverpool jerseys will run themselves.”

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The terrible weather didn’t dampen the children’s spirits and they had a great time playing a match in their new strips on the school’s pitches.

Council Leader Douglas Reid said: “Shankly’s legacy has created an unbreakable bond between communities in East Ayrshire and in Liverpool. His values are as important today, as they were 60 years ago, and the generosity of the Spirit of Shankly is a fitting tribute to a great man.”

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Stephen Monaghan, of The Spirit of Shankly, added: “Muirkirk is synonymous with the great Bill Shankly and it is a fitting tribute that these football strips will be worn by the pupils of the school for years to come.

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“This gesture cements our relationship with East Ayrshire Council and Muirkirk and we look forward to working with Vibrant Communities as we begin our plans to host our first youth football tournament in 2022.”

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