Bellshill Athletic F.C.

History

The club traces its origins to 1897, when Bellshill Athletic began as a Juvenile side playing at Hawthorn Park. After two years it moved to Junior level. At that time three other local clubs existed: Bellshill Thistle, Mossend Celtic and Mossend Brigade. On 6 August 1902 Bellshill merged with Clydesdale Wanderers to form Bellshill & Clydesdale United, which folded after two seasons.

A new Bellshill Athletic had been established in 1903, and that club continues today. In 1975 Andrew Goodwin secured a four-figure deal with The Derby Inn, a pub in Mossend, making Bellshill Athletic the first football club in Britain to wear sponsors on their shirts. Early homes included Orbiston Park, Douglas Park and Brigade Park. Brandon Park opened in August 1903 with a friendly against Blantyre Victoria.

For the centenary year the club moved to New Brandon Park in Hattonrigg, but legal issues forced them to leave. After a short stay in Blantyre and a temporary arrangement at the Sir Matt Busby Sports Complex, they groundshared with Vale of Clyde at Fullarton Park in Tollcross for the 2011–12 season. In 2015 the club returned to Bellshill at Rockburn Park, with plans to move to a community facility at Bellshill Academy. Hughie Gallacher began his playing career at Bellshill Athletic, later captaining Newcastle United to a top division title.

Billy Moffatt also started his career there. Bellshill have played at Junior level since 1899, except for a spell in the Intermediate League from 1927 to 1931. As Juniors they have competed in the Lanarkshire League, the Scottish League, the Central League and the present West Region. The club was relegated from the Stagecoach Super League Premier Division in 2009–10.