CELEBRATIONS were in order for everyone connected with Vale of Leven FC recently, as a civic reception took place to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.

The event was held last week in Alexandria Library and saw coaching staff and club officials join Provost Douglas McAllister, deputy lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Tom Finnigan MBE and local councillors Jim Bollan and Michelle McGinty, former managers Hugh Hamill, James Brown, John Filshie, Evan Williams and Jimmy Johnstone.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Current manager Brian Brown alongside five previous managers stretching back to 1973, Jimmy Brown, Evan Williams, Jimmy Johnstone, Hugh Hamill and John FilshieCurrent manager Brian Brown alongside five previous managers stretching back to 1973, Jimmy Brown, Evan Williams, Jimmy Johnstone, Hugh Hamill and John Filshie (Image: Brian Craig)

The Alexandria side were originally founded in 1872 and are considered one of the pioneers of football in Scotland alongside Queen’s Park, winning the Scottish Cup in 1877, 1878 and 1879 and being one of the founding members of the Scottish Football League in 1890.

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At present, the Millburn Park club play their football in PDM Buildbase West of Scotland Football League Third Division.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Manager Brian Brown with his coaching team Alan Brown, Hugh Ward, David McNaught, Adam Monaghan and club captain Stephen GriffenManager Brian Brown with his coaching team Alan Brown, Hugh Ward, David McNaught, Adam Monaghan and club captain Stephen Griffen (Image: Brian Craig)

Vale of Leven FC’s Angus Wallace commented: “A big thanks to West Dunbartonshire Council and Provost Douglas McAllister for hosting a civic reception to commemorate the club’s 150th anniversary. An enjoyable evening was had by all.”

Provost Douglas McAllister said: “I was absolutely delighted to welcome so many people to Alexandria Library to mark the Vale of Leven Football Club’s milestone 150 years, making them one of Scotland’s most historic and important football clubs.

“The club is weaved deeply into the fabric of Alexandria and it was wonderful to hear everyone’s shared experiences, and witness the common passion that connects families, friends and neighbours from generation to generation.

“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been yet to make some time to visit the impressive museum space in the library, which explores the footballing heritage of the Vale as part of a wider exhibition on the history of the area. In addition, a display of photographs from the council’s local history collection celebrating the Vale of Football Club through the years is available to view throughout April.”