A SOUTH Side community football club has welcomed back a former coach to help run its new disabled sports division.

Hillwood Football Club, who are based in Priesthill and have been operating since 1966, revealed that Joe McAlpine will take on the role of head coach for the section.

Hillwood founder Willie Smith said: "Joe’s wealth of experience and expertise in this important area brings to an end a lengthy process by the club intended to ensure that the widest possible accessibility and sports opportunities are available to anyone regardless of any disability.

"Membership of the club will also enable the disabled division access to the fantastic new facility of Hillwood Community Trust as it has done with many other local organisations."

Joe added: “I am thrilled to be heading up an excellent addition to an already thriving club.

"As head coach of Elite Disability Sports Club I feel I have gained invaluable experience in what it takes to provide a fully inclusive sports environment.

"Following an accident at work in which I was left unable to continue playing mainstream football I understand the challenges and obstacles that need to be overcome in disabled sport.

"I am looking forward to being a part of the Hillwood family again."

Last year, we reported that Glasgow City Council approved Hillwood Community Trust’s application for permission to build a new clubhouse, including changing rooms and a community hall, on playing fields at Priesthill Road.

It is the third part of a development which has involved upgrading two grass pitches and installing a new synthetic pitch, fencing and flood lights.

The premises is used by Hillwood Football Club, which has previously been represented by some of the top names in Scottish football.

These include former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, current Celtic chief-executive Peter Lawwell and Kenny Burns who won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest.

Other players or managers with links to the club include Tommy Coyne, Owen Coyle, and Ross McCormack.

Both McLeish and Burns have been inducted into the club's hall of fame.