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The backers behind reborn Third Lanark have revealed a £5million blueprint to breathe new life into one of Scotland’s fastest-growing communities.

The consortium are in talks over funding for the redevelopment of The Hi-Hi’s old Cathkin Park home.

Proposals include an all-weather pitch and floodlights at the ground in Glasgow ’s south side.

Directors of the project want the renovated stadium to be used for football and cricket – to tap into interest in both sports in nearby Govanhill.

Third Lanark AFC –currently top of the third division of the Greater Glasgow Amateur League –groundshare at Vale of Clyde’s Fullarton Park in Tollcross. But they hope the multi-million pound plan will boost their ambitions of re-entering the Scottish leagues.

Chairman Ian Alexander said: “We want to establish Third Lanark as a football and sporting club at the centre of the local community.

“We’ve had meetings with Glasgow City Council regarding our proposals and they have been extremely positive. The plans for a five-phase development would initially cost about £250,000 for a basic infrastructure.

“It’s a five-year, £5million plan which would see a 2000-seater stand, smaller pitches and car parking built.

“We want to forge close links with Govanhill. It’s the most racially diverse part of Scotland with more than 40 nationalities within a square mile.”

Fellow director Pat McGeady – an uncle of former Celtic star Aiden – said: “We’ve got a supporters’ club, have launched a football academy and have big plans.”

The club plan to hold a mini football World Cup at Cathkin in August to link up the nationalities in the area.

Third Lanark – founding members of the Scottish Football League – went under in 1967 after a sustained period of mismanagement. Former stars include ex-Scotland manager Ally MacLeod, who began his playing career with the club.

We revealed last year how Thirds are being backed by a wealthy expat to get back into the big time.

John Sweeney grew up near Cathkin Park before emigrating to Canada, where he became a successful property developer.

A spokesman for Glasgow Life, who run the park on behalf of the council, said: “Dialogue continues with representatives from Third Lanark, with the aim of developing a solution that will suit all interested parties and meet the wider need of the local community.”