Maryhill Juniors are ready to grapple their way back to the top after announcing a new tag-team partnership with the country's top wrestling firm.

The famous old junior football club - formed in 1884 - were in dire straits just a fortnight ago.

That's when Insane Championship Wrestling promoter Mark Dallas - a Maryhill lad - heard about their plight.

He immediately offered to help bring the club back to life and is now imposing some of his bout-winning mentality on the growing Maryhill committee.

Dallas, 33, told Record Sport : “When I was told that Maryhill Juniors were in a perilous state I had to do something to help. I'm a local guy, it was my duty!

“I've been running Insane Championship Wrestling for thirteen years and I've picked up a lot of knowledge along the way.

(Image: Daily Record)

“I want to help raise the profile of the club, smarten up the stadium, so that we can attract sponsorship, and help the club work on marketing.

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“I'm buying the team a set of strips, and the home kit will have ‘Insane Championship Wrestling’ emblazoned across the front, but this is about much more than that. It's about getting to the very heart of the club and helping to create a solid foundation.

“Lochburn also has the potential to be one of the best grounds in junior football, but it's just in need of a little TLC.”

This will be the first partnership between a football club and a wrestling promotion.

Maryhill, who play in West Region League One, enjoyed mixed fortunes last season, with Alan Kelly’s side ending up comfortably clear of the relegation zone.

At times the average age of the side was just 23, and the players were often bullied by their bigger, older and more physical opponents.

(Image: Daily Record)

But Dallas insists toughening up the players isn't part of his remit - and he won't be bringing star wrestler Grado and a few of his pals over to teach them a few moves.

He said: “I'll leave football matters to others, so there will definitely be no scoop slamming opponents, or even dropping the occasional elbow!

“I'm obviously hoping that the foundations we establish will lead to more success on the field, but having spoken to both Alan and his assistant, Kevin Lafferty, the guys seem really switched on, so I think we're okay on that front.

“My forte is wrestling, but there are similarities with both clubs. I'm proud of what I've achieved at ICW. I started it up because I wanted to run a wrestling company aimed at adults, and it has proved ‘insanely’ popular!”

Dallas is paying for the privilege of helping out his local club, and is urging other local businesses to dig deep to ensure Maryhill have a bright future.

He said: “The club really was at rock bottom, with just a few quid in the bank and a couple of guys trying to run the entire show.

“They told me that without assistance, Maryhill would've gone out the game. That was enough to get me thinking, and now I'm glad I got involved.

“But there must be others out there who would also be willing to help.

“I've brought the Garage nightclub owner Donald McLeod on board. He's a great guy to have on your side, and next season our away kit will be sponsored by them. What a boost to our profile.

“This is what I'm trying to bring to Maryhill. My local team was in big trouble and I wanted to help. We're getting there, but there is still a fair way to go.”

Club President, Tam Drew welcomed Mark on board and said: “It really isn't stretching the truth to say the end of Maryhill Juniors was nigh. The club which produced players like Davie Meiklejohn, Tommy Burns and Danny McGrain . How could you let that die?

“But we didn't have a choice. We had no money, no committee and no future.

“When Mark said he wanted to get involved it gave everyone such a terrific boost. His enthusiasm and drive has been a breath of fresh air.

(Image: Daily Record)

“We were so impressed with him that we almost immediately offered him the role of Vice President, and that isn't a position we offer lightly.

“But he is so deserving and in time, the history books will show that Mark Dallas and Insane Championship Wrestling helped save a footballing institution!”

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If you would like to help the club, please head to their GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/maryhill-football-club

Or if you would like more information on volunteering at Maryhill, please email maryhillfc@btinternet.com