Liverpool last night confirmed they will vacate their ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ slogan by joining the money-driven European Super League plans.
A club built on working class people and values, the motto is planted on the club’s crest. But after joining plans which are set to make the rich wealthier and leave fellow clubs and fans alike to deal with the consequences, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is now an empty message for Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool look to have sold out. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
But – unlike the detached from reality clubs chasing green bills – some Scottish clubs are actually aware of what’s going on in their local community. Here are 10 SPFL clubs who deserve the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ slogan.
Stenhousemuir
The Warriors have been huge for their community in the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, Stenhousemuir set up a Community Help Initiative, doing simple things like setting up a telephone, dog walking, food deliveries etc. It still carries out these tasks to this day, making up meals and delivering them to locals for example.
Motherwell
North Lanarkshire has a huge problem with mental health in young people, particularly in young males. The club have been long-term supporters of mental health organisations Breathing Space and Suicide Prevention, wearing the latter’s logo on their sleeves every game. A video was recently sent from players to a fan in need.
Carrying a message. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian
The Edinburgh pair may be rivals on the park but off it they unite for a great cause. They both support a project called The Changing Room, which has the aim of engaging men and supporting them with their mental health.
Dundee United
Micky Mellon’s club decided to engage young fans in literacy earlier this season. Midfielder Ian Harkes provided some valuable lessons for youngsters that received praise from the education community.
Livingston
Livi do plenty in their community but it’s perhaps their leaders who show their true colours. Manager David Martindale has been offered the chance to become a shining light for rehabilitation after time in prison, now a valuable role model in the Scottish game. Club captain Marvin Bartley has recently been appointed to the SFA’s anti-racism advisory panel.
Livi’s success stories. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Partick Thistle
The Jags have provided plenty to their surrounding areas in the midst of the pandemic but their support goes back further too. Back in 2019, Thistle opened their doors to elderly people who would have been spending Christmas Day alone. The club’s Charitable Trust’s Christmas Day event allowed fans spending the festive period alone into the club all afternoon.
Kilmarnock
Other clubs took part in the GoFitba project but Kilmarnock were one of the leaders in promotion this project run by the Scottish Football Partnership and Trust. It allowed young footballers to train with their friends on the Rugby Park pitch before being provided with a nutritious meal and lessons on diet.
St Mirren
Manager Jim Goodwin has been a big backer of the community projects at his club. Formerly a courier when dipping into part-time football, he headed back into this trade partly by delivering food parcels to local Buddies last year. Good guy.
Our Saints of the day! Thank u to Jim Goodwin, @james_hunter91, Senga Campbell (finally got that Pic) & Annette Whalen. Goody & James volunteered @STARprojPaisley 2 day delivering food parcels 🖤🤍❤️ 🙌@saintmirrenfc @stmirrenwfc @smisatrust @SMFCFansCouncil #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/EhCe9FNztC
— St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation (@SMFC_CF) April 9, 2020
Ross County
The Staggies have started an initiative called ‘Check in & Chat,’ which allows fans some time with the players they support. It means supporters can speak with players about their club, issues they are having, or anything else that comes up in conversation.
There are several more examples of clubs across Scotland investing in the communities that give them so much. These teams should be cherished over the likes of Liverpool, who are only eager for your custom.