Falkirk fans bid to rename stand after Bairns legend Kevin McAllister

Falkirk fans are clubbing together to fund a lasting tribute to one of the club greats at The Falkirk Stadium.

‘The Crunchie Initiative’ formed by five fans – Dave McInally, Ross Wayne, Mark Jeruzal, Simon Lindsay and Bill Jones – is hoping to rename the south stand after Kevin McAllister.

The midfielder, from Camelon, had three stints and a loan with the Bairns and was voted Player of the Millennium.

But Dave McInally, one of the organisers, told The Falkirk Herald more should be done to recognise the popular player.

“We’ve had players who the fans hold in high regard and he tops that list by a mile. There’s a lot of fans who feel there’s a disconnect – he’s a local guy, why’s he not at the club more regularly and honoured?

“He’s massive to the fans, and we want something that reflects that and is lasting. It’s easy enough to change the name on tickets but we’re looking at some branding on the side of the south stand and interior at the bar area.”

The group’s early work has been met by unanimous approval amongst the support.

“We’ve not had to campaign hard. We’ve had real support whenever we’ve mentioned it,” Dave added. “When it was discussed on one of the Facebook groups it was the most liked posts of the recent past.”

It would be like bringing a little bit of Brockville back to the Bairns. McAllister played all his Bairns days in front of the Hope Street end and that’s part of ‘The Crunchie Initiative’ thinking, to honour a local legend.

Dave explained: “We want it done properly. I’ve seen clubs dedicate stands with a little plaque. We want something that’s in-fitting and reflects what he means to the fans.

“Kevin never played at The Falkirk Stadium and it was always Brockville for him, but this is a way of bringing a bit of Brockville back to the club.”

The Bairns board has sanctioned the idea in principle and now the group are beginning to raise necessary funds for their work to be carried out.

The group have been working quietly for a number of months and recently came to the fore with sponsorship of FalkirkTV.

They’re aiming for a five figure sum, though fans can help in other ways too – and time is on their side, despite their plans being delayed.

McInally added: “We’ve had some coming forward helping with alternative quotes for what we’re planning to do, and ideas.

“We don’t want to be asking the fans for money at a difficult time and when the club needs it most, but we’re being creative and looking at commodities and things people might want to buy which could go into our fund and also a bit back to the club as well.”

And Dave added: “We’re trying to help the club. We don’t want this to cost them at a difficult time when money’s going to the playing squad.

“We had hoped to have this in place by next season but the current situation has delayed us and there’s no point unless the fans are in there to celebrate it – that’s what it is all about at the end of the day.”

Follow them on Twitter at @CrunchieNumber7 or on Facebook at The Crunchie Initiative.