FOOTBALL legend Ally McCoist is supporting a campaign which urges council chiefs to pump cash into a Renfrewshire school’s sports pitches.

The former Rangers and Scotland striker is among those calling for 3G and blaze pitches at Gryffe High, in Houston, to be overhauled.

Campaigners have warned Renfrewshire Council it must splash the cash or risk missing out on future generations of sporting talent.

A petition demanding action was kick-started by players and officials from Houston United and has since been signed by more than 350 people.

Mr McCoist, who lives in nearby Bridge of Weir, said: “The outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High are in need of investment as they have deteriorated over the years and are now in need of a review to allow them to cater for and encourage this, and future, generations to actively participate in various sports.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we could look at creating a wider community benefit and create a venue that can be used all year round by various local sporting clubs?”

The Gazette: Rangers legend Ally McCoist Rangers legend Ally McCoist

Houston United coach Alasdair Burns said the campaign is gathering momentum.

He added: “The blaze pitches are in a really bad state and there’s a 3G pitch that’s been down for a long time. 

“Independent assessors say it is satisfactory but Ally McCoist was there on Saturday and he said it was poor. It’s certainly not suitable for football.”

The campaign is also being backed by local councillor Jim Sheridan.

He said: “I urge the chief executive of Renfrewshire Council to find and commit the necessary resources to upgrade the outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High.”

A council spokesman said: “We are developing our school estate management plan to be presented to our education board in May and this will include prioritising any key upgrades to school facilities in most urgent need.”

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