Scotland international issues “pretty special” verdict after having stadium renamed after him

Billy Gilmour has admitted it is “pretty special” to see a stadium named after him after agreeing a five-year sponsorship deal with his former local club.

The Scotland international began his footballing journey at Ardrossan Winton Rovers, where he has strong family connections, and has now returned to the club during the international break.

Winton Rovers will now play at the Billy Gilmour Stadium

The Scotland and SSC Napoli midfielder has agreed to sponsor Ardrossan Winton Rovers' home ground for the next five years, with the venue now officially known as the Billy Gilmour Stadium.

Gilmour grew up in Ardrossan and played at the ground as a youngster after moving to London to join Chelsea from Rangers.

His family also has a long association with the club, with his father and uncle having played there, while his brother Harvey currently plays and coaches for Winton Rovers.

Gilmour returned to officially launch the renamed stadium and explained why the honour means so much to him.

“This is where I grew up and played my football. My dad played here for many years, my uncle played here, and I came down as a kid watching,” he told the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.

“Now Harvey is down here doing his coaching and also playing. It's pretty special to come down and watch Harvey now and knowing it's named after the family.”

Winton Rovers chairman Pat Breen said the club was “delighted, honoured and privileged” to have Gilmour sponsor the stadium.

The club currently competes in the West of Scotland First Division, Scotland's seventh tier, and is chasing promotion.

FGG says: Billy Gilmour Stadium is a unique tribute to the Scotland international

There is something particularly fitting about Gilmour having his name attached to the ground where his football journey began, especially given his family's long-standing links with Winton Rovers.

The sponsorship also shows that despite reaching the highest levels of the game with Scotland and Napoli, Gilmour has retained a strong connection with the community where he grew up.

For Winton Rovers, the deal should provide a significant boost for the club while giving the next generation of players a visible reminder of where one of Scotland's current internationals started his career.