Northern Ireland

Fans of iconic footballer Elisha Scott urged to immortalise him on street maps in Belfast by voting before poll closes

Elisha Scott fielded cross-community teams in 1930s Belfast saying, `I don't play Protestant players. I don't play Catholic players. I play good players'
Elisha Scott fielded cross-community teams in 1930s Belfast saying, `I don't play Protestant players. I don't play Catholic players. I play good players' Elisha Scott fielded cross-community teams in 1930s Belfast saying, `I don't play Protestant players. I don't play Catholic players. I play good players'

FANS of iconic footballer Elisha Scott have been urged to ensure he is immortalised on street maps in his native city.

A public vote to name the new road leading to Belfast's Olympia Leisure Centre ends tomorrow.

Scott Boulevard, in honour of the former Liverpool, Belfast Celtic, Northern Ireland and Linfield legend, is among six choices for the route.

Also in contention are Boucher Boulevard, Grace Bannister Way a tribute to the city's first female Lord Mayor), Legends Way, Olympia Boulevard and Windsor Way (to reflect the close proximity to Windsor Park).

SDLP Councillor Donal Lyons is backing Scott, pointing out he was "born just yards from this new road".

"It would be fitting if the road was named after one of our cities greatest ever footballers," he said.

"After famously signing for Liverpool FC in 1912 for `£1 and the price of the boat trip', Scott would be a key player in Anfield for an incredible 22 years, making 468 first-team appearances.

"He holds the record as Liverpool's longest serving player to this day. The earliest recorded football chant was Liverpool fans cheering his name. Scott is widely considered the first King of the Kop."

Scott then returned to Donegall Road in 1934 to become player-manager for Belfast Celtic, securing 31 trophies in the 14 years that followed, including 10 Irish League titles.

"Scott also knew what mattered in football and when challenged amid worsening sectarian tensions in the 1930s, for fielding a cross community team he responded in his trademark forthright style `I don't play Protestant players. I don't play Catholic players. I play good players'," Mr Lyons said.

:: Voting is via https://dof.belfastcity.gov.uk/NameTheRoadVote/ by emailing NameTheRoad@BelfastCity.gov.uk with Elisha Scott in the subject and including your name and address, or using the ballot papers in the Olympia Leisure Centre, Morton Community Centre, Greater Village Regeneration Trust, Windsor Women's Centre, South City Resource Centre.