Clydebank footballing sensation John McGinn has backed calls to save West Dunbartonshire’s only public golf course.

On Tuesday, we reported that a petition had been launched in an effort to prevent Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course from being downsized/closed for good.

It comes after golfers were issued a letter from West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) – which owns the course – on Saturday, February 17 stating that it would be considering this move at its budget meeting next month due to ‘rapidly reducing funds’.

The letter, seen by the Glasgow Times, goes on to add that the income WDC receives -including its funding from the Scottish Government – is “significantly lower than the cost of delivering its services”.

Sharing the petition on social media the Aston Villa star said he was “gutted” to hear this news.

He added: “Gutted to read this. Please sign if you can."

The petition was launched by Clydebank Overtoun Golf Club, one of several that play at Dalmuir.

In the last 24 hours, it has gathered more than 3,000 signatures.

Masters  caddy Craig Connelly has also back the petition. He said: "Doesn't matter where you are fromor if you've never played Dalmuir, do me a favour and sign this petition. It was only a few years ago that the course was thriving."

Gerry Smith, match secretary at Clydebank Overtoun, told the Glasgow Times the response so far has been “remarkable”.

He said: “It’s unbelievable the amount of people who have not only shared it but also signed it and left comments. The comments have been absolutely fantastic.

“To see guys like John McGinn and Craig Connelly who are well-known throughout the sporting world comment on it is brilliant, that pushes it even further.

“I was reading some of the posts on X [formerly known as Twitter] and there were people from England and Wales who said they’ve played the course and loved it and that it shouldn’t be shut.

“I was hoping for just over 1,000 signatures so it could go to the council but to get 3,000 and it’s still climbing is unbelievable.

“The response has been remarkable and if I could thank everyone individually I would.

"Hopefully, it’s enough to try and persuade them [WDC] to keep the golf course open.”

The proposal to downsize/close Dalmuir is one of a range of money-saving options that will be presented to councillors at WDC’s budget meeting on March 6.

It comes as the local authority works to plug its £17 million budget gap.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “A meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council will take place next month to discuss the budget for the upcoming financial year.

“No final decisions will be taken on any of the options presented until this meeting.”

To view the petition visit HERE.