A Russian football club who modelled themselves on Celtic have crashed out of their league amid a funding crisis.
Celtic Shatura had a fairytale journey into the professional divisions after being set up by Hoops superfan Denis McGoalach four years ago.
Now their rise to the Russian Third Division has ended in tears over a £5000 cash deficit which has forced them to pull out of the national league.
Denis says the team will continue to play at regional level and he plans to launch a range of hats, scarves and memorabilia in an effort to keep the club alive.
Shatura is 77 miles south of Moscow. The team have been relying on donations to keep going.
Power plant worker Denis said: “We’re struggling to get support from local businesses and sponsors as money is tight for everyone.
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“A league reconstruction meant more travelling and it’s been difficult. We need money for transport, competition fees and stadium rent.
“My friends in Scotland set up a GoFundMe page to try to raise money and we will also be launching hats and scarves.
“We hope to go back in the league next year.”
Denis has been a Celtic fanatic since first watching the team playing a Scottish Premier League game on TV in 1995.
He said Parkhead founder Brother Walfrid was his inspiration and claims he tries to run his team along the same principles as his heroes.
Celtic Shatura, who play in front of about 300 fans, said: “Many thanks to everyone who helped us during the past four years. We’ll continue to fight for a bright future.”
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Denis has not been to Scotland but hopes to visit this year.
Last year, Frankie Boyle visited him for a documentary he made before the World Cup.
Denis added: “I fell in love with Celtic the first time I saw them.”
