Inverness Caledonian Thistle could become the first club to turn out a fully-bearded team.
The Scottish Premier League side — including manager Terry Butcher — has taken up a Beards For Bairns challenge to raise money for the Raigmore Children’s Ward Appeal.
For one month between Christmas Day and Burns Night on 25th January, they will discard their razors and are urging other men to follow their example.
The sponsored challenge is being issued by the ARCHIE Foundation, which has launched a £1 million appeal in conjunction with The Inverness Courier to completely transform the children’s ward and provide new facilities for sick youngsters and their families.
Mr Butcher said many players were taking up the challenge. "I think it is an easy thing to do," he said. "It is a small sacrifice to make because of the good it can do. Also, up here, it will give us an extra layer when it comes to winter!
"I am quite lazy so I will be relieved not to shave for a month."
Mr Butcher is expecting competition among the players over who can grow the best beard, or those who will end up with a patchy look.
When pressed, he revealed his money would be on goalkeeper Ryan Esson for the best beard. "His jaw never stops moving so it will stimulate lots of growth for a beard!" he joked.
"I am not bothered about players growing beards or moustaches, other managers like them to keep them quite short or clean shaven," he said. "But it is a personal choice. For me, it doesn’t matter. It is not about facial hair. It is about football."
Anyone wanting to register for the challenge should contact the ARCHIE Foundation office on (01463) 888258, or email allana@archiefoundation.org.uk. Participants will be sent an information pack plus a special badge to help explain their designer stubble.
