Renton FC was formed in 1872. West Dumbartonshire was a nursery of Scottish football, with Renton's neighbours Vale of Leven and Dumbarton also producing strong teams in this era. In 1888 Renton beat Cambuslang 6-1 in the Scottish Cup final. It was their second cup win.
In the 1888 FA Cup final in England underdogs West Bromwich Albion beat Preston North End on 24th March .
West Brom. then issued a challenge to Renton. They would come to Scotland and meet Renton on a neutral
ground to determine the‘Champions of the United Kingdom’ – and the
World.
Renton accepted the offer, and on May 19th the two cup winners met at Cathkin
Park, Glasgow.
The match was played in appalling conditions, Renton running out 4-1 winners. Renton's team included 19 year old Neil McCallum, who later that year would score the first ever goal for Celtic.
A sign proclaiming Renton ‘Champions of the World’ appeared above the
pavilion in their home ground, Tontine Park.
Two weeks later, Renton cemented their claims of world domination by beating Preston North End (away) in an exhibition game.It was this Preston North End team, who, the following season,won the first ‘Double’ in England, and with it the nickname 'The Invincibles'.
