the
Albi n
STIRLING ALBION F.C. OFFICIAL MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2013
THE BINOS ARE BACK!
ALL YOUR 2013/14 NEWS INSIDE!
#20
ISSUE #20 I £3.00
Editors’ Notes It always seems like a long summer break when there’s a gaping lack of competitive football, so it was great to see the Binos return to league action with a win last weekend as we triumphed at Montrose for the first time in nine years. Hopefully Stirling can continue that form into today’s fixture as McDonald’s men kick off their domestic home campaign in what will be a tricky tie against Peterhead. Us at The Albion are certainly glad to be back in action anyway, and we’re all very much looking forward to bringing some exciting new interviews, features and exclusives as the season goes on. In the first edition of the match day magazine this season we caught up with Bradley Coyne as he prepares to undergo his first fully fit season with the Binos, we hear from Greig McDonald and Peterhead boss Jim McInally ahead of today’s tough encounter, and we have a chat with the guys over at Macron to learn a little more about our nice new strip. All of that is of course alongside all of your regular previews, match reports and features. We hope that you can read your latest copy of The Albion as you watch the Binos bang in the goals and chalk up a second successive win.
It’s been a quiet few months with no magazines to make, but that time has come again as we embrace the new season with our minds refreshed and hopes renewed. The form at the business end of last season give the club a great platform to push for promotion in the newly re-structured League Two. While a great number of players left the club in the summer a few have come in and I’m sure Greig will be happy with his transfer dealings. Like the 12/13 campaign, the Binos kicked the season off with a win at Montrose and if they can secure another win against Peterhead today then there is no better start to life in the SPFL. As well as Scott Binnie’s interview with You’ll find interviews with new Community Development Manager Andy Todd and Macron maestro Ray Pennock as the club strives to be succesful both on and off the pitch. A new season and a slightly new look. We’re always striving for better here at The Albion and while we want continuity, when improvements can be made they will be made.
Have a great day and hopefully we’re all in for a great term of football at Forthbank.
You’ll notice a name change in our main feature with The Deep End making way for The Locker Room. It’s something we wanted to do last season and we’re glad to have changed it now.
Enjoy. Stuart K.
Regards, David
Club Executive Team Chair and Operations Director Stuart Brown Finance Director Alan Christie Commercial Director John Hunter Director David McFarlane Members Graham Douglas Jim Thomson Football Management Manager Greig McDonald Assistant Manager Marc McCulloch Physiotherapist Jenna Orr Goalkeeping Coach David Eccles Kit Man Gregor Dryden Club Doctor Michael Beyer Heads of Youth Stewart Taylor (Admin) Blair Cremin (Coaching) Under 19 Coaches Graeme Donald David Binnie
@StuartKenny
@DavidJChalmers
Community Engagement Manager Andrew Todd Club Chaplain Duncan Strathdee (0778 991 2259)
CONTENTS
REGULAR FEATURES:
03. INSIDE THE BOX 04. ALBION NEWS 05. FROM THE DUGOUT 14. THE LOCKER ROOM
14
THE LOCKER ROOM BRADLEY COYNE
22
16 2
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ANDY TODD PREVIEW OF TODAY’S MATCH
AUGUST 2013 I #20 03. INSIDE THE BOX 04. ALBION NEWS 05. FROM THE DUGOUT 06. PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP PART 1 08. PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP PART 2 09. MATCH REPORT VS. RAITH ROVERS 10. MATCH REPORT VS. HAMILTON 11. MATCH REPORT VS. MONTROSE 12. NEW BINOS ON THE BLOCK 14. THE LOCKER ROOM: BRADLEY COYNE 16. MATCH PREVIEW: PETERHEAD 18. JIM MCINALLY INTERVIEW 22. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 24. HISTORY LESSON 26. HOME PREVIEW: EAST STIRLING 29. AWAY PREVIEW: QUEEN’S PARK 30. LEAGUE TWO SEASON PREVIEW 32. MACRON INTERVIEW 34. AT THE ACADEMY 36. SQUAD AND SPONSOR PROFILES
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
the
Albi n
Editors: Stuart Kenny & David Chalmers Contributors: Scott Binnie, Stuart Brown, Greg Barrie Thanks to: Jim McInally, David Binnie, Peterhead FC, Montrose FC, Raith Rovers FC, Greig McDonald, Bradley Coyne, Hamilton Accies, Andy Todd, Ray Pennock Photography: Andrew Wightman, Connor Hamilton, Deena Mobbs (redweb), Hamilton Accies, Montrose FC, Dave Murty, Neils Bootma, Daily Record, ESPN, Tony Fimister (Raith Rovers) Design: David Chalmers Printing: Mailboxes Etc. Stirling Contact: magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk Interact: T| 01786 450339 E| office@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk W| stirlingalbionfc.co.uk Club Honours C Division Champions 1946/47 B Division Champions 1952/53 Second Division Champions 1957/58, 1976/77, 1990/91, 1995/96, 2009/10 Division One Play-off Winners 2006/07 Stirlingshire Cup Winners 1953/54, 54/55, 58/59, 71/72, 73/74, 76/77, 77/78, 83/84, 88/89, 91/92, 98/99, 2003/04, 04/05, 05/06
INSIDE THE BOX STUART BROWN OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
A very warm welcome to Forthbank Stadium as we embark on a new adventure under the stewardship of the Scottish Professional Football League. With the months of administrative nightmares of the merger process between the SPL and SFL behind us – never again do I want to endure a 13 hour long meeting at Hampden – it’s great to get the league season underway and to be able to talk about what happens on the pitch rather than the legalities and nuances of how we are governed off it. Setting aside our numerical promotion from SFL 3 to SPFL 2, it’s business as usual with regards to our opposition, aside from the addition of the Rovers that sees the welcome return of the fixture, Stirling versus Albion. Looking at the squads being assembled by our opponent clubs, the season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years and with the loss of Rangers from the league there are unlikely to be any easy games. Turning to our own squad, the Board have fully backed Greig in bringing in quality over quantity and in addition to those players retained (including Ross Forsyth and Phil Johnston who’s loan deals were made permanent), I’m more than confident that Chris Smith, David Weatherston and Dale Fulton fulfil that criterion. No one behind the scenes is going to be making any bold predictions about where we will be come May of 2014 but by the same token, everyone is clear on what our target is and where our ambition lies. One small step, in the right direction, was taken away to Montrose in our opening fixture with a hard fought but thoroughly deserved 3 points. It was great to see Dale Fulton open his account with a well executed finish and with Bradley Coyne back in action and David Weatherston working towards full fitness, our goal scoring potential looks to have increased considerably. Andy Todd, our full time Community Engagement Manager, has created a great impression both in and around the club and out in the community, in what are the very early days of a long term sustainable project to raise the profile of Stirling Albion and to get young and old alike engaged with the club both actively, by participating in events, or passively, by coming along to support the Binos. Andy has already recruited a member of staff to his team in the guise of Bino the Bear and you can expect to see him not only appearing at our home games but also at events around the Stirling area. Why not invite Bino to your special event – he’s available to hire for birthdays, weddings and if you buy him a black tie he’ll cover the other one too! The Commercial Team continue to beaver away feverishly to meet the ever increasing demand to “balance the books” in the current and continuing climate of uncertainty that pervades the finances of Scottish Football. Player sponsorship, advertising boards, magazine adverts, hospitality are just some of the options available to help out but the easiest way of all is to bring along a friend to a home game. Even I can work out that if everyone did that the home crowd would double!
/thealbionmagazine /stirlingalbionfc
To those of you already attending games, many thanks for your support and here’s hoping we’ve got plenty to cheer about as the season unfolds.
@StirAlbionMag @stirling_albion
J Stuart Brown Operations Director
AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
3
ALBION NEWS
DOUBLE SIGNING We were delighted to announce the signings of former Falkirk forward David Weatherston and his ex-Bairns teammate, midfielder Dale Fulton ahead of the Montrose match. David, 26, has also played for Queen’s Park, St Johnstone and Queen of the South while 20-yearold Dale had a loan stint at Clyde when with Falkirk and is the son of former Celtic player Stevie Fulton. Binos boss Greig McDonald said: “I’m thrilled to add David and Dale to our squad. David will bring pace, creativity and hopefully goals to our frontline while Dale can play anywhere across the midfield and is very comfortable on the ball.” Both players made their debuts at Links Park, with Dale taking just six minutes to open the scoring! WELCOME JENNA We extend a warm welcome to our new physio, Jenna Orr, who will take up her post at the home game against East Stirlingshire on August 24. Jenna already has six years’ experience in the football environment, having worked for Stenhousemuir, Blackburn Juniors, Fauldhouse Juniors and the Scottish Schools FA. Jenna takes over from Stuart Phin, who left Forthbank in July to take up a full-time position with Inverness CT. CLUB SHOP Both the new home kit and Inter Milanstyle away jerseys are selling very well. If you haven’t had the chance already, visit us in the club shop, which is open from 1.30pm before home games and for a short time after the match. The price for the new tops is £30 but you receive a £10 discount on the home jersey if buying at the same time as a season ticket. MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY Stirling Albion are now taking bookings for matchday hospitality for the 2013/14 season, at a cost of £65 per person inclusive of VAT. Included in the price is a champagne reception from 12.30pm, a three-course dinner with wine, and a half-time buffet. There is also a complimentary bar both before and after the game until 5.30pm. We pride ourselves on the reception and experience on offer in our hospitality suites and you will be assured of the warmest of welcomes. To book a place, please call the SAFC office at Forthbank on 01786 450399 or via email office@ stirlingalbionfc.co.uk SUB CHANGE The SPFL have confirmed that clubs will now be permitted to list up to seven substitutes, of which one must be a recognised goalkeeper, in league games across all four divisions this season. Binos boss Greig McDonald has welcomed the change to the rules. He
4
said: “We don’t need to list as many as seven subs but I am planning to do so because it gives us more flexibility in terms of who we might want to bring on. I think it’s a positive move that will be welcomed by managers and players.” BINO THE BEAR IS BACK! Some fans may remember a previous incarnation of Bino the Bear but a new and improved version made his debut at the League Cup tie against Hamilton recently. Bino has assured us that he will be a regular attender at home matches this season so remember to say hello! GOLDEN LION EVENT Our Christmas Party night will be held in the Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling on Friday November 29. Tickets are on sale from the club, priced £39. WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP We enter the Scottish Cup in round two on Saturday October 5, along with the other clubs in League Two, plus Cove Rangers, Formartine, Whitehill Welfare and Dalbeattie Star. FIRST-ROUND DRAW Edinburgh University v Spartans Threave Rovers v Rothes Golspie Sutherland v Edinburgh City Huntly v Preston Athletic Coldstream v Wick Academy Girvan v Auchinleck Talbot Selkirk v Turriff United Fort William v Newton Stewart Forres Mechanics v Keith Fraserburgh v Civil Service Strollers Gala Fairydean Rovers v Glasgow University Wigtown and Bladnoch v Buckie Thistle Brora Rangers v Vale of Leithen Deveronvale v Clachnacuddin Inverurie Loco Works v Burntisland Shipyard Hawick Royal Albert v St Cuthbert Wanderers Lossiemouth v Culter Linlithgow Rose v Nairn County Ties to be played on September 14 FORTHBANK TO HOST INTERNATIONAL Scotland U19s will warm up for the UEFA qualifying round with a home friendly match against Iceland at Forthbank on Tuesday 3rd September, kick-off 7.30pm. The match will be the first test for Ricky Sbragia’s newlook under-19 side, which features players born in 1995 and later. Scotland will head to Germany in October as they try to qualify for the European Championship elite round for the second season in a row. Tickets for the match are available at the gate and are FREE for supporters under the age of 16, with adults £5.
FIXTURE LIST Jul 27 RC R1 Raith Rovers (A) L 1-2 Aug 3 LC R1 Hamilton (H) L 0-3 Aug 10 League Two Montrose (A) W 2-1 Aug 17 League Two Peterhead (H) Aug 24 League Two East Stirling (H) Aug 31 League Two Queen’s Park (A) Sep 14 League Two Annan (H) Sep 21 League Two Berwick (A) Sep 28 League Two Elgin City (A) Oct 5 Scottish Cup R2 Oct 12 League Two Albion Rovers (H) Oct 19 League Two Montrose (H) Oct 26 League Two Clyde (A) Nov 2 Scottish Cup R3 Nov 9 League Two East Stirling (A) Nov 16 League Two Queen’s Park (H) Nov 23 League Two Annan (A) Nov 30 League Two Berwick (H) Dec 7 League Two Albion Rovers (A) Dec 14 League Two Elgin City (H) Dec 21 League Two Peterhead (A) Dec 28 League Two Clyde (H) Jan 2 League Two East Stirling (H) Jan 11 League Two Queen’s Park (A) Jan 18 League Two Berwick (A) Jan 25 League Two Annan (H) Feb 1 League Two Montrose (A) Feb 8 League Two Peterhead (H) Feb 15 League Two Albion Rovers (H) Feb 22 League Two Elgin City (A) Mar 1 League Two Queen’s Park (H) Mar 8 League Two East Stirling (A) Mar 15 League Two Clyde (A) Mar 22 League Two Montrose (H) Mar 29 League Two Annan (A) Apr 5 League Two Berwick Rangers (H) Apr 12 League Two Albion Rovers (A) Apr 19 League Two Elgin City (H) Apr 26 League Two Peterhead (A) May 3 League Two Clyde (H)
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT GREIG MCDONALD “PLEASE REST ASSURED THAT MYSELF, MARC AND THE PLAYERS WILL BE WORKING AS HARD AS WE POSSIBLY CAN TO DELIVER SUCCESS TO THE CLUB” Good afternoon, Welcome to Forthbank for the first of two home games in a row in our Scottish League Two campaign. First of all, let me say thank you to those of you who travelled to Montrose for our opening league game of the campaign and also to those of you who have bought season tickets. We want to make Forthbank a tough place for our opponents to come to and your continued support is a big part of that and is greatly appreciated by all on the playing staff. I thought we began the game very well at Montrose and should have been further ahead before they equalised. The sending off upset our rhythm but you have to give credit to Montrose for getting back into the game and making it difficult for us. We enjoyed plenty of possession in the second period, albeit without creating too many chances, however we stuck at it and got our reward in the end with Mark Ferry’s late goal. We know we can play better, however the result was the most important thing especially given the fact we only took one point from six at Links Park last season so we have to be pleased with the afternoon’s work. Last Saturday was the very definition of grinding out a result, something we did well in the second half of last season, and it’s something we’ll need to do consistently throughout this campaign. In terms of the squad, in Chris Smith, Dale Fulton and David Weatherston we have added real quality to the team. In addition to that, the return of Bradley Coyne from injury and the capture of Ross Forsyth and Phil Johnston AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
on permanent deals means we now have a good squad with competition for places and a decent blend of youth and experience. Our next two opponents are Peterhead and East Stirlingshire. Jim McInally’s team were unlucky to lose out in the final of the play-offs last season against East Fife and, having kept the majority of his squad from last season, it’s no surprise that they are the bookies’ favourites to win League 2 this season. Jim’s team will be organised and hard to beat but we know we’re capable of causing them problems - like the four games last season I expect another close game. East Stirlingshire began this season with a terrific 3-1 win over Queen’s Park, and in John Coughlin they have an experienced and astute manager. John and his team will be determined to make up for the result at Forthbank in March and have added some good experienced players to their team over the summer so we know we’ll be in for another tough afternoon. After the home double header we travel to Queen’s Park at the end of August but there are no games on September 7 due to the internationals. Finally, please rest assured that myself, Marc and the players will be working as hard as we possibly can to deliver success to the club. As ever, please get behind the team and enjoy the match. C’mon the Binos!! Best wishes Greig
5
PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP
Stirling Albion 1-1 Falkirk Gretna 2008 1-3 Stirling Albion – July 13 – July 6 Jordan White scored against his former club as the Binos drew 1-1 with Falkirk in a Forthbank friendly watched by 728 fans. Stephen Kingsley gave Gary Holt’s side the lead with a sweet 20-yard strike early in the second half but White equalised with a terrific finish from just outside the box with nine minutes remaining.
Jordan White grabbed a hat-trick as the Albion fought to a 3-1 win over hosts Gretna 2008 in scorching conditions to set up a Raydale Cup final clash with Welsh Conference club Wrexham. The Binos were given a stiff test by a Gretna side that finished fourth in the East of Scotland League last season and will compete in the new Lowland League in 2013/14.
Chances were scarce in the first period but White came close with a header for the Albion and Graham Weir fired over from a good position while Bia Botti and Lyle Taylor were denied by David Crawford at the other end.
The home side took the lead after just six minutes when Sam Atkinson found the bottom corner with a freekick from just outside the box despite the best efforts of David Crawford.
The Bairns fielded an entirely different XI after the break and Jay Fulton forced a superb save from Crawford before teenager Kingsley broke the deadlock in style.
McDonald’s men were soon level though when Stephen Day was tripped in the box by Ross Johnston and White fired home the penalty via the left-hand post.
Fulton missed a great chance to double the visitors’ advantage when he couldn’t hit the target from close range and White, Stirling’s top scorer last season, levelled late on.
Albion were the stronger side as the interval approached and White thumped a header against the bar from a Danny Ashe cross before Steven Forbes drove a shot wide.
Youngsters Lee Hamilton, Matthew Cooper and Steven Forbes all got a run-out as second-half substitutes while Jamie McCunnie, David McClune and Sandy Cunningham sat this one out and it was too soon for Bradley Coyne.
The second half was largely devoid of chances and the match appeared to be heading for penalties until White’s free-kick took a big deflection and beat keeper James Greenhall with three minutes left.
Stirling Albion: Crawford, McGeachie, Forsyth (Forbes 55), McAnespie (Cooper 62), Bishop, Trialist, Weir, Ferry (Day 70), White, Johnston (Hamilton 70), Ashe (Clark 74). Scorer: White 81 Falkirk: McGovern (Amos 46), Rowan (Duffie 46), Turnbull (Kingsley 46), Trialist (Sibbald 46), Greene (McGeaver 46) (T Fulton 86), Vaulks (Flynn 46), Faulds (McGrandles 46), Leahy (Grant 46), Taylor (Shepherd 46), Botti (J Fulton 46), Blair (Alston 46).
Deep into stoppage time, White was impeded in the box and the goal scorer converted his second spot-kick of the afternoon to claim the match ball and a hard-fought win. Gretna 2008: Greenhall, Johnston, Inglis, Rudd, Wallace, Blake, Todd, Earl, McCartney, McMath, Atkinson. Subs: Shiel, Underwood, Cowper, Bannon, Bulman. Scorer: Atkinson 6
Scorer: Kingsley 56.
Stirling Albion: Crawford, Hamilton (McGeachie 80), Ashe, Trialist, Bishop, Smith, Johnston, Ferry, White, Forbes (Cunningham 68), Day. Subs (not used): Clark, Ogilvie, Cooper.
Referee: Paul Robertson
Scorers: White pen 9, 87, pen 90
Crowd: 728
Referee: Craig Napier
6
Wrexham 3-0 Albion – July 14
Stirling
Wrexham claimed the Raydale Cup crown after three second-half goals earned the Conference play-off runners-up a 3-0 win over Stirling Albion. Player-boss Andy Morrell opened the scoring in 51 minute before Kevin Thornton doubled the Welsh club’s lead midway through the second period and Adrian Cieslewicz added a late third for the team who hammered St Mirren 6-1 in their semi-final. The Binos more than held our own in the first half but Wrexham upped the pace after changing their entire team at the break, although the Forthbank side did created some good openings of their own. Binos boss Greig McDonald fielded a totally different outfield starting lineup from the side that had beaten Gretna 3-1 to reach the cup final the previous day, with Graham Weir used as the lone striker. Assistant manager Marc McCulloch meanwhile was deployed as a holding midfielder while youngsters Matthew Cooper, Sandy Cunningham and Chris Ogilvie were tasked with supporting Weir. Chances were at a premium before the interval but Morrell pounced for Wrexham soon after the restart when he netted with a simple header after a shot had come back off the underside of the bar. Stirling reacted positively and Cunningham came close with a drive that was tipped over before Kieran McAnespie’s header was blocked by keeper Joslain Mayebi after he got on the end of an Ogilvie cross. Thornton scored the second for The Dragons after David Crawford made a good save and Cieslewicz ensured the silverware would be heading to North Wales with a neat finish seven minutes from time. Stirling Albion: Crawford, McGeachie, Forsyth, McCulloch, McCunnie, Clark, Cooper, McAnespie, Weir, Cunningham (Day 71), Ogilvie. Subs (not used): Forbes, Hamilton. Wrexham: Coughlin (Mayebi 46), Tomassen (Thornton 46), Hunt (Cieslewicz 46), Stephens (Parle 46), Wright (Ashton 46), Clarke (N’Taime 46), Bailey-Jones (Colbeck 46), Harris (Rushton 46), Bishop (Clowes 46), Ormerod (Morrell 46), Royle (Evans 46) Referee: Gavin Duncan
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
THE ALBION LOTTO INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE YOUR CHANCE TO WIN UP TO £20,000
Play Online: www.safclotto.co.uk
MONTHLY For 1 entry - £4.33 For 2 entries - £8.66 For 3 entries - £12.99
MAIN SPONSOR TRAVEL SPONSOR HUNTER’S EXECUTIVE COACHES
Other Stadium Advertisers: Allanwater Café, Bridge of Allan David Bennet & Son Butchers Braehead Taxis Burn Stewart Distillers Ltd Deanston Distillery Visitor Centre CAS Hire UK Ltd Clark & Drummond Caterers Corrieri’s Café, Causewayhead Dron & Dickson Ltd R.S. Erskine & Co Ltd Opticians The Golden Lion Hotel Kay Garage Doors_W. Kay Ltd Kilgannon Motors Ltd Macfarlane Gray / French Duncan Llp McKenzie Trailers Ltd
Morrisons Garage Ltd Ogilvie Homes Ltd Scott Direct / AA Components The Scottish Football Partnership Scottish National Party Dr Richard Simpson MSP Smart Fit Stirling Springkerse Auto Centre Strathallan Pharmacy Tilly Confectionery Ltd Trinity Mirror Plc Stirling Observer, Daily Record & Sunday Mail Unison Stirling Council - Anti Racism United Auctions Ltd
PRE-SEASON ROUND-UP Stirling Albion Strollers
6-1
Civil
Service
Bradley Coyne scored on his return from an 11-month lay-off as Albion thrashed East of Scotland side Civil Service Strollers 6-1 on a scorching Thursday evening in Edinburgh. The former Forfar forward, out since suffering a knee injury in our 5-1 win over Annan last August, scored from close range during the second half after being teed up by Jamie McCunnie.
Stirling Albion 4-1 Stenhousemuir Stirling Albion piled through the floodgates at Ochilview as they ran out 4-1 winners over Second Division side Stenhousemuir. Stirling opened the scoring after just seven minutes when Jordan White flicked a long ball into the path of Sandy Cunningham and the teenage striker beat ex-St Mirren keeper Chris Smith with a fine finish. Six minutes later Albion were further in front. David Crawford’s huge clearance was met by the head of Warriors man Kevin McKinlay and his header looped up and over his own keeper.
The 20-year-old, one of seven subs who came on at the interval, looked sharp throughout and was unlucky not to add to his tally.
The home side got one back just before half-time when summer signing Sean Higgins scored with a brave header from close range but it was only a brief moment of hope for Martyn Corrigan’s men.
Civil Service struggled to make inroads but did get a goal back 18 minutes from time when the Albion defence failed to deal with a corner and the ball was scrambled in. The Binos finished the match strongly and Danny Ashe netted with a low drive before the young Sandy Cunningham was on target with a stunning effort from just outside the box as he made up for earlier missed chances. In truth, Albion dominated from the start and Phil Johnston hit the post inside 60 seconds. Greig McDonald’s men went ahead in 10 minutes when the Civil Service keeper allowed the ball to squirm over the line following a Kieran McAnespie corner. Stirling created and missed a number of clear-cut opportunities before summer signing Chris Smith headed the second goal, which was quickly followed by the third as Jordan White beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper to score.
Mark Ferry notched the Binos’ third goal early in the second half when he guided a Kieran McAnespie freekick from the left wing inside the post and the Forthbank men sealed victory when White released Phil Johnston, who raced clear to smash the ball high into the net. Binos boss Greig McDonald was quick to stress after the game that results mean nothing at this stage but the display must have given him confidence ahead of next weekend’s Ramsdens Cup tie away to Raith Rovers. Stenhousemuir: C Smith, Devlin, Malone, McKinlay, McMillan, Dickson (Anderson 67), Lynch (Brash 13), Rowson, Gemmell, Higgins (D Smith 46), Douglas. Subs (not used): Ferguson, Lawson, Shaw Scorer: Higgins 40
Three more goals followed in the second half as the men in red and white took another promising step towards the start of the season.
Stirling Albion: Crawford, McGeachie, Forsyth, McCunnie, Bishop, Smith, Johnston, Ferry (Cooper 84), White, Cunningham (McAnespie 46), Weir (Ashe 87). Subs (not used): Clark, Hamilton, Forbes.
Stirling Albion: Crawford, McGeachie (Hamilton 46), Forsyth, McAnespie (McCulloch 46), McCunnie, Smith (Clark 46), Johnston (Ashe 46), Ferry (Cooper 46), White (Coyne 46), Cunningham, Weir (Forbes 46).
Scorers: Cunningham 7, McKinlay o.g 13, Ferry 48, Johnston 62 Referee: Colin Steven
Goals: own goal 10, Smith 44, White 45, Coyne 71, Ashe 78, Cunningham 83.
8
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
Match Report
McGurn Thomson Booth Watson Hill Fox Cardle Moon Smith (64) Elliot Anderson Subs: Laidlaw Callachan Ellis Vaughan Spence (64)
Crawford McGeachie (32) Forsyth McCunnie Bishop Smith Johnston Ferry McAnespie Weir (83) White
LAST GASP RAITH END BINOS’ RAMSDENS HOPES
Subs: Trialist Clark Ashe Day (83) Cunningham (32)
RAITH ROVERS MOON 74’ CARDLE 90’
J
2-1 RAMSDENS CUP 27TH JULY, 2013 REFEREE: E. NORRIS ATT: 1,111
oe Cardle’s last-minute goal sent Raith into Wednesday’s second-round draw as the Binos suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Ramsdens Cup.
STIRLING ALBION
WHITE (PEN) 88’
minutes and had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Graham Weir’s shot struck a hand.
The former Dunfermline winger seized on an error by Jamie McCunnie and raced clear to smash the ball past David Crawford as extra time loomed.
Rovers upped the pace after the break and ex-Albion striker Gordon Smith thought he had earned a penalty, only for referee Euan Norris to book him for diving when he went down under a challenge from Jamie Bishop.
Last season’s top scorer Jordan White had equalised from the penalty spot just two minutes from time, confidently converting after Stephen Day had been tripped by Raith keeper David McGurn as he latched on to a Sandy Cunningham pass.
Grant Murray’s men came close again when Callum Booth fired wide but they went ahead when Moon punished Crawford’s mistake, only for the keeper to then produce a stunning save to keep out Calum Elliot’s 25-yarder.
Rovers broke the deadlock in 74 minutes when Crawford’s attempted clearance from a Chris Smith pass-back went straight to Kevin Moon and the ex-St Johnstone midfielder steered the ball home via the right-hand post.
Substitute Greig Spence had the ball in the net but his effort was ruled out for offside. Rovers looked in control at that point but, in a dramatic finish, they needed a last-gasp Cardle goal after White had levelled from the spot as they avenged a 2009 defeat by the Binos in this competition.
Binos boss Greig McDonald was without David McClune and the game also came too soon for Bradley Coyne so the starting XI was much as expected, although Stirling lost full-back Ross McGeachie after a clash of heads during the first half. There was a scare when Liam Fox’s effort was cleared off the line but Albion were generally comfortable in the first 45 AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
It was a hard to defeat to take but the performance was very encouraging as the start of the new campaign in the IrnBru Third Division began to draw near. Stirling’s trialist on the bench was former Raith youth team goalkeeper Michael Lee.
9
Match Report by Scott Binnie
KEATINGS BRACE SEES ALBION EXIT LEAGUE CUP
STIRLING ALBION
A
0-3 LEAGUE CUP 3RD AUGUST, 2013 REFEREE: J. MCKENDRICK
Crawford McGeachie Forsyth McCunnie (57) Bishop Smith Johnston Ferry (68) White Weir Day
Cuthbert Gordon Devlin (87) Canning Gillespie Keatings Routledge Neil (74) Crawford Longridge (69) MacKinnon
Subs: Robertson Clark Ashe McAnespie (68) Coyne (57)
Subs: Currie Kilday (87) Hendrie Andreu (74) McShane(69)
HAMILTON ACCIES
KEATINGS 32’, 64’ SMITH (OG) 41’
James Keatings double either side of an unfortunate own Accies continued to press for a second goal and a rapid break goal by defender Chris Smith stretched Albion’s winless through Grant Gillespie ended with Louis Longridge hitting the League Cup streak to six years. ball off the post.
The boss made just one change to the side so narrowly defeated The visitors did add to their lead seconds later though when by Raith Rovers in the Ramsdens Cup as Stephen Day replaced Binos defender Smith headed the ball past his own goalkeeper, Kieran McAnespie. misjudging the position of Crawford. Hamilton pressed right from the kick off and David Crawford Weir had a great chance saved right on half time, his low rightwas forced to save after 30 seconds, catching a weak shot by footed strike well saved by Cuthbert after the midfielder had Keatings from the edge of the area. beaten two defenders inside the box. Crawford then had to pull off a close range stop on 24 minutes Coyne finally made his return to action just inside an hour after Neil played in Keatings, who again struggled to fully connect mark, coming on in place of McCunnie to a great reaction from with his effort. the home support. Stirling’s first real chance came just inside the half hour mark, The Binos could have got themselves back into proceedings Jordan White charging down the Hamilton left back before sending seconds later as Day ran onto a defensive error, before rounding in a pass into the box towards Stephen Day and Graham Weir, but the goalkeeper only to see his shot blocked. Kevin Cuthbert was able to beat the lurking forwards to the ball. The game was all over after 65 minutes, as Keatings netted his Jamie McCunnie then found White with a good free kick at second with a great header from Gillespie’s right wing cross. the back post, but the striker’s header was high in the air and easily saved by Cuthbert. Accies were deservedly in front after The goalscorer almost then completed his hattrick after 82 31 minutes, Ali Crawford sending the ball into Keatings inside the minutes, forcing a solid save from Crawford from outside the box box who turned and swept a shot past Crawford. after a searing Hamilton break. It was almost 2-0 three minutes later, Darian MacKinnon Good work from Coyne in the dying stages saw Day pick up the receiving the ball inside the box before drawing a terrific one- ball outside the box but he lifted his shot over the bar. handed save from Crawford with a fierce shot from four yards.
10
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
Match Report
McKenzie McNally McIntosh Wilson Campbell McCord Webster (79) Masson Bonar (59) Sturrock (32) Johnston
Crawford McCunnie Forsyth McAnespie (64) Bishop Smith Johnston Ferry White (83) Weir Fulton (64)
Subs: Easton Crawford Young (59) Bell (32) Winter (79)
Subs: Robertson Clark Ashe McGeachie McClune (64) Weatherson (83) Coyne (64)
FULTON & FERRY SECURE OPENING DAY VICTORY
MONTROSE WEBSTER 38’
M
1-2 LEAGUE TWO 10TH AUGUST, 2013 REFEREE: C. STEVEN
ark Ferry grabbed the winner as the Binos came out on top in a hard-fought encounter against 10-man Montrose in our League Two opener last Saturday.
Former Falkirk midfielder Dale Fulton gave Albion the lead six minutes into his debut but Graham Webster volleyed the equaliser after Ricky McIntosh was sent off on the half-hour mark for denying Phil Johnston a clear goalscoring opportunity. Ferry nodded home from close range 16 minutes from time after Chris Smith had headed a Graham Weir free-kick into his path, with the Montrose defence appealing strongly for offside. In a tense finish, David Crawford pulled off a superb save to deny Terry Masson, as the midfielder looked set to equalise, and the same player fired over in stoppage time just 60 seconds after Stuart McKenzie had made a fine stop to thwart Ferry. Binos boss Greig McDonald made two changes to the team beaten 3-0 by Hamilton in the League Cup last weekend, with Fulton and Kieran McAnespie replacing the suspended Stephen Day and full-back Ross McGeachie, who dropped to the bench. AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
STIRLING ALBION
FULTON 6’ FERRY 74’
New signing David Weatherston was listed among the seven subs allowed by SPFL rules, as was David McClune on his return from injury, and both came on. Fulton, playing behind lone striker Jordan White, made an impressive debut and ran clear to score with a cool finish after dispossessing Alan Campbell. Johnston had the chance to double our lead when he got beyond the last defender but ex-Cove Rangers keeper McKenzie blocked his shot. The winger’s pace was causing problems and referee Colin Steven had no option but to brandish a red card when McIntosh impeded Johnston as he homed in on goal. McAnespie’s free-kick was tipped round the post by McKenzie but Montrose levelled in 38 minutes when a brilliant cross from ex-Bino Ross McCord allowed Webster to steer a volley across Crawford and into the corner for an impressive equaliser. Albion enjoyed plenty of possession on the plastic pitch in the second half but struggled to create chances and it was left to Ferry to get just enough on the ball to scramble in the winner as Stirling triumphed at Links Park for the first time since February 2004.
11
NEW BINOS ON THE BLOCK W
hile fans will be happy to hear the loan deals of Phil Johnston and Ross Forsyth have been made permanent, there will also be three new Stirling Albion players competing for their place at Forthbank this term – all of whom have signed on after departing from the nearby Falkirk Stadium in the past summer.
Rangers, but it was at Morton he would make his senior debut, and at the Sons and Ayr United were he would really get a chance to develop as a maturing defender.
Smith joins us at Stirling on the back of a short spell with Falkirk where his chances in the first team were few and far between, but the six foot stopper has impressed in With a strong squad put together by Greig pre-season and looks set to provide a sturdy McDonald finally hitting full flow towards partner for captain Jamie Bishop. the end of last season, the additions of Chris Smith, David Weatherston and Dale Fulton Greig McDonald: “He is exactly what we can only bolster the depth of the Albion are looking for. He is a left-sided central team, but the players know they will have defender with good experience and is also a to work hard on and off the pitch if they are good talker on the pitch.” to secure their place in the starting line up.
DAVID WEATHERSTON:
Let’s take a look at some of the basics Age – 26 regarding the playing prowess of the new Position – Winger men in red and white. Past clubs – Queen’s Park, St Johnstone, Queen of the South, Falkirk
CHRIS SMITH:
Age – 24 Experienced attacking midfield man David Position – Central defender Weatherston will provide a cool headed and Past clubs – Rangers, Morton, Dumbarton, tricky touch to the front lines at Forthbank. Ayr United, Falkirk At the age of 26, the Paisley born winger has over 250 senior appearances to his name, After making his Stirling debut as a trialist starting his career with Queen’s Park in in a 1-1 draw with his former side Falkirk, 2004, where he would stay for three years Chris Smith did enough in the eyes of the and establish himself as a constant goal gaffer to secure a permanent deal at the threat with 22 domestic goals to his name. club. A less fruitful period with St Johnstone saw The centre back grew up on the books at the attacker move to Queen of the South,
12
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
where he would net a further 17 league goals and earn a move to Falkirk, and it is from the Bairns that the talented athlete joins us after making 62 appearances in his two seasons with the club.
He should make a great addition to the Binos midfield this term – especially if his debut is a sign of things to come.
Greig McDonald: “Dale can play anywhere across the midfield and is very comfortable Known for his quick breaks from midfield, on the ball.” smart use of the gaps on the pitch and for his pacey movement in the final third, BINO THE BEAR: Weatherston should be an exciting prospect While unlikely to perhaps have the same to the Binos squad. impact on the pitch as the three above listed Greig McDonald: “David will bring pace, players, Binos the Bear has returned to the creativity and hopefully goals to our Forthbank ranks to revel in a season that frontline.” will hopefully provide joy for the Stirling support.
DALE FULTON:
Age – 20 Position – Midfield Past clubs – Falkirk, Clyde The son of Celtic, Bolton, Hearts and Kilmarnock star Stevie Fulton, Dale signs up for the Stirling Albion ranks on the back of a season on month loan deal with Clyde and after spending his youth years at the coveted youth academy at Falkirk.
The new and improved Bino made his full debut at home to Hamilton in the League Cup tie, and will now be a regular to greet all the supporters on match day.
The young Fulton made 11 league appearances for the Bairns in both the 11/12 and 12/13 season, and has acted as a versatile midfield man throughout his career, filling in the gaps in midfield with a smart footballing mindset and neat passing ability. Forthbank fans will already have warmed to the promising midfield asset after he netted to put Albion 1-0 up in their 2-1 win at Montrose last Saturday. Fulton dispossessed Links Park man Alan Campbell after just six minutes to run free and net with ease on his debut. AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
13
THE LOCKER ROOM
“
I think everyone throughout our team has got that edge about them that can turn a game. We’ve got players like Ross McGeachie with great athleticism, Jordan White will score goals for you, Jamie McCunnie is solid whatever position he’s in, Mark Ferry has great ability and can turn a game in minutes, you can go through the whole team like that.
SCOTT BINNIE CATCHES UP WITH
BRADLEY COYNE
“
How did you feel to return from injury against Hamilton? It was absolutely brilliant, it was great to get an opportunity to step back on that field and show the fans I’m ready to go this season. There are a lot of games ahead of me and there’s the potential for me to score a lot of goals because there’s some great players for me to play with. I just need to work hard now to get myself in that team and show what I can do. The moment I came on, it was indescribable. Nobody can describe that feeling until you feel what it’s like yourself to be out that long and come back and play. It’s unbelievable. You’ve spoken before about wanting to pay the fans back this season for their support, how much will that desire motivate your efforts this season? Well it’s going to play a massive part. First and foremost I love to work hard for myself but the fans play a massive part in what the team do as well. I’ve always played to work hard for myself but playing for the fans is important too and making sure they’re happy with the performances by working hard throughout the season and scoring goals. Greig McDonald has had a few bad knee injuries himself over the years, how big a help was he over the last year? The manager has been brilliant with me. He’s great because he’s been able to understand how long it actually takes to recover from this sort of injury and I can’t appreciate his help enough. He’s been absolutely fantastic with me and so has the chairman, Stuart has been amazing and Marc McCulloch the assistant. Stuart the physio as well that’s just left for Inverness, I can’t thank him enough. He put so much effort in for me. Everyone with the club has been amazing with me and I can’t wait to kick on. Was it difficult for you and your rehab that two physios left the club during the past year? No, I knew what I had to do. I had a programme to follow and soon as I was out of that hospital bed I was ready to get right into rehab. Everything went smoothly thanks to Pauline, who then moved on to bigger things at Hamilton
14
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
which is great, then Stuart came in and he was brilliant. He took so much time with me out of training too, I went to see him a couple times a week at his private clinic just to check over things. Last year was a really two-sided year for Stirling Albion, how frustrating was it for you to watch the club struggling so much on the park for the first half of the year and then flourishing after January? It was frustrating for me for the whole year watching the boys. I know they had a better side than they were playing with in the first half of the season but also in the second half when they were playing excellently I was just so happy for them, I was getting through to the end of my rehab so I was really eager to get back and play but the manager wanted to hold off as long as possible. Both halves I was frustrated but the second one I was clearly a lot happier for the boys because they were playing a lot better, their form was kicking on, they worked hard for each other. Greig has managed to keep hold of the majority of that squad, how important is that? I think every player we’ve got has got great ability but I think everyone throughout our team has got that edge about them that can turn a game. We’ve got players like Ross McGeachie with great athleticism, Jordan White will score goals for you, Jamie McCunnie is solid whatever position he’s in, Mark Ferry has great ability and can turn a game in minutes, you can go through the whole team like that. We’ve got a great bunch of players and there’s not one position I would doubt we have a top player for. Do you think this squad is capable of a title challenge or even a playoff push this year? I think it showed you last year with Rangers in the league and some other good teams, we handled ourselves very well in the second half of the season. We need to keep up the hard work and with the experience we’ve got along with the youth then we can definitely push on and do the best we can, hopefully progress as much as we can and see how the season goes on. There’s no position I would doubt us in. And do you think Jordan White and Bradley Coyne is the partnership to fire Stirling up to Scottish League 1? Jordan and I are very close, we’re good mates and we keep in contact mostly every day. We’re always talking about what we can do, we always work a bit extra after training every Tuesday and Thursday but there’s only so much we can do because we’re a part-time team. We love working together, we score a lot of goals together in training and all we’ve got to do is go out on that park on Saturday and do what we’ve got what we’ve got to do. AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
15
MATCH PREVIEW: STIRLING ALBION VS. PETERHEAD AUGUST 17TH - FORTHBANK STADIUM - 3PM KICK-OFF
CLUB PROFILE: Founded: 1891 Stadium: Balmoor Capacity: 4000 Nickname: The Blue Toon Manager: Jim McInally
PREVIEW BY STUART KENNY
T
he Irn-Bru Third Division ended in bitter disappointment for Peterhead last season after a valiant exertion could not prevent the club falling to 1-0 aggregate loss in the play-off final. After besting Queen’s Park by a 4-1 scoreline over the two legged semi-final affair, the Blue Toon managed to hold a resilient East Fife side to a stalemate at Bayview before a singule strike from David Muir secured the Fifers would retain their third tier status for the upcoming term. With a largely unchanged squad set to play out the campaign at Balmoor, many critics are plugging the Peterhead warriors as favourites to take the title, and a quick look over the club’s recent result list makes it easy to see why. A brace of pre-season victories over Scottish Premiership opposition will have provided a quality top up of the confidence at the club, with Jim McInally’s men running out 2-0 winners at Ross County without the help of last year’s star striker Rory McAllister. The 21-goal McAllister would return to the team to net in a 3-2 triumph against Aberdeen, with former Don and Blue Toon new boy Jordan Brown providing the other two against his former club. While McInally was keen to remind of the friendly nature of these fixtures though, his men then proved their competitive worth with a 2-1 home defeat of Brechin City in the Ramsdens Cup. Again Jordan Brown was on the scoresheet in this clash, this time to claim a goal in his competitive debut, and while he may one of very few new faces at Peterhead this summer he certainly seems to be one that will have a big impact on the league. The midfield man has shown himself as a valuable and versatile asset in front of goal already, netting with his head against the Dons and comfortably side footing home a one on one chance against Brechin. Renowned for his threatening darts into the
16
box, Brown will prove a handful for defences throughout League Two this term, and could be vital to any Peterhead promotion push, particularly if he can link up well with McAllister. Also in this already formidable front line is experienced attacker Bryan Gilfillan, who joined the club on loan from Clyde earlier this year. The 28-year-old midfielder enjoyed spells with Inverness, Cowdenbeath and Gretna, and has now returned to the Blue Toon after a two year spell starting in 2006. After netting on the opening day of the season, Gilfillan helped his team towards a 2-2 draw with Annan, and will look to keep up with the goal tally of fierce front man Rory McAllister this term. Indeed, McAllister has attracted the attention of many bigger clubs in the Scottish game after making a name for himself with a prolific performance last season, and in the upcoming year at Balmoor he will be expected to act once more as the main source of goals at the club. At the other side of the pitch, it will be captain Steven Noble that will be commanding the defence and the rest of the men in front of him. The 25-year old ex-Kilmarnock and Stranraer man has established himself as a solid defensive name through recent years at Balmoor and Stair Park, and the flexible left-back will be one of the main obstacles for the Binos attack to overcome today. In their first away day of the season, McInally’s Peterhead will be arriving at Forthbank with every intention of confirming the promotion pusher status that has been bundled upon them by many watchers of the Scottish game. After an opening victory away to Montrose, Greig McDonald’s Binos will be brimming with confidence though, and if the men in the red and white shirts can turn that belief into another top performance in front of their home crowd, the first taste of SPFL action for the Stirling support will be a hard fought spectacle for sure.
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
PETERHEAD SQUAD Goalkeepers: 1 Smith 21 Jarvie Duffy Defenders: 3 McGlinchey 4 Ross 11 Gilfillan 16 Richardson MacDonald Tully Morgan Alexander Moir Strachan
FIXTURES STIRLING AUGUST 17TH LEAGUE TWO STENHOUSEMUIR AUGUST 20TH CHALLENGE CUP SECOND ROUND
ELGIN CITY AUGUST 24TH LEAGUE TWO EAST STIRLING AUGUST 31ST LEAGUE TWO
A
Midfielders: 2 Sharp 5 Noble 6 Cowie 7 Cox 8 Redman 10 Brown 17 Fitzgerald Hepburn Hepburn Kelly Reid Fyvie
Forwards: 9 McAllister 12 Rodgers 15 Buchan Maguire Bruce Ross
KEY PLAYER RORY MCALLISTER Rory McAllister turned down a host of full-time football clubs when he departed from Brechin City in 2011.
H
Rather than joining up to the top ranks of the game, the in demand front man decided to sign up with Peterhead at Balmoor, allowing him to play part-time football and complete an apprenticeship in pluming while he was at it. How glad the Blue Toon support were that he opted for them.
H
The 26-year-old former Inverness man has a truly remarkable goal record since 2009 – in two years at Brechin he netted 40 times in 63 games before signing for Peterhead and scoring 42 times in 68.
A
Throughout the past four years McAllister has been linked with the likes of Dundee Untied, Aberdeen, Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United and various other clubs north and south of the border thanks to his keen eye for goal and technical talents. There will be a certain weight of expectation on his shoulders to continue his proven goal scoring record throughout the upcoming term.
THE MANAGER JIM MCINALLY Jim McInally is a very well known name within the world of Scottish football. 300 performances for Dundee United and ten Scottish caps are proof enough of his footballing credentials without adding the fact that he contributed to the Arabs first ever Scottish Cup win during his time at the club.
Formerly a member of the Celtic coaching staff, working extensively with the youth teams at the club, the development of the younger generation and discovery of new talents plays a prominent style in the management tactics of McInally, and he has proved a hit at Balmoor since joining Peterhead in 2011.
In management the once Scotland defensive midfielder has lead Sligo Rovers, Morton and East Stirlingshire through impressive spells, taking the latter to the play-offs twice and winning the Second Division title with Morton also.
The 20-year-old Jordan Brown is the latest find of the coveted football man, and McInally will hope the youngster can help his side to promotion this term after coming so close to the big prize last season.
AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
17 17
JIM MCINALLY
EDITOR STUART KENNY TALKS TO PETERHEAD BOSS AHEAD OF TODAY’S MATCH
A
play-off final aggregate loss of just one goal to nil saw Peterhead start preparations for a return to the Scottish bottom tier this season at the heartbreaking hands of East Fife. After recording a 2-1 defeat of League One team Brechin City in the Ramsdens Cup though and on the back of a strong pre-season, many are tipping Peterhead to push for promotion once more.
“We’re now in a league where there are ten teams that could win it, and that makes the competition a lot better because we all have a fighting chance. It’s that aspect that i’m trying to focus the players on.”
County and Aberdeen, McInally was keen to play down the importance of these results. “It’s difficult to say how pre-season [has gone],” continued the former Scottish international. “It’s tough for part-time clubs because you’ve got players away on holiday and players coming back at different times and at various stages of fitness.
Following on from the disappointment at the end of last term, Blue Toon boss Jim McInally is elated to be back in the competitive world, and admits it’s refreshing to be faced with a division in which any of the challenging clubs could succeed.
“I’m not a lover of pre-season as far as the games would go – we beat Ross County 2-0 and everybody was raving about it but you just know that it’s false really. I’ve been in football long enough now to know that pre-season is just all about getting fit and trying to get the players in the best shape that you can.
He said: “It was a big disappointment last season coming so close to going up but the positive I’ve been trying to spin on it is that we are now in a league where ten teams could win it.
“It’s always better then when you get to the start of the season. I don’t think part-time clubs quite get to where they should be until maybe the first month or so.”
“That’s rather than being in a league with Rangers where financially you’d be better off but you couldn’t win the league.
As far as changes in the squad go, there will be minimal alterations to the Peterhead team for the coming season, and the Balmoor boss is keen to emphasise the positive impact this could have on his squad.
“It can lose its edge sometimes when you take away the Rangers games from last year. I think it’d be fair to say that we were all just really playing for play-off places after that, and I don’t think that’s healthy. “We’re now in a league where there are ten teams that could win it, and that makes the competition a lot better because we all have a fighting chance. It’s that aspect that i’m trying to focus the players on.” McInally’s men opened their League Two life with a hardfought 2-2 tie at home to Annan Atheltic, equalising with just five minutes left on the clock. The Balmoor club are various bookies favourites to now build on from this result and run for the title, but while the Peterhead preseason did propose promise through underdog defeats of Ross
18
“There’s one new face at the minute – Jordan Brown from Aberdeen. Basically we’re going with the same team as last year and that helps with adding a little bit of continuity. “We’re not going to have to get players into the club and find out if they like it or not, because even if you find new players they don’t always settle in. Things like that you don’t need to worry about. “I’ve not got any injury concerns just now either, but Dean Cowie will be away on a three week course for the first month of the season and another player will be going off shore – but we’ve just got to deal with this kind of stuff.”
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
HUNTERS EXECUTIVE COACHES Hunters Executive Coaches has one of the finest coach fleets in Central Scotland, situated in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. Hunters Executive Coaches was established by John Hunter, the current owner, and the company has gone from strength to strength due to the dedication of the Hunter family. We are well known for providing excellent customer care, reliability, professionalism, quality coaches and drivers. www.huntersexecutivecoaches.co.uk/
Got something to send? Worldwide Shipping Send 30kg from £45 & free boxes d Sen s g 30k ide W UK £25 for
1 Baker Street, Stirling FK8 1AL
t: 01786 449543 e: info@mbestirling.co.uk
NORTHEND GARAGE RAMOYLE
DUNBLANE FK15 0BB All types of vehicle servicing and repair Proprietor David McClymont Tel: 01786 825333 Mob: 07977 059851 D.S. MacDonald Watchmaker & Jeweller 58 Port Street Stirling FK8 2LJ Telephone: 01786 462889 email: stuart@dsmacdonald.co.uk
John McLaren Ltd Electrical Contractor
10 Tannahill Terrace, Dunblane, Perthshire Tel/Fax 01786823533 Mobiles: Andy 07789173656/ Willie 07899877822/John 07769726228
G.S MELDRUM NEWSAGENT HIGH STREET, DUNBLANE Tel: 01786 822175
The Paper Rack 2 Maxwell Place Stirling 01786 473061
Pick up your paper today!
Irene’s
The Flower Shop
3 Beech Road, Dunblane T: 01786 23383
Flowers for all Occassions Give us a Call & we’ll arrange them all All Major Credit Cards Accepted
CENTRAL GARAGE Tel: 01786 473090/ 446460
Service - Repairs - MOT Cars and Light Commercials 23 Borestone Crescent, Stirling, FK7 9BG
P&R Jamieson
PGA Golf Professionals Tuition, Repairs & Equiptment Dunblane New Golf Club
Tel: (01786) 832521
GARDNER PLANT
PLANT HIRER/CONTRACTOR
George Gardner: 07860 812910
Yard
Cornton Level Crossing Bridge of Allan
Andrew Gardner: 07885 136632
Office
18 Inverallan Drive Bridge of Allan FK9 4JP
Tel/Fax (01786) 832 683
Trailers for Professionals from Britain's leading manufacturer
Dunblane The Old Bridge Post Office Inn Restaurant Insurance Travel Money Banking & Payments Letters and Parcels Car Tax Savings & Borrowing Cards for all Ocassions Gift Wrapping Stationary & Small Gifts
Dunblane Post Office 2 Stirling Road, Dunblane, FK15 2EP
TEL/FAX: 01786 825713
The Old Bridge Inn Restaurant
Scottish Distributor:
McKENZIE TRAILERS LTD
Est. 1963
Celebrating 50 Years in Business 2013 Level Crossing Bridge of Allan Stirling FK9 4DB Email: mckenzies@bridgeofallan.com STIRLING - SCOTLAND Tel 01786 833424 www.mckenzietrailers.co.uk
2 Inverallan Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4JA Tel: 01786 833335
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT T
here will be a fair few fresh faces making their mark on the Irn-Bru Third Division in the upcoming year, and one such new Stirling signing set to do exactly that is the recently appointed Community Engagement Manager Andy Todd. The Albion caught up with Andy to find out about his Stirling experiences, his aims in the role, and what he’ll be up to during the exciting new season. THE COMMUNITY JOB... “My job will involve a variety of different things related to engaging with the community. We want to bring the club closer to the communities in Stirling and a lot of this will be done through going out to communities and schools to deliver football classes, SFA national programmes and supporting community events among others things.
“I will also be responsible for match day activities during pre-match and half time during the season. There will be some sort of activity at pre-match and half time at each of the home games this season, again getting more people involved with and experiencing the club. Hopefully more people will come to the games on a more regular basis and begin a lifelong affiliation with the club as a result. “Another part of my remit is to create and implement a player pathway for Stirling Albion, to have a structure that involves children as young as two to three years old and can keep them in the game all the way to becoming adults whether that be as part of the first team or recreationally. “There are many more areas that community engagement can extend to in
22
the future as well, when the programme becomes more established.” THE AIMS OF THE ROLE...
“The main aim is to get out and deliver football classes within the communities. A lot of the activity should get underway after the summer when the schools go back. “It will initially begin with taster sessions in schools and nurseries and then after school classes will be added on. We will also use our partnership with Active Stirling to put on holiday camps and provide Scottish FA national programmes such as Street Football and the Tesco Bank Football Challenge. “The programme will also support as many community clubs, groups, nurseries and schools as possible with local events.” EXPERIENCES IN STIRLING... “I took up this post at the beginning of June having previously worked with Livingston FC and Falkirk FC, but I have been to a quite a few Stirling Albion games. “I studied Sport at Stirling University for four years and also worked with Active Stirling in football development for six years so I have been working in the Stirling communities and schools for a good while now. Active Stirling will be a key partner in the community engagement programmes so it is a big plus for me that I already have so many strong working relationships there.” THE BEST BINOS MEMORY... “It has to be the Airdrie game from the 2006/07 season. The game finished 2-2
but I think it was the two late goals from Nugent and Aitken that make it stick in the memory. Obviously there is the Rangers games from last season too but it has to be the Airdrie one for me just because of how exciting the last few minutes were.” A FINAL MESSAGE... “I would like to thank everyone at the club for the support they have shown me so far and making it so easy to settle in. I am really looking forward to the various work and challenges that will come with this job and if you see me out and about in the communities or on a match day come and say hello! “This is an exciting new step for the club and let’s hope it is a really positive season on and off the pitch for the Binos.” AND CAN THE FANS GET IN TOUCH...? “Of course they can! I would welcome the supporters to get in touch with ideas, messages and any requests they have for community events. We will try to fulfil as many requests as possible.”
You can get in touch via: Email – community@stirlingalbionfc. co.uk Phone – 01786 450 399 You can also follow the Community engagements on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep up to date with everything that will be happening: Twitter - @SAFCCommunity Facebook – facebook.com/ SAFCCommunity AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
23
HISTORY LESSON S
tirling Albion, formed in 1945, are still one of the younger clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League but we have a rich and interesting history…
1945/46 The first meeting to promote the new Stirling Albion FC took place at the premises of TH Fergusson Coal Merchants on May 10, 1945. Our first match at Annfield was against Airdrie in a friendly, which was watched by 5,000 fans on August 11, 1945. Tom Fergusson was the driving force behind the formation of the new club and served in many capacities until his death in 1967. 1954/55 Our worst ever season in terms of points gathered. We were in the top flight at the time but suffered a miserable campaign, winning only two of our 30 matches, drawing two and losing 26. We conceded 105 goals but avoided the drop due to league reconstruction, only to finish bottom of the pile again in 1955/56! 1958/59 Our best ever season in terms of league position saw Stirling Albion finish 12th out of 18 in Scotland’s top flight, although it was only towards the end of the campaign that we banished any relegation fears. In the same season, a record Annfield crowd of 28,600 watched Celtic beat us in the Scottish Cup at Annfield. 1961/62 We have only once reached the semi-final of a national cup competition and it came in October 1961 when we were unlucky to lose 2-1 to Hearts in the last four of the League Cup. Hearts needed extra time at Easter Road to book their place in the final. 1965/66 At the end of the season the club accepted an offer from the Japanese FA to visit their country. Legend has it that Sheffield Wednesday were lined up and, when they withdrew, the organisers selected another club starting with ‘S’. We played in front of huge crowds and won both matches in Japan, having also played in
24
Greece and Iran en route!
1969/70 OK, so we have never played in Europe but Metalist Kharkiv have and we played them in an Annfield friendly in March 1970, winning 1-0 in front of 1,851 fans. Metalist were on a short British tour at the time and also played Queen of the South when in Scotland. 1980/81 An unwanted record as we somehow managed to go 14 games without scoring a goal. After winning 1-0 at Dunfermline at the end of January we didn’t net again until the beginning of the following season in a 4-1 League Cup defeat at Falkirk, by which time, unsurprisingly, we had been relegated to Division Two. 1984/85 Selkirk come calling in the first round of the Scottish Cup and were thrashed 20-0 by Alex Smith’s team. Fifteen of the goals came in the second half. Chief tormenters were Davie Thompson with seven goals and Willie Irvine with five. This remains the biggest win in British senior football since the 1880s. 1987/88 On September 5, 1987 we became the first team in Scotland to play on an artificial pitch and 2,170 turned up for a 1-1 draw against Ayr United. We played some good football on it, but the surface was generally hated by opponents and it’s fair to say that today’s versions are more advanced! 1991/92 We play at Annfield for the final time, beating Clydebank 2-0 in a First Division game watched by 1,270 fans on an emotional afternoon.
1992/93 After spending most of the season as tenants at Stenhousemuir, we return to Stirling and play our first match at Forthbank on April 24, 1993, losing 3-2 to Clydebank. 1995/96 Having missed out on promotion on the final day of the previous season, Kevin Drinkell’s team stormed to the Division Two title on the back of a club record 27-match unbeaten league run. 2009/10 Helicopter Saturday as we pip Alloa for the Second Division title on goal difference after a dramatic end to the season. It’s tense stuff as we seal the silverware in Allan Moore’s last game as manager. Off the field, there is uncertainty as to the future but in July 2010 it is announced that chairman Peter McKenzie had sold the club to the SAFC Supporters Trust. 2012/13 A disappointing season overall but one that included some remarkable results. We played Rangers four times, losing just once and beat the Ibrox club for only the second time in our history thanks to a rare goal from Brian Allison in October. In March, we notched up a club record league victory with a 9-1 success against East Stirlingshire at Forthbank.
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
SUBSCRIBE TO YOUTUBE.COM / SPFL
IT'S FREE!
FOR MATCH HIGHLIGHTS, EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND BEHIND THE SCENES ACTION FEATURING ALL 42 SPFL CLUBS
MATCH PREVIEW: STIRLING ALBION VS. EAST STIRLING AUGUST 24TH - FORTHBANK STADIUM - 3PM KICK-OFF
CLUB PROFILE: Founded: 1881 Stadium: Ochilview Capacity: 3746 Nickname: The Shire Manager: John Coughlin
PREVIEW BY GREG BARRIE
W
ith the restructuring of the Scottish football divisions there is an added impetus for clubs in the bottom tier to strive for improvement this season, with the looming 2014-2015 prospect of potential relegation lurking threateningly in the back of the minds of all those involved in recent scraps in the bottom half of the table.
opening Dunfermline took the lead courtesy of a Ryan Wallace penalty but the home side responded strongly and came close to equalising on several occasions. A harsh second yellow card for Kevin Turner on the hour mark turned the game away from Shire, and Dunfermline eventually grabbed the killer second goal through Craig Dargo. There were plenty of positives for East Stirling to take out of the tie and implement into the league opener, and that is exactly what happened. Their first ever game in the newly formed Scottish League Two was a difficult trip to Hampden Park to take on a Queen’s Park TWO AWAY side that qualified for the play-offs last IN THE season – albeit with a much different squad to the one that ran out last Saturday.
This thought may particularly apply to East Stirling as they ended last season bottom of the league for the second consecutive season, a significant 11 points adrift of the pack. The Shire actually WITH JUST gained five more points last season than their VICTORIES previous campaign, yet found themselves WHOLE OF LAST isolated by the exact same points margin. The root of the East Stirling troubles is not overly difficult to identify, the goals against column showing that the goalkeeper had to pick the ball out on 97 occasions. This was more than any other team in the country and gives a clear indication of why they succumbed to a successive bottom placed finish. It is no surprise then that manager John Coughlin has acted to strengthen his defence during the summer, bringing in experienced duo Chris Townsley and Michal Bolochoweckyj.
SEASON IT WILL HAVE BEEN MASSIVELY PLEASING FOR EVERYONE AT THE CLUB TO GET OFF AND RUNNING ON THE ROAD WITH THEIR FIRST GAME OF THE NEW CAMPAIGN.
Losing the final ten league matches of last season would have left the East Stirling camp fairly low on confidence over the summer, and the season got off to a disappointing start with a defeat in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup to Highland League side Formartine United. Two first half goals from the home side were enough to take them into the hat for the next round, with East Stirling unable to muster a response. The Ramsdens Cup exit was followed by a home defeat to Dunfermline in the League Cup the following weekend, however it was a much improved performance from East Stirling against a side fancied to bounce back strongly this season. After a frantic
26
Shire put in a dominant display and avenged last season’s opening day defeat with a 3-1 victory over the ten-man Queen’s Park. After Ricki Lamie was sent off early on, Iain Thomson sent the keeper the wrong way to give the visiting side the lead, and centre back Chris Townsley would go on to add a rare brace in a match where the Shire dominated despite a successful strike from Queen’s man Blair Spittal.
With just two away victories in the whole of last season it will have been massively pleasing for everyone at the club to get off and running on the road with their first game of the new campaign. With an impressive league debut from Chris Townsley in particular and Kevin Turner also putting in a solid shift, East Stirling will be looking to build on a great opening day to the season and generate a feeling of confidence around the club that has been absent for much of the past two terms.
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
EAST STIRLING SQUAD Goalkeepers: 1 Hay 20 Gordon
Midfielders: 2 MacGregor 3 McGowan 6 Thomson Defenders: 7 O’Donoghue 4 Townsley 8 Greenhill 5 Bolochoweckyj 10 Maxwell 14 Miller 16 McKechnie 19 McCaughie Zufle Anderson Hume Shepherd Benton Tart Scott Kelly Begg McGowan Gibson Gillespie McKernon Beveridge Fulton
FIXTURES ELGIN CITY AUGUST 17TH LEAGUE TWO
H
STIRLING AUGUST 24TH LEAGUE TWO
A
PETERHEAD AUGUST 31ST LEAGUE TWO
H
CLYDE SEPT. 14TH LEAGUE TWO
A
Campbell Donaldson Hunter Herd Devlin Forwards: 9 Turner 11 Wright 12 Quinn 15 Glasgow 18 Kelly Lurinsky
THE MANAGER JOHN COUGHLIN John Coughlin is beginning his third full season as manager of East Stirling having seen them struggle to bottom placed finishes in his first two years in charge. The American began his playing career in Scotland at Meadowbank Thistle in 1991 before moving to Berwick Rangers in 1993. He only made a handful of appearances there before being forced to retire through injury. Coughlin enjoyed a successful run as an assistant manager, gaining promotions with Berwick Rangers, Alloa Athletic and St Mirren. His first managerial role came at St Mirren in 2002 but results were disappointing and he left the club the following November. After taking over at Berwick Rangers in May 2005, the manager lead the club to the 2006/07 Third Division title – the clubs first for 28 years. It was his third title since becoming a coach but the first he had enjoyed in his own right as a manager. A poor start to the following season saw him resign but he was quickly back in work taking over at Stenhousemuir. He led the club into the Second Division in 2009 via play-off wins over Queens Park and Cowdenbeath and resigned 18 months later after a disappointing run of results, before taking over at East Stirling.
KEY PLAYER CHRIS TOWNSLEY The summer signing of Chris Townsley could prove to be a decisive factor in the success of East Stirling this season. The defensive frailties of the previous two years were there for all to see and were in desperate need of addressing. The 28 year old defender has made over 200 appearances in the Scottish lower divisions and has a wealth of experience at this level. He was captain of Berwick Rangers before he made the move and was a real coup for John Coughlin.
AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
Significantly, he has played in the past alongside fellow signing Michael Bolochoweckyj when the two were at Alloa Athletic, and also played in the same Berwick Rangers side as vicecaptain David Greenhill. The relationship and understanding that he has with these two players will be crucial in integrating him into the side, creating a solid core to the team that has been so badly needed.
27
The Springkerse View Whatever the occasion, you know you can count on The Springkerse View. If it’s a special day and you need to impress the in-laws, or just want to grab a quick bite to eat with friends, the seasonal menu, friendly service and warm welcome you receive will make sure your visit is everything you need it to be. 2 for £9.95 all day Monday - Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays & Sunday Roast £7.99, 2 course £9.99, 3 courses £11.99 We've got a great new summer offer- 2 for £9.95 is available all day Monday - Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays and don't forget on Sundays our roasts are £7.99 with 2 courses just £9.99 and 3 courses £11.99. See our menu for details. The practical stuff: it’s always good to know the opening times... Monday to Thursday – 9.30am till 11pm (food served till 9.30pm) Friday and Saturday – 9.30am till 11.30pm (food served till 10pm) Sunday – 9.30am till 11pm (food served till 9pm) www.eating-inn.co.uk/house/springkerse-view-stirling
Irene’s
The Flower Shop Flowers for all Occassions Give us a Call & we’ll arrange them all All Major Credit Cards Accepted 3 Beech Road, Dunblane Telephone: 01786 23383
AWAY PREVIEW BY STUART KENNY QUEEN’S PARK
I
t was always bound to be a difficult start to the season for Queen’s Park after seeing some of their most promising players move on this summer.
After a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ayr United in the Ramsdens Cup first round, the Spiders would go on to suffer a staggering loss to Raith Rovers as they failed to reply to six strikes from the Starks Park men, and the start of the Scottish League Two era would not herald a change in fortune for the club as their ten men team fell to a 3-1 defeat at home to East Stirlingshire. Indeed, last season saw a range of top quality youngsters emerge from the youth set up at Hampden Park and lead the Spiders into the play-off semi-finals. Although Gardner Speirs’ men would lose out to Peterhead in the post-season, the 2012/13 effort would almost certainly be considered a success by the Queen’s Park support. The talents of 17-year-old Aidan Connolly and 19-year-old fullback Andrew Robertson did enough to clinch moves to Dundee United. Connolly will graduate to develop his raw brand of attacking flair and pinpoint passing, while Robertson will bring his clever movement to Tannadice and build further upon the defensive qualities which lit up prominently as the Third Division season grew older. Meanwhile, Lawrence Shankland – also 17 years of age – has moved on to Aberdeen. The youngster finished top goal scorer at the Hampden club last season, netting some scorching goals and putting in promising performances the Dons will hope to develop into impressive consistence. Other players that have left the historic Queen’s side include Neil Parry, Andy Robertson, Ricky Little, Tony McParland, Jamie Longworth, Chuckie Watt, Craig Smith and Alan Urquhart. It truly is a new start and a new era for the men in black and white for more reasons than just the reconstruction of the league system. The departure of Connolly, Shankland and Robertson amongst this group is likely to have a notable immediate effect on the attacking prowess of the Spiders in the upcoming campaign. However, the key factor to remember is that each member of this trio were largely unknown entities going into last season, and so there is every reason to suggest that there is certainly more from where they came from waiting to rise from the coveted Queen’s youth set up. With an array of inexperienced new players set to grace the national pitch in the name of the Spiders though, it will be more vital than ever that the tried and tested players remaining pull their weight to try and lead by example. Centre-back rock James Brough has now been with Speirs’ side for five years, and despite being just 24 years of age he will be at least three years the senior of each other member of the Queen’s Park defence. Another product of the youth system at the club, Brough will be glad to have the help of Ricki Lamie this season, with the Airdrie loanee set to add some height and weight into the back line. AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
In midfield, there will be more experience on offer, with captain Tony Quinn leading the lines with a much needed firm hand. The 31-yearold former Celtic man will offer a nice continuity link to previous years having been with Queen’s since 2001, and is almost definitely the man to offer advice to the upcoming stars, one of whom may be 18-year-old Blair Spittal, who looked dangerous throughout against the Shire and netted the only Queen’s goal of the game. Michael Keenan will offer another experienced head in midfield after returning for a second spell with the Spiders in the 2011/12 campaign, and the playmaker will be looking to take promising fellow central midfielder Conor McVay under his wing, with the 19-year-old set for a first team run this season. While the club’s options remain limited in attack after the summer departures, Portuguese front man Joao Victoria and Scot Sean Burns will likely be heavily involved, with the latter having experience with Airdrie Untied and St Mirren despite being just 23. This is no doubt a completely revamped Queen’s Park side then that will take on the completely revitalised Scottish bottom tier. While the losses to Speirs’ squad have been massive in the past few months, the club must now come together and work to rejuvenate the splendid passing styles seen at Hampden Park last term. They will certainly be hoping there is another young gun waiting in the ranks that can have the same impact as Connolly or Shankland and help them on their way to this goal. THE LAST TIME... AT QUEEN’S Things have changed a lot within the Queen’s Park dressing room since Stirling Albion last made the trip to Mount Florida on April 2. The Albion were on an 11 match unbeaten run when they arrived at the international stadium, and made a good move towards extending that streak when they took the lead thanks to the head of Gary Thom. Jordan White would hit the post with a close-ranged header soon after, but the Binos wouldn’t have to wait too long for a second as Scott Davidson scored from a few yards out to double Stirling’s advantage after the break. Unfortunately for McDonald’s men, the home side soon hit back when David Anderson netted with a neat strike into the bottom corner, and Aidan Connolly then showed why he was worth his move to Tannadice this summer as he netted from inside the box to secure the draw with thirteen minutes to go.
29
THE ATTACKING PREVIEW A new era in the history of Scottish football kicked off last weekend as Scottish Championship, League One and League Two clubs all got their latest campaigns under way.
It looks set to be a closely fought run for promotion in the Scottish League Two this term, and, as is the case with the domestic restart in any year, there will now be a whole new batch of attacking talent ready to join the already dangerous opposition trying to break through the Binos’ back line. Greig will be preparing his defences to deal with these deadly front men, and here are just a few of the key goal threats playing outside of Forthbank to keep your eye on throughout the year...
DAVID HOPKIRK (ANNAN ATHLETIC)
Age – 20 Position – Forward Past clubs – Hamilton Academical, Heart of Midlothian, Queen of the South
Despite missing the bulk of pre-season through injury, young Annan attacker David Hopkirk was able to put any injury woes well behind him as he bagged two well taken goals against Peterhead on the opening day of the season.
After two loan spells at Albion Rovers where he netted five league goals in eight attempts, Rovers boss James Ward has again secured the talents of Mark McGuigan on a loan deal from Partick Thistle which will keep him at Cliftonhill till January. The tall attacker played 19 games for the Jags before joining Albion in 2012, and will be expected to act as a main goal source for the Wee Rovers this season after a worthy weighting of first team experience in the First Division. The six foot four front man will act as a target man for Ward’s men, and could be a main threat when the pleasingly named tie with Stirling and Albion arrives.
DAVID CRAWFORD (ALBION ROVERS) Age – 21 Position – Winger Past clubs – Hibernian, Ayr United, Brechin City
The namesake of the Binos’ number one goalkeeper – with whom he played in the same title winning Ayr United team in the 2010/2011 season – this David Crawford will be doing everything he can to put a few past our David Crawford when Stirling meet Albion this season.
The 21 year-old wingman joined Rovers last summer The 20-year-old still has a long way to go before he is and enjoyed a successful first year as he chalked up a back to full match fitness – but the fact that he can net commendable 12 goals in 35 league games. two against the Blue Toon while still not at his sharpest is a large credit to his technical talent. After receiving the rising star award while in his time at Hibs, an accolade voted for by the coaches of the Despite a youthful age tally, Hopkirk has already SPL’s under-19 teams, Crawford went on to make his completed a fair few travels in his times, with the likes senior debut on loan at Ayr United before returning for of Ipswich, West Brom and Cardiff City said to have a short spell at Hibs. He then made a Brechin City loan been looking at him after his release from Hamilton in move permanent in 2012 before moving on to Rovers. 2012. The striker’s keen eye for goal and ease of finish will make him a tough customer to handle this year. The pace and movement of Crawford is always a danger, and must be contained by Bishop and co. this MARK MCGUIGAN (ALBION ROVERS) season. Age – 24 Position – Forward Past clubs – Forfar Athletic, Partick Thistle
30
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
MICHAEL DALY (CLYDE)
at Borough Briggs, and has been netting consistently ever since.
After joining up with the Bully Wee this summer, Clyde boss Jim Duffy will be hoping that Michael Daly can continue his proven goal scoring record from previous seasons and help his side on a push up the table.
After impressing in the Highland leagues with 22 goals in 26 games with Wick Academy, Gunn got the chance to develop his talents at Ross County for four years and during a one year loan with Peterhead, where he would net a hat-trick on his debut. A strong, powerful front man with an experienced knowledge of how the game works.
Age – 27 Position – Forward Past clubs – Queen’s Park, Annan Athletic
The classy goal scorer began his senior career at Hampden Park in 2009, netting 21 times in three seasons at the club, before then moving to Annan where he would net a further seven in 23 attempts. Daly has been linked with a move to Broadwood several times in the past, so the fans at Clyde will be eager to finally see their new man in action.
DARREN LAVERY (BERWICK RANGERS)
Age – 21 Position – Forward Past clubs – Leith Athletic 20 goals last season will have put the young Darren Lavery on the radars of many throughout the Scottish football game. The young gun linked up with Berwick Rangers in 2011, and despite being originally signed on to play for the reserve team, he quickly established himself as a talent that was well worthy of a first team spot.
RORY MCALLISTER (PETERHEAD)
Age – 26 Position – Forward Past clubs – Inverness CT, Brechin City Peterhead star striker Rory McAllister has a goal tally to his name to put the best of striking talents to shame. From his work at Brechin City from 2009-11 to his exploits since joining Peterhead, where he has run wild on the goal scoring charts, the forward has broken the net a massive 82 times in his last 130 league games across the Second and Third Divisions of Scottish football. In order to finish his apprenticeship in plumbing, McAllister joined Peterhead in 2011 in order to be closer to his Aberdeen work place, and there has been no stopping the striker since. An irresistible finishing talent and the wide versatility of the player means he is no easy man to mark.
At just 21 years old Lavery has a very bright future ahead of him, and he will be looking to SCOTT MAXWELL (EAST STIRLINGSHIRE) cement his status as one of the most promising forwards Age – 23 Position – Winger Past clubs – n/a in the lower league game with another big goal haul Maxwell signed up for East Stirlingshire in the summer of 2011 and after battling for a spot in the first team in the 13/14 campaign. was finally able to cement his regular starting status last season. (ELGIN CITY) – 13
CRAIG GUNN GOALS LAST TERM
Age – 26 Position – Forward Past clubs – Wick Academy, Ross County, Peterhead It was really only when Craig Gunn joined Elgin City in 2009 that he began to reach his full potential as a prolific striker. The Black and Whites striker has made over 150 appearances in his four seasons at the club, with a goal tally of well over 50 goals chalked up in that time scale. The top scorer in his first season in the Third Division with 18 goals, he made an immediate impact AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
While a record of just six goals so far at the Shire may not be the most formidable record, the wing man has been playing largely out of position for John Coughlin’s men since graduating to the first team, being regularly deployed in the left-back area. Nevertheless, the attacking talent now looks set for his first full season playing in his preferred team spot on the left wing, and after forcing his way into the Shire set up in the first place thanks to a range of stylist performances and his speedy nature, Maxwell will now be looking to establish himself as a regular on the scoresheet this term.
31
MACRON KITS THE REAL DEAL WITH THE BINOS HAVING KICKED OFF THEIR LATEST LEAGUE CAMPAIGN WEARING A NEW BRAND ON THE FAMOUS RED AND WHITE SHIRT, THE ALBION TOOK A TIME OUT TO CATCH UP WITH RAY PENNOCK, SALES DIRECTOR AT MACRON, TO TALK ALL ABOUT THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE NEW FORTHBANK KIT MANUFACTURER. Can you tell us a little about Macron and how you came to be involved with Stirling? Macron was founded in 1971, with its headquarters being in Bologna. The Macron brand has been growing for the last 10 years in the UK and we provide kits for not only pro-teams but semi-pro teams and teams right down to grass roots levels.
The company currently provide kits for Bologna, Napoli and Lazio in Serie A, for Real Betis and Mallorca in La Liga, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Millwall, Sheffield Untied and Newsport County in the English Premier and Football League, and to sides in the Dutch Eredivisie, the French Ligue 1, Portugal’s Liga Sagres and many other leagues across Europe and indeed further afield.
32
It has been a real pleasure to deal with everyone at Stirling Albion and I am looking forward to working closely with all connected to our kit deal for the next three years and hopefully into the future. And it would also be foolish of me not to mention the four year kit deal that Macron have recently signed with the SRU, Glasgow and Edinburgh rugby clubs which will give us an even bigger presence in Scotland! We, as a Macron Store, are the largest Macron outlet in the UK and last year were the fourth biggest Macron retail provider in Europe. What does the shirt design procedure consist of from start to finish? In relation to this year’s home and away jersey the design process was minimal. The main part for us to decide was what was going where in relation to the club badge (embroidered on both jersey and shorts) and the sponsor’s logo’s Prudential and Life – in relation to position and colours. The jerseys appear to have been a success at present, particularly the away shirt which I know the players are really fond of wearing. And what plans have you got for the future kits of Stirling Albion? Next season will be slightly different and the home kit next year will be something of a retro design to reflect some of the club’s history. Obviously I AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
can’t say too much about it at present as I need to sit with the powers that be and come up with a design that will tick all the boxes for the anniversary and also something that will capture the supporters imagination and be a technical playing kit at the same time!! Watch this space for future news which no doubt the club will release in due course. How does it feel when you first get to see a new club wearing a Macron shirt? The kit launch was a good day and I really enjoyed seeing the players walk out in the kit. I haven’t had the chance to get back up yet but I will definitely get up once the season is under way and AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
I have my fixture list to pick a suitable weekend to sample the Forthbank hospitality!! “The most pleasing thing from my point of view is the positive feedback we get from players, directors, staff and supporters. The kit and leisurewear have been a big hit. “Lets hope that The Binos have a very successful season and as we say here at Macron Store Neath #WinnerswearMacron.” THE NEW ALBION HOME AND AWAY HIT ARE AVAILABLE NOW FROM THE OFFICIAL CLUB SHOP AT FORTHBANK.
33
AT THE ACADEMY CO-EDITOR DAVID CHALMERS TALKS TO The 19s secured an impressive 4-3 victory STIRLING ALBION COACH DAVID BINNIE over Stirling Uni 2nds, how does that reflect ABOUT THE UNDER-19S RECENT FORM. on the work at the youth level at the club? DC: The U19s have drawn Alloa in the Scottish The Stirling University side we beat will Youth Cup, is that a tie you’re really looking be playing in the East of Scotland League this season due to the creation of the new forward to? Lowland League, therefore they were, as DB: Absolutely. The Scottish Youth Cup draw you would expect, a strong outfit. I thought is always eagerly anticipated by everyone we started the game well and then let them at the club and to draw our local rivals is back into it in the 1st half. We started the terrific. The lads won’t really need to be extra 2nd half very well and the lads seemed to motivated for the tie but when it comes to grow in confidence as the game went on. Alloa, then there is always bound to be that little bit of extra spice to the tie. It’s a tie that The ability in the side is without question we think is winnable and we will be confident but when they start to believe in themselves in matches then they can really play some of progressing. great stuff. That’s where our job as coaches With it being a home draw, do you think that in the youth department comes to the fore. gives you a distinct advantage? We have to give these talented young players The match will be held on the Stadium they belief that they can play an attractive pitch and that always gives the younger brand of football against quality sides like lads a boost. I’m not so sure of home field Stirling University. To answer your question, advantage at our level. I think that tends to I think it does demonstrate that we have a happen when there is a big crowd supporting very talented group of youngsters within the system. one side. But nonetheless, these matches do tend to draw in a few fans and hopefully with it being against Alloa, it might catch the imagination of our supporters and have them come along to see the talented players we have coming through our youth system.
34
What was it like facing Whitby Iroquios of Canada? Do they play quite differently to the Scottish sides you face regularly? They were very athletic and were very well organised, as I have come to expect from North American sides over the years. In
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
reality though, our boys had too much quality for them and it evident early on that it was going to be a game that we would dominate and that’s how it turned out. It was a good exercise for our pre-season purposes and I know that the lads all enjoyed coming up against some new faces and accents. The Whitby team are coached by ex Rangers striker,Andy Kennedy, who is himself from Fallin. Hence, he brought the team over to Scotland for a tour.
fields were very wide and once our football started to click then we were able to control the matches. We were knocked out in the group stages this time last year, so going all the way to the final and winning it in style was very satisfying. Chris Paton was voted player of the tournament and was in terrific form on the day.
I think it gives the group a taste of success and it’s hopefully something that has whetted their appetite for the rest of the season. The team won the Linlithgow Tournament, We will compete in the SPFL league and two are you hoping that provides a platform for cup competitions this year and hopefully some silverware come the end of the season? we can add some further silverware to the Linlithgow Tournament Cup. It was a terrific day at the Linlithgow Tournament. We got an early look at Alloa Any names to look out for that could make Athletic as they were in our group. We won the jump to the first team this season like comfortably by 3-0 and it set us on our way. Sandy Cunningham did last year? It was a gruelling day with 7 matches to reach the final. There were some very strong I’m going to sound like a politician here, but amateur teams taking part and the standard we have more than a few in the squad who of opposition was really strong. we have really high hopes for and I think the fans can look forward to seeing a few of them We take the lads to this particular tournament push through this season. I’m loathe to put every year to expose them to adult sides and any names to you at the moment as we are the fineries of that brand of football. With just about to start our league campaign and players as young as 15 in the side, it was a don’t want to get ahead of ourselves just yet. real coming of age for some of them. The AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
35
STIRLING ALBIO
David Crawford SAFC Supporters Club
Stephen Day
Sean Robertson
Brian Allison
Jamie McCunnie M McLachlan & A Dunn
David McClune
Iain Glen
Ian Allardice
Ross Forsyth
Jamie Clark
Home Roy & Sheena McFarlane Away Peter McKenzie
www.skyeluxury cottage.com
Chris Smith
Danny Ashe
Rod Turnbull
Home W Turnbull Newsagents Away Jim Thomson
Bradley Coyne
Graham Weir
Dron & Dickson Ltd.
Victor and Debbie Nelson
Contact the club on 01786 450399 to sponsor a Bino now!
36
AUGUST 2013 / W W W.STIRLIN GA L B IO N FC .CO.U K
ON 2013/134SQUAD
Marc McCulloch Greig McDonald Ina Shaw M.B.E
Mark Ferry Bridge of Allan Supporters Club
David Weatherston
Dale Fulton
Jamie Bishop
Stirling Albion Supporters Trust Board
Dron & Dickson Ltd.
Kieran McAnespie
Sandy Cunningham Home Cate Watson Away Craig Stewart
Phil Johnston Alistair Dunn
Jordan White
Tylar Rowley
Ross McGeachie
Home McKenzie Trailers Away Craig Smith
Contact the club on 01786 450399 to sponsor a Bino now! AUGU S T 2 0 1 3 / W W W. ST I R LI NG A L BI O NFC.CO.U K
37
LEAGUE TABLE Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts 1 East Stirling 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3 2 Albion 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 3 Stirling 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 4 Clyde 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 5 Annan Athletic 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 6 Peterhead 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 7 Elgin 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 8 Montrose 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 9 Berwick 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 10 Queen’s Park 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0 *Table data taken from BBC Sport. Data correct as of 14/08/2013
The John Hartson Foundation has been set up through the determination of John himself as he continues to battle through his horrendous ordeal, this is the character of the man, his main focus will be to openly offer his experience in going through a traumatic time since he was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer after ignoring a lump for 4 years, John admits himself that if he was aware of how easy it was to get checked and that Testicular Cancer is over 90% curable if caught early enough he probably would not have had to go through the brain operations, lung operations and over 60 sessions of chemotherapy. The aims and objectives of the Foundation will be to raise awareness of Testicular Cancer and how easy and most of all how important it is to check yourself on a regular basis, the foundation will also raise funds to provide cancer organisations more support throughout the UK.
www.johnhartsonfoundation.com
DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE VISIT THE HOME OF DEANSTON HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY A DISTILLERY LIKE NO OTHER
AS SEE N
IN
WHISKY TOURS, SHOP & THE COFFEE BOTHY VISIT US 8 MILES NORTH OF STIRLING ON A84 AT DOUNE w: deanstonmalt.com
t: 01786 843 010
Open 7 days | 10am to 5pm
Prudential proudly supports Stirling Albion Best of luck for the 2013/14 season
www.pru.co.uk