The Albion - August 2014 by The Albion Magazine

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STIRLING ALBION F.C. OFFICIAL MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2014

HERE WE COME LEAGUE ONE!

#29

ISSUE #29 I £3.00

Editor’s Notes Hello, and welcome back to The Albion magazine! We’re glad to be back, and we hope you are as well. It’s been a busy few months for us at Albion HQ as Stuart Kenny, who edited the magazine for two years alongside myself, has graduated and moved onto the big city. Stuart has bagged himself a job with Action Sports website MPora, and it looks like great fun. Stuart will be sorely missed, but we all have to move on, and in that regards I’ve managed to secure the help of a fellow University of Stirling classmate in Ben Ramage. Ben will be helping out with the magazine in a similar respect to the way Stuart did. As always we’ll do our best to bring you the best Albion content, be it features, reports, previews and interviews. We’re a bit light on features this issue with a tight schedule following my own stint at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. I had a whale of a time working there and it was a great time to be in Glasgow. Of course Stirling had some success with Ross Murdoch gaining gold in the Mens

50m Breastroke Final, so well done Ross.

Club Executive Team Chair and Operations Director Stuart Brown

The Binos have been busy over the summer too, recruiting a number of new players, and we’ll be hoping to talk to them all at one stage or another, if we can figure out one Smith from another that is!

Finance Director Alan Christie

This issue features an exclusive interview with returning striker Gordon Smith. Gordon of course spent some time at the club previously and has returned on a permanent deal after his spell at Raith Rovers last year. Alongside Steven Doris, Lewis Coult and others, we hope that the boys can score the goals that will be missing after Jordan White’s departure.

Members Graham Douglas Jim Thomson

Sometime tannoy announcer Alban Dickson travelled to Norway during the summer to solidify club links with Bergen-based Brann, and I’m sure his feature will have you as hooked as I was.

Goalkeeping Coach David Westwood

Community Corner is back, and we’ve got our regular features ready and waiting. Please enjoy the match, and the magazine!

Commercial Director John Hunter Director David McFarlane

Football Management Manager Greig McDonald Assistant Manager Marc McCulloch Physiotherapist Jenna Orr

Club Doctor Michael Beyer Heads of Youth Stewart Taylor (Admin) Blair Cremin (Coaching) Under 19 Coaches Graeme Donald David Binnie Community Engagement Manager Andrew Todd

David Chalmers Editor & Head of Design

Modern Apprentice Sandy Cunningham Club Mascot Bino the Bear

@DavidJChalmers magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

CONTENTS FJORD OF DREAMS ALBAN DICKSON TRAVELS TO NORWAY

Club Chaplain Duncan Strathdee (0778 991 2259)

REGULAR FEATURES:

AUG. 2014 I #29

03. INSIDE THE BOX 04. ALBION NEWS 05. FROM THE DUGOUT 10. THE LOCKER ROOM

24 GORDON SMITH THE LOCKER ROOM

04. INSIDE THE BOX 05. ALBION NEWS 06. FROM THE DUGOUT 07. MATCH REPORT VS. ELGIN CITY 08. MATCH REPORT VS. ALLOA ATHLETIC 09. MATCH REPORT VS. PETERHEAD 10. THE LOCKER ROOM: GORDON SMITH 12. HOME PREVIEW: AYR UNITED 14. 2013/14 STATISTICS 16. FJORD OF DREAMS 24. HOME PREVIEW: ALLOA ATHLETIC 28. AWAY PREVIEW: STENHOUSEMUIR 30. AWAY PREVIEW: AIRDRIEONIANS 32. COMMUNITY CORNER 34. JUNIOR BINOS 36. SQUAD AND SPONSOR PROFILES 38. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

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THE ALBION MAGAZINE Editors: David Chalmers & Ben Ramage Contributors: Alban Dickson, Andy Todd, Stuart Brown, Jim Thomson, Greig McDonald Thanks to: Gordon Smith, Ayr United FC, Stuart Brown Greig McDonald, Andy Todd, Jim Thomson Photography: Prudential, Daily Record, Jim Thompson, BBC, Andy Todd, SNS Group, The Scotsman, The Herald, David Sargent, Falkirk FC, Getty Images Design: David Chalmers Printing: Mailboxes Etc. Stirling Contact: magazine@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk Interact: T| 01786 450399 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 League Two Play-off Winners 2013/14 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 facebook.com/thealbionmagazine facebook.com/stirlingalbionfc twitter.com/StirAlbionMag twitter.com/Stirling_Albion

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INSIDE THE BOX

“

I will be more than content if we are competitive week in, week out and if Greig, Marc and the players deliver on that, I’m confident our league position will take care of itself.

“

warm welcome to Forthbank Stadium as we kick off our home programme in SPFL1 against Ayr United. This edition of “The Albion” also covers our Petrovac Training Cup second round tie versus Alloa Athletic, as we seek to get revenge for our narrow defeat in the first round of the League Cup. The way the fixtures fall we aren’t due to be at home again until mid-September, with the next three weeks providing two away league fixtures and a “free week” - unless we can see off Alloa Athletic and secure a home tie in the next round of the Petrofac Cup. There was good news, not so good news and bad news at Peterhead last weekend - the good news was that we played well for the most part, the not so good was McAllister’s late equaliser and the bad news was the rugby tackle on Steven Doris. We are still waiting for confirmation as to the full extent of his injury but at best I expect him to be on the sidelines for a good number of weeks. Turning to this season’s pricing for league and cup matches at Forthbank, I fully appreciate that, for many of our fans, cost is a determining factor in deciding whether to come along and we have tried hard to balance this against the need to generate revenue to ensure we can provide Greig with a playing budget that will allow us to be competitive in the higher league. Our season ticket and pay at the turnstile pricing compares favourably across the division and our “Under 12s Go Free” initiative is a first, but significant, step towards ensuring families can attend Forthbank without “breaking the bank”.

STUART BROWN With regards to away cup matches, whilst we should be consulted, the reality is we have limited input or control, providing the opposition are adhering to SFA/ SPFL guidelines. Aside from the revenue derived through the turnstiles, our commercial activities continue to go from strength to strength - my thanks to everyone who has already taken out player sponsorship, magazine and ground advertising - and there’s still plenty of opportunity left in these areas, as well as match day hospitality packages throughout the season. Please contact the Club in the first instance. The question I’m most asked is what is your target / expectation for the season. The honest answer is I don’t have a personal expectation with regards to our league position. I will be more than content if we are competitive week in, week out and if Greig, Marc and the players deliver on that, I’m confident our league position will take care of itself. In the first instance, our target has to be to remain in the division and only time will tell whether we should be revising that target upwards! Talk of the play offs (at either end of the league!) simply isn’t on the agenda at this early stage. Finally, as has always been the case, if anyone wants to ask a question or provide (constructive) feedback, I’m more than willing to listen and wherever possible and appropriate, provide an answer - I can be contacted through the usual Club channels at any time.

Stuart Brown Chairman SAFC 4 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

ALBION NEWS THE NEW BOYS Eight new players have joined us since we won promotion via the play-offs at East Fife in May - welcome on board guys! Goalkeeper Greg Paterson (24) arrives from East Fife, although he missed the play-off final against us after suffering an injury during their semi-final win over Clyde on penalties. Greg spent a number of years with Dunfermline then moved to Forfar, from where he switched to Linlithgow Rose. Defender Craig Wedderburn (24) has left St Andrews United Juniors to return to senior football after previous spells with Raith Rovers, Arbroath and Clyde, who he left as he required an operation. He was on the radar of the Albion management team last summer but had signed for St Andrews. Defender James Creaney (25) was with Alloa last season and can play at left-back or on the left of midfield. The former Stranraer and Dumbarton player also had a spell in Ireland earlier in his career. Midfielder Darren Lee Smith (26) is a former Scotland U21 internationalist, who began his career at Motherwell before moving to Ross County in 2010. He spent the 2011/12 campaign with Stirling Albion and now returns after two years at Ochilview. Midfielder Willie Robertson (21) has joined until January after leaving Alloa at the end of the season. He began his career at Dundee United and has also played on loan at Forfar. Forward Lewis Coult (26) started out at Hamilton Accies and had brief stints at Alloa and Berwick before moving to the Junior ranks. He is probably best known from his time at Cowdenbeath and we will now forgive him for the hat-trick he scored against us in February 2012! He switched to Airdrie 12 months ago and scored six goals in 21 League 1 appearances for the Diamonds. Forward Steven Doris (26) began his career at St Johnstone and had loan spells at Montrose and Arbroath before making a move to Gayfield in 2009. He had an excellent scoring record for the Red Lichties, averaging close to a goal every two games, and had a trial with Birmingham before signing for Dundee last summer. Steven made 15 appearances and also had a loan spell back at Arbroath.

Forward Gordon Smith (23) is well known to Albion fans after enjoying a successful loan spell at Forthbank during our 2010/11 campaign in Division One. The former Livingston and Hearts striker spent the 2013/14 season with Raith Rovers, helping them win the Ramsdens Cup and scoring five goals in 33 Championship appearances, around half of which were as a substitute. SKIPPER SMITH Darren Smith has been appointed as club captain for season 2014/15. The 34-year-old former Berwick, Brechin, Raith, Alloa and East Fife player joined us from Arbroath in January. Binos boss Greig McDonald said: “Darren has performed this role at previous clubs and is a natural leader within the group. He provides a calming influence for the young players and organises those around him. I am sure he will prove to be an excellent captain for Stirling Albion.” PETROFAC TRAINING CUP Our Petrofac Training Cup second-round tie against Alloa takes place at Forthbank on Tuesday August 19, kick-off 7.45pm. Admission prices are £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, with U12s free if accompanied by a paying adult. The quarter-finals are scheduled for Saturday September 6. North Section Dunfermline Athletic v Falkirk (Tuesday) Brora Rangers v East Fife (Tuesday) Brechin City v Peterhead (Tuesday) STIRLING ALBION v Alloa Athletic (Tuesday) South Section Livingston v Heart of Midlothian (Wednesday) Rangers v Clyde (Monday, live on BBC ALBA) Morton v Berwick Rangers (Tuesday) Stranraer v Albion Rovers (Tuesday) SOLID STARTERS The 1-1 draw at Peterhead means we remain unbeaten on the opening day of the league season since losing 2-1 to Brechin in August 2008 - when a certain Darren Smith scored a spectacular late winner for the Glebe Park side! YOUTH CUP Stirling Albion have been drawn away to Falkirk in the first round of the Scottish FA Youth Cup. The tie is scheduled for Sunday August 31, with the winners at home to Airdrieonians in round two at the end of September.

FIXTURES 26 Jul 2 Aug 9 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 6 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct

PTC R1 Elgin City 3-0 LC R1 Alloa 0-1 L1 Peterhead 1-1 L1 Ayr United PTC R2 Alloa L1 Stenhousemuir L1 Airdrieonians PTC Quarter Final L1 Brechin City L1 Forfar Athletic L1 Stranraer L1 Dunfermline L1 Morton L1 Stenhousemuir

25 Oct 8 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Nov 6 Dec 13 Dec 20 Dec 27 Dec 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Jan

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L1 L1 L1 L1 PTC L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1

Airdrieonians Brechin City Stranraer Dunfermline R4 Peterhead Forfar Athletic Ayr United Morton Stenhousemuir Dunfermline Peterhead Forfar Athletic Stranraer

7 Feb L1 14 Feb L1 21 Feb L1 28 Feb L1 7 Mar L1 14 Mar L1 21 Mar L1 28 Mar L1 4 Apr L1 11 Apr L1 18 Apr L1 25 Apr L1 2 May L1

Morton Ayr United Brechin City Airdrieonians Stranraer Dunfermline Peterhead Forfar Athletic Airdrieonians Brechin City Morton Ayr United Stenhousemuir

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

“

There will undoubtedly be challenging times during the course of the season however if we can show the unity, on and off the park, that we displayed in achieving promotion then we can have another successful season.

“

GREIG MCDONALD

elcome back to Forthbank after what has been one of the shortest summers I can recall during my time in football. I hope the memory of our playoff victory, along with the World Cup, has meant that you have all had a relaxing and enjoyable summer.

Today we face an Ayr Utd team who are the top of the league after a great result against Morton last week. Ayr are an established League 1 team who will be looking to challenge this year so we know to expect a tough game. I’d like to wish Mark and his players all the best for the season.

As this is my first magazine piece of the season I’d like to place on record my thanks to you the supporters for your backing during our successful journey through the playoffs. I’ve played at Bayview on many occasions and can honestly say the noise level, particularly when Sandy scored, was the loudest I’ve ever heard there. That day was the reward after two years of hard work and will live long in the memory.

As already communicated on the official website Darren Smith will take the armband for this season. Daz has performed this role at previous clubs and is well equipped to take on this responsibility. As an experienced pro and natural leader within the group he provides a calming influence for the young players and organises those around him. As a newly promoted team we go into the new season with our eyes wide open as to the increased strength of competition we will face vs the expectations of you as the supporters. There will undoubtedly be challenging times during the course of the season however if we can show the unity, on and off the park, that we displayed in achieving promotion then we can have another successful season. I have a couple of pictures in my office capturing the reaction of both the players and supporters after one of our goals against Annan in the playoff semi final, and of course Sandy’s winner in the final. Both of these are recent & strong reminders of what we can do when we all pull together as a club.

We now return to League one, or the second division for the old school amongst us, where outside of Forthbank we are widely considered as resounding favourites for relegation. As we did last year we remain determined to prove the doubters wrong and continue to show that after a few tough years our club is making strong progress, both on and off the pitch. The journey, quite literally, started last week with a trip to Peterhead. Thank you again to those who made the long trek north. We played some good football at times and over the piece I thought we stood up well to Peterhead’s direct style. Statistics tell us that opposition teams find Balmoor a difficult place to go therefore it has to be considered a solid start to life back in this division and one we must now try to build on.

Enjoy the game today. Greig 6 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T I R L IN G A LBI ONF C. CO. UK

MATCH REPORT

BINOS PROGRESS IN PETROFAC CUP THANKS TO SMITH & SMITH LEFT: Midfielder Darren Lee Smith opened the scoring for the Binos

PHOTO: SNS Group

0 ELGIN CITY 3 STIRLING ALBION DARREN LEE SMITH 48, GORDON SMITH PEN 58, 78

stunning volley from Darren Lee Smith and a Gordon Smith double saw us progress to round two of the Petrofac Training Cup thanks to an excellent second-half display at Borough Briggs. Referee Nick Walsh deemed that our new white and red home kit was a clash with Elginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s black and white stripes so we took to the field wearing Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blue away jerseys as we recorded our first win in this competition since beating Deveronvale 3-1 in Banff three years ago. Elgin were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when central defender Matthew Cooper was sent off for bringing down Darren Lee Smith for a penalty that was converted by Gordon Smith. Binos boss Greig McDonald handed debuts to Greg Paterson, James Creaney, Craig Wedderburn and Steven Doris, with Lewis Coult making his bow from the bench and trialist Willie Robertson - a former Alloa and Dundee United midfielder - also introduced during the second half. Injury ruled out Graham Weir and David McClune while Darren Smith and Ross McGeachie, rated doubtful before the match, were among the subs.

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PETROFAC CUP SAT 26TH JUL 2014 ATT: 470

Fraser Beveridge Finlayson (66) Cooper Nicolson McLEan Gunn MacPhee MacKenzie (73) Sutherland (66) Moore

Paterson Hamilton Creaney (62) Comrie Wedderburn C Smith Johnston (72) Fulton (66) G Smith Doris DL Smith

Subs: Black Murray Wood McHardy Cooke (66) Cameron (73) Bayne (66)

Subs: Reidford McHeachie Munn D Smith Robertson (66) Cunningham (72) Coult (62)

Elgin had slightly the better of the first half and posed a threat going forward, notably through Shane Sutherland. The former Inverness forward curled a shot just wide early on then saw another effort deflected on to the top of the bar while Craig Gunn had a goal disallowed for offside. Albion also created openings, with Doris and Darren Lee Smith denied by keeper Michael Fraser, but we dominated the second half and ran out comfortable winners. The opener came just three minutes after the restart. Wedderburn nodded a Craig Comrie freekick into the danger area and Darren Lee Smith, in his first game back after two years at Stenhousemuir, lashed a volley high into the net from 18 yards. Smith also played a big part in the second goal 10 minutes later, racing beyond Cooper who was red carded for a trip on the ex-Motherwell man. Gordon Smith swept the spot-kick confidently into the net and the tie was effectively over. With 12 minutes left, the same player - in his second stint at Forthbank - sealed the victory with a close-range finish, after Doris had created the opening.

MATCH REPORT

BINOS FALL SHORT AS SPENCE SECURES ALLOA CUP WIN LEFT: Alloa goal scorer Greig Spence scored the only goal

PHOTO: Richard Sellers/ Getty Images

1 ALLOA ATHLETIC SPENCE 26

0 STIRLING ALBION

first-half goal from Greig Spence sent Alloa into the second round of the League Cup as we fell at the first hurdle for the seventh year in a row. The summer signing from Raith Rovers, who hit a hat-trick at Arbroath the week before, pounced on a loose ball and rounded Callum Reidford to score the only goal after 26 minutes of a lacklustre derby. It was our sixth straight defeat to our local rivals but we have a chance to put that right in the second round of the Petrofac Training Cup at Forthbank on August 19. Heavy rain and high admission prices limited the crowd to a disappointing 684 and they witnessed a 90 minutes short on goalmouth action. Alloa were on top in the first half but there was little between the sides after the interval and we generally defended well against our Championship opponents. We failed to create enough clear-cut chances to trouble Barry Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team although Willie Robertson came close to an equaliser against his old club with a couple of minutes remaining when

CHALLENGE CUP

SAT 2ND AUG 2014 ATT: 684

Gibson Doyle Gordon Megatt Docherty Simmons Holmes Cawley (70) Buchanan (84) McCord Spence

Reidford Hamilton Creaney Fulton (63) Wedderburn C Smith Johnston (73) Comrie G Smith (81) Doris DL Smith

Subs: Subs: McDowall Paterson Marr McAllister Ashgar Munn Tiffoney Forsyth Flannigan (70) Robertson (63) Hetherington (84) Cunningham (81) Coult (73)

he thumped a 25-yarder just over the top. Stirling showed one change from the side that beat Elgin 3-0, with Reidford replacing Greg Paterson in goal. David McClune, Graham Weir, Ross McGeachie and Darren Smith were all ruled out through injury and there was a place on the bench for youngster Tommy McAllister. David Weatherston, who moved from Forthbank to Recreation Park during the summer, was absent from a home line-up that included exBinos Michael Doyle, Ryan McCord and Mark Docherty. We made a bright enough start on the plastic pitch but Alloa took a grip on the match and Spence and Docherty missed good chances before the deadlock was broken. Stephen Simmons thundered a free-kick wide and sub Iain Flannigan saw his deflected 25-yarder diverted on to the bar by Reidford with 15 minutes left but we were in contention until the end. Steven Doris curled an effort just over and Robertson came even closer as Alloa held on for a narrow but deserved victory. 8 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T I R L IN G A LBI ONF C. CO. UK

MATCH REPORT

LATE MCALLISTER EQUALISER RULES OUT SMITH STRIKE LEFT: Defender Lee Hamilton battles in the air for a ball in preseason

PHOTO: Falkirk FC

1 PETERHEAD MCALLISTER 85

1 STIRLING ALBION GORDON SMITH 55

ory McAllister grabbed a late equaliser to deny Albion a winning start on the opening day of the League 1 season. Gordon Smith gave us the lead early in the second half with a fine finish but Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top scorer from last year earned the Blue Toon a point in a keenly-contested encounter at Balmoor. It was an encouraging start to life in a higher division, although a nasty-looking injury to Steven Doris in the closing stages is a cause for concern. Albion showed three changes from the team that lost 1-0 to Alloa in the League Cup, with Greg Paterson, Lewis Coult and Graham Weir replacing Callum Reidford, Darren Lee Smith and Dale Fulton. Willie Robertson was suspended and the game came too soon for Ross McGeachie and David McClune. Peterhead were without banned duo Andy Rodgers and Graeme Sharp. The Blue Toon were presented with the League 2 championship flag before kick-off, four months after receiving the trophy and being beaten 4-0 by the Binos. Chances were few in the opening stages but we

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LEAGUE ONE SAT 9TH AUG 2014 ATT: 539

G Smith Donaldson Noble R Smith (71) Ross Gilfillan Cox (71) Redman McAllister Stevenson Strachan

Paterson Hamilton Creaney Wedderburn C Smith Johnston (72) Comrie Weir G Smith (82) Doris Coult (66)

Subs: Jarvie Tait Richardson McCann (71) Brown (71)

Subs: Reidford D Smith Fulton McAllister Forsyth (66) DL Smith (72) Cunningham (82)

almost took the lead in 31 minutes when Doris did well on the right flank and picked out Gordon Smith, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Graeme Smith. At the other end, our defence offered McAllister little cheer but he had an effort diverted for a corner before we had a big penalty appeal turned down. Doris appeared to be bundled over in the box but referee George Salmond waved play on. The deadlock was broken in 55 minutes when Coult played in Gordon Smith and he beat namesake Graeme with a composed finish for his third goal of the season. With Peterhead struggling to create clear-cut chances, it looked as if one goal might be enough but we were pushed back as the game wore on and were undone with five minutes to go. A long pass through the middle tempted Paterson to come off his line but McAllister got there first and guided the ball into the net. We remain unbeaten on the opening day since losing 2-1 to Brechin in 2008 and this was a good start as we prepare to welcome Ayr United to Forthbank.

THE LOCKER ROOM

NEW SIGNING GORDON SMITH CAUGHT UP WITH EDITOR DAVID CHALMERS ABOUT HIS MOVE AND THE SEASON AHEAD DC: You’ve rejoined the club in the summer; what brought you back to Stirling Albion, and how have you found pre-season?

GS: Greig McDonald was a player when I was here last time, and he had been trying to get me for a few years. When I left Raith Rovers I spoke to the gaffer over the phone and we had a good chat and I liked what he had to say and obviously I know what he is like - and he knows me well so it was a no brainer really.

Pre season has been good; we’ve had a couple of hard tests against teams in the higher divisions, which has got the boys in good shape for the new season.

You couldn’t have gotten off to a better start last Saturday, could you?

The game against Elgin City was a good win for the boys and to get two goals on my first start 10 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

has given me a huge lift; and hopefully there will be a lot more to come over the course of the season.

Obviously the Championship is going to be an exciting league this season, but for me I wanted to find a club where I felt wanted and felt I had the best chance of geting a good run of 30+ games.

Obviously Peterhead got a late equaliser, was that a real kicker for the squad?

The boys were gutted because we all knew that we should have won that game because we were the better team. To concede so late was disappointing, but a point away from home to a team with a good home record is a decent start and it’s something to build upon.

You were at Raith Rovers last season, what did you think of your last season?

Personally it was a disappointing season as I only started 20 games out of 40, which for me wasnt good enough as I want to start every game I possibly can; but I still popped up with a few important goals and the team managed to win the Ramsdens Cup which was nice!

Of course before Raith you were at Hearts. They now play in the Championship - was it an easy decision to join Stirling considering the names in the SPFL Championship this year?

Today’s opponents Ayr won their opening league match. What are you expecting from the fixture?

Ayr got off to a good start beating one of the few full-time teams in Morton, but we’re at home and will be looking to get our first league win. I don’t know too much much about their squad this season to be honest, but we expect a tough game. I was involved in a cup game against them when I was with Hearts a few seasons ago and they put us out on penalties.

The club managed to win promotion via the play-offs last year, what hopes do you have for the Binos this campaign?

I think staying in the division would be a successful season as the club has just been promoted, but we have 35 games to go and we will take every game as it comes and go out to win every game and see where it takes us.

“

Pre season has been good, we’ve had a couple of hard tests against teams in the higher divisions, which has got the boys in good shape for the new season.

11 / A U GU S T 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

“

GORDON SMITH

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. AYR UNITED LEAGUE ONE SAT 16TH AUGUST, 2014 3:00 KICK-OFF FORTHBANK STADIUM

AYR UNITED FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1910 NICKNAME: THE HONEST MEN STADIUM: SOMERSET PARK CAPACITY: 10,185 CURRENT MANAGER: MARK ROBERTS BEN RAMAGE

tirling Albion open their League 1 home campaign by welcoming Ayr United FC to the Forthbank Stadium, with a strong home record potentially key to staying in the division. Ayr, who lost out in the play-offs to the Championship last time out, started their season well last weekend with a 1-0 win against Morton thanks to a goal from summer recruit Ryan Donnelly, and will prove a strong test as the Binos get accustomed to life in League 1. Ayr Manager Mark Roberts may still be smarting from their 5-2 Aggregate defeat to Cowdenbeath in last year’s play-offs, particularly given that the West Coast club have also lost their key forward Micheal Moffat, who bagged an impressive 27 goals last season, to League 1 rivals Dunfermline. Roberts was a prolific forward himself in his playing days and it remains to be seen whether replacement

“

Ryan Donnelly, signed from Albion Rovers, will be able to fill the departed goalscorers productive boots. Donnelly did make the best start possible, however, scoring the goal which gave Ayr their opening day victory over Morton, and Roberts will be hopeful that his first goal for the club will be the first of many this season. The Honest Men have strengthened at the back over the summer with the signing of influential centre-back Peter Murphy. Roberts will be hoping that the experience of the ex-Ireland international, who played over 400 games for English side Carlisle, will stand them in better stead should they find themselves in the play-offs once again this season. While perhaps not favourites for the League, Ayr will very much fancy themselves to repeat their performance of last season in reaching the play-offs again, hoping to make the most of the opportunity this time around and gain promotion to the Championship.

The Honest Men have strengthened at the back over the summer with the signing of influential centre-back Peter Murphy.

“

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FIXTURES

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: McLatchie Newman Hart Hutton

STIRLING ALBION vs AYR UNITED AUG 16th | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

Defenders: Campbell Ross Ballantyne McKinlay Devlin

McCreadie Murphy Muir Lapham McArthur McCracken Midfielders: McGovern Donald Faulds McGowan

Lavery McGill McGuffie Keegan Forrest Crawford Finlay Gilmour Campbell Waite Wardrope McLaughlin

Forwards: Donnelly Nisbet Orr McKenzie Shankland Holland Roberts

AYR UNITED vs FORFAR AUG 23rd | LEAGUE ONE | S’SET PARK

KILMARNOCK vs AYR UNITED AUG 26TH | LEAGUE CUP | RUGBY PARK

THE GAFFER MARK ROBERTS Mark Roberts made his name in Scottish Football as a striker, coming through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock before spells at numerous clubs, including Falkirk and St Mirren. He had 3 productive seasons at Ayr, ending each as the club’s top scorer and scoring 42 league goals in total, before taking the reign’s from Brian Reid as player manager following their relegation to the second division in 2012. Roberts once scored a hat-trick of penalties in a game against East Fife before getting sent off celebrating the third, as well as a Scottish Cup winner against Hibernian.

KEY PLAYER PETER MURPHY Peter Murphy is a strong and composed centre-back, who can also play in midfield if required. The Dublin born defender played his early football at Blackburn Rovers before spending an impressive 12 years at Carlisle United, during which he became their most capped outfield player ever amassing over 400 appearances. His testimonial included Premier League players such as Grant Holt, Ian Harte and Danny Graham. Murphy also played for Ireland up to Under 21 level, before gaining his one cap at full international level in a friendly against Bolivia.

LAST TIME LEAGUE CUP SAT 1ST AUG 2009 ATT: 802

1 STIRLING ALBION DEVINE 16

2 AYR UNITED EASTON 61, AITKEN 114’

Stirling’s last meeting with the West Coast club came five years ago, in a League Cup tie in August 2009. The game took place at Forthbank stadium and it was a feisty affair, with the Binos ending the encounter with a mere nine players after Andy Graham and Ross Forsyth, now back with the Binos after some time with Greenock Morton and Dumbarton, were sent off. The teams drew 1 - 1 in normal time, Stewart Devine scoring Stirling’s goal while Ayr’s William Easton notched theirs. Ayr took the tie eventually thanks to an extra time winner from Andy Aitken. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson, and current Ayr manager Mark Roberts both started the cup tie - as did Bryan Prunty, who had a onemonth spell with the Binos in the same season. However, a lot has changed in five years and Stirling will be keen to avenge the defeat as the teams meet in the recently-formed SPFL League 1.

13 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W. ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

2013/14 STATISTICS

THE PROMOTION

14-Sep H League

Annan Athletic

608

4 4 5

8 12

9 9

10 10

11 8

13 14

21-Sep a League

Berwick Rangers

491

28-Sep a League

Elgin City

623

19-Oct H League 26-Oct a League

Montrose Clyde

481

676

29-Oct H League 09-Nov a League

Albion Rovers East Stirlingshire

423

541

16-Nov H League

Queen's Park

681

23-Nov a League

Annan Athletic

384

03-Dec H League 07-Dec a League

Berwick Rangers Albion Rovers

378

396

21-Dec a League

Peterhead

521

28-Dec H League 04-Jan H League

859

Clyde

East Stirlingshire Queen's Park

639

11-Jan a League

472

464

9 9

Annan Athletic Montrose

509

333

08-Feb H League 15-Feb H League

Peterhead

498

Albion Rovers Elgin City

541

22-Feb a League

576

01-Mar H League 08-Mar a League

Queen's Park East Stirlingshire

656

584

641

13 10

Berwick Rangers

9 9

18-Jan a League

25-Jan H League 01-Feb a League

9 9

673

Montrose Annan Athletic

529

479

665

19-Apr H League 26-Apr a League

Elgin City Peterhead

640

852

03-May H League

Clyde

1028

07-May H Play-Off

Annan Athletic

972

480

3 5

19-May a Play-Off

East Fife

1516

3 14 13

13 4

White

6 6

4 7

Weir

Comrie, Ferry Ferry

14 14

6 6

912

10 13

1501

Forsyth

Bishop 6

White, Notman (og), Forsyth

McAnespie, Cunningham, White, Forsyth

3 13

Johnston, Fulton

3 13

Fulton, Cunningham, Coyne

Annan Athletic

East Fife

10-May a Play-Off

White, White

Coyne

13 10

Smith, White, Cunningham

14-May H Play-Off

7 14

7 7

3 6

Weatherston 12

14 12

11 11

White Cunningham, Ferry

Elgin City

11 11

Clyde

Berwick Rangers Albion Rovers

14 11

11-Mar H League

05-Apr H League 12-Apr a League

4 2

Scorers Fulton, Ferry Fulton, Johnston

15-Mar a League 22-Mar H League 29-Mar a League

Boyle

2 2 2

7 7

Hamilton

12 12 7

6 6 6

Smith D

O'Byrne

Comrie

Gasparotto

Munn

3 3 3

Paton

Cunningham

McGeachie

Weatherston

Coyne

McClune

Fulton

Weir

1 1 1

White

573 735 527

Ferry

0 3 0

Johnston

2 1 2

Smith C

Peterhead East Stirlingshire Queen's Park

Bishop

17-Aug H League 24-Aug H League 31-Aug a League

McAnespie

Att 486

Forsyth

McCunnie

A 1

Montrose

Reidford

F 2

10-Aug a League

Crawford 1

2013-14 Scottish League Division 2

Ashe

tirling started the league campaign with an away victory at Montrose, Dale Fulton scoring on his debut. This was followed up by a home win over Peterhead. Despite these two victories the Binos dropped to 3rd in the table, below the Shire and Albion Rovers. Despite a home defeat to the Shire, Stirling retained 3rd place in the league. A run of indifferent form resulted in the club dropping to 7th place but only one point off 2nd spot. The away fixture to Annan on 23rd November proved to be pivotal in the mid stages of the league. A win over the home side would have taken Stirling to top spot in the League. Calumn Reidfiord replaced the injured David Crawford in goals and found themselves a goal down in the 1st minute. Three times Annan were ahead only to be pegged back. Stirling took the lead in 74 minutes thanks to a Ross Forsyth goal, however four minutes into

Day

injury time, Annan were awarded a controversial penalty and Ally Love converted to earn a 4-4 draw. The next 18 games resulted in six wins, six defeats and six draws. Peterhead meanwhile were putting together a run of form that saw them 19 points ahead, Annan 11 points clear in 2nd place, Clyde six points ahead and Berwick only two points behind when the teams met on 5th April. Stirling looked the better team until Berwick scored in the 38th minute. This was followed by a straight red card shown to Berwickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paul Currie for his over zealous celebration of the goal. Despite being a goal down, Berwick held on till the 89th minute with Weatherston equalising and deep into stoppage time Sandy Cunningham scoring the winner with a header. Clyde lost to Annan the same day, leaving Berwick five points adrift and Clyde within reach. Three wins and a draw in the final run-in saw the albion overtake Clyde and the rest is history.

Clark

JIM THOMPSON

White

White 2, McAnespie

Gibson (og), Comrie

Weatherston, White

Cunningham

Weatherston 2

Weatherston, Cunningham

Comrie, McClune

White, Comrie

Comrie 2, Weatherston, Weir

White, Weatherston

White 2, Forsyth, Johnston

Weir, Weatherston 2

McClune, White 3, Comrie

Forsyth

White, Cunningham

Games Played

Substitute Appearances

Goals

14 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

17-Aug H League 24-Aug H League

Peterhead

573

East Stirlingshire Queen's Park

735

527

31-Aug a League

Weir

Att 486

White

A 1

Ferry

F 2

Johnston

Montrose

Smith C

10-Aug a League

Bishop

McAnespie

Forsyth

McCunnie

Reidford

2013-14 Scottish League Division 2

Crawford

2013/14 STATISTICS

14-Sep H League

Annan Athletic

608

21-Sep a League

Berwick Rangers

491

28-Sep a League

Elgin City

623

19-Oct H League 26-Oct a League

Montrose Clyde

481

676

29-Oct H League 09-Nov a League

Albion Rovers East Stirlingshire

423

541

16-Nov H League

Queen's Park

681

23-Nov a League

Annan Athletic

384

03-Dec H League 07-Dec a League

Berwick Rangers Albion Rovers

378

396

8 4

21-Dec a League

Peterhead

521

28-Dec H League 04-Jan H League

Clyde

859

639

11-Jan a League

East Stirlingshire Queen's Park

472

18-Jan a League

Berwick Rangers

464

25-Jan H League 01-Feb a League

Annan Athletic Montrose

509

333

08-Feb H League 15-Feb H League

Peterhead

498

541

22-Feb a League

Albion Rovers Elgin City

01-Mar H League 08-Mar a League

Queen's Park East Stirlingshire

11-Mar H League

Elgin City

15-Mar a League

Clyde

673

22-Mar H League 29-Mar a League

Montrose Annan Athletic

529

479

05-Apr H League 12-Apr a League

Berwick Rangers Albion Rovers

665

480

19-Apr H League 26-Apr a League

Elgin City Peterhead

640

852

Clyde

1028

03-May H League

576

656

584

641

1 5 14

07-May H Play-Off

Annan Athletic

972

10-May a Play-Off

Annan Athletic

912

11 8

8 11

14-May H Play-Off

East Fife

1501

19-May a Play-Off

East Fife

1516

Games Played

Substitute Appearances

Goals

15 / A U GU S T 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

FEATURE

FJORD OF DREAMS Binos fan Alban Dickson travelled to Bergen to form a link between Stirling Albion & Brann. This is his journey.

hould you pop over the North Sea to carry out a flitting of your bairn’s braw house, you can probably leave the phrasebook at home. Such are the similarities between Scots and Norwegian, many of these words sound interchangeable (Flytte, Barn, Bra, Hus). Were it not for a few unfamiliar vowels, excellent standards of English and an infamously high tax upon alcohol, then I’m sure I might have spent my recent trip speaking natively, nei problem efter alle. Cast your mind back to Scotland’s World Cup effort in 1998 and you’ll recall that these similarities didn’t help us qualify despite our Nordic friends defeating Brazil. Tore Andre Flo’s 83rd minute goal may have helped us through, had we not crumbled to Morocco. Flo would go on to become a Scottish record transfer

Below: Albion players Blair Munn and Lee Hamilton holding the Brann pennant

fee (and gold dust for Scottish football satire) and here we can introduce our football connection. Brattbakk, Berg, Stensaas, Riseth all joined Flo playing in the Scottish top flight. Meanwhile, East Stirling midfielder (and Stirling University graduate) Carl Thwyssen solitarily represented his entire country over here in 2004/05. Not forgetting Stenhousemuir’s “Norway Stand” (generously sponsored by their very own supporters’ club from our oil-yielding neighbours) perhaps it is no wonder Stirling Council offered free Norwegian language lessons in 2014? The journey of Tony Fullerton and myself also begins closer to home. As coaches with Stirling City All Stars, our short trip began with aspirations to build a connection between disability football clubs, and took some unexpected turns once we realised we could take in a Tippelaegen West-coast derby between SK Brann and Viking Stavangar. After some hopeful e-mails, with most of the hope resting upon Google translate, we made contact with Elling Sundberg, a coach with Fana IF. Elling did not hesitate to arrange us to a meeting at his office, on matchday, conveniently based at Brann’s 17,000 seater stadium. Yet with the disability football link ready to go, we didn’t depart Scotland without seeking an opportunity to meet personally with SK Brann and identify another connection - one for Stirling Albion. Many will be familiar with the the facts shared by Liverpool and Stirling Albion in the early 1970s; playing at Annfield, red kits and managed by a Shankly. So I began to research what possible ties could bring our clubs together. Players seemed an obvious choice but despite the legendary status held by Scots Charlie Miller and Robbie Winters, no coincidences existed between both clubs - and that is including our Icelandic influx in the mid-1990s. With no honours matching either, hope was lost. Until an unlikely nickname appeared. Between 1979 and 1987, Brann attained a record for most consecutive promotions and relegations and the term “yo-yos” was quickly adopted by supporters. 16 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FEATURE

Above: (l-r) Tony Fullerton, Alban Dickson, Marcus Jonsson (Sweden, 4 caps), Vadim Demidov (Norway, 16 caps) With our similar heritage previously making it onto our club crest this was the connection to pursue. However, as e-mails fell silent the journey to the airport concluded with a Stirling Albion pennant in my hand luggage with no expectation of furthering defining this link. Once in Bergen, our meeting with Elling and his colleagues Stine and Knut went very well and we established a conversation to benefit both our respective clubs and regions in the future. It didn’t take us long to discover that much of the work and ethos applied in the Hordaland region was very similar to our own. The meeting e v e n t u a l l y concluded and we left the office to join supporters making their way into the ground. Brann’s first half appeared to represent their season as despite a vocal home support of 8,792 they trailed 0-1 at half-time thanks to a stunning 30-yard strike from Icelandic midfielder Björn Sverrisson. Our half-time hot dog (bridies haven’t quite staked their claim yet) was brought to an abrupt end “We have someone from Brann to meet you” as Elling ushered us from our seats. We returned inside the stand to meet Jan-Pettar Bretland, venue manager of the stadium. “This way, we’ll take a shortcut” and we were quickly directed up a fire escape. The doors opened upon a clean and modern hospitality area lined with traditional, Gods styled, boxes overlooking the park. Our small party was shown into the central suite and Tony and I quickly became the centre of attention. A member of the club’s board quickly equipped us with the Norwegian national drink, black coffee, as

“

Above: (l-r) Knut Berge (Hordaland Fotballkrets) Trude Drevland (Mayor of Bergen), Alban Dickson, Tony Fullerton another exceptionally well dressed lady was swiftly brought over to us. A glance of familiarity and it was quickly apparent that we were speaking with the Mayor of Bergen, Trude Drevland, who we had seen just the previous day projected upon huge screens around the harbour as the city hosted the Tall Ships Race 2014. However, our time with the mayor was cut short much to her disappointment - as we were introduced to two athletic looking guys in their casual gear. “So, are you two coaches with the club?” Tony was quick to assume, but our presence appeared more welcome that we could have possibly anticipated. Per Markus Jonsson and Vadim Demidov had represented Sweden and Norway on multiple occasions, resigned to watching the day’s game due to injuries. We posed for pictures in front of the trophy cabinets feeling as though our new link was receiving its royal assent. Brann battled through an exciting second half coming frustratingly close to an equaliser on many occasions, many chances coming from Erik Huseklepp (who scored against Scotland in a 4-0 battering in 2009) and returning club legend Azar Karadas, the Andy Gibson of Bergen, presently in his 3rd spell. Our Norwegian trip came to an end with my trademark visit to the club shop, a red sea of merchandise filled with many of the players Elling and Stine coach. Within eight hours we had returned back to Scotland, proudly bringing our gifted Brann pennant with us. An unfortunate home defeat for the guys in red, who look to return to their yo-yo period after years of stability - perhaps our clubs really aren’t that different after all?

It didn’t take us long to discover that much of the work and ethos applied in the Hordaland region was very similar to our own.

17 / A U GU S T 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

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MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. ALLOA ATHLETIC CHALLENGE CUP TUES 19TH AUGUST, 2014 19:45 KICK-OFF FORTHBANK STADIUM

ALLOA ATHLETIC FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1878 NICKNAME: THE WASPS STADIUM: RECREATION PARK CAPACITY: 3,100 CURRENT MANAGER: BARRY SMITH

lloa come to Forthbank Stadium just weeks after defeating Stirling Albion on their own patch in a League Cup encounter. Greig Spence scored the only goal as the Wasps saw off the Binos at Recreation Park, and the Binos have now lost to their local rivals in six consecutive matches; but Greig McDonald’s side have an opportunity to put that record right. Fixtures between the two sides can often be feisty and close-fought, and last season saw a match that can be described as both. Striker Jordan White opened the scoring for the visitors after heading home from Kieran McAnespie’s free-kick before a potential game-changing event played out on the pitch. Ex-Bino Michael Boyle and Sandy Cunningham were at each other in the early stages and a challenge from the latter saw referee Stevie O’Reilly raise the red card and usher the teenager off the Recreation Park surface. David Crawford made a plethora of good saves to keep the Binos in front, but his hard work was undone when Kieran McAnespie brought down Jonathan Tiffoney, and Ryan McCord dutifully slotted home the resulting penalty to equalise for his side. Paul Hartley, now Dundee manager, would have been delighted when Graeme Holmes and Jason Marr scored late to seal the victory and progression in the Scottish Cup. Graham Weird bagged a fantastic late

consolation but it wasn’t enough for Greig McDonald and his side. Barry Smith has of course taken over from Paul Hartley, and the Wasps struggled last year in the Championship. Managing to stay up, however, Smith can be content that this will be Alloa’s second consecutive season in the second-tier of Scottish football, and his experience with Dundee could prove vital to the Clackmannanshire side in a division that will entertain three of Scotland’s biggest footballing institutions. The Championship is now home to Rangers, Hearts and Hibernian, after Rangers rise through the lower leagues following liquidation, and both Hearts and Hibs relegation from the top-tier last season. The Wasps opening fixture of the new season saw Queen of the South run out with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Derek Lyle and Gavin Reilly. The club are The Terrace Podcast’s tip to go down this year, as one of few part-time clubs in the division, giving advantage to those clubs that have squads who train most days as opposed to just once or twice a week. It will be interesting to see how the game plays out; a cup run could be the best part about either side’s campaign and both managers will be eager to use this match to build some form for their league campaigns, but are likely to use it to test some youngsters also. 24 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FIXTURES

ALLOA ATHLETIC vs RAITH ROVERS AUG 16th | CHAMPIONSHIP | REC’ PARK

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: Gibson McDowall Couser McKechnie

Ward Paterson McLelland Smith Wilson

Defenders: Docherty Gordon Meggatt Marr Doyle

Midfielders: Tiffoney Simmons McCord Holmes Ferns

Flannigan Hetherington Asghar Moore Hardie Forsyth Meechan Welsh

Weatherston Buchanan Hynd Kinnaird Anderson

Forwards: Cawley Spence

STIRLING ALBION vs ALLOA ATHLETIC AUG 19th | CHALLENGE CUP | FORTHBANK

COWDENBEATH vs ALLOA ATHLETIC AUG 23rd | CHAMPIONSHIP | CENTRAL PARK

THE GAFFER BARRY SMITH Alloa employed Barry Smith in January of this year after Paul Hartley left the Wasps for Dundee. Funnily enough, it was almost like a managerial trade, as Smith left The Dees in 2013 after being appointed in 2010. Smith’s record at Dundee was fairly impressive, but his win percentage has dropped since taking the helm at Recreation Park. A former player, and relatively young at 40-years-old, he is still early into his managerial career, but keeping Alloa up this year might be his toughest challenge he’ll ever face.

KEY PLAYER GREIG SPENCE Striker Spence joined the club during the summer transfer window, following Stirling Albion striker Gordon Smith out of the Raith Rovers back door. A former youth product, Spence scored 5 goals in 22 senior appearances between 20082009 at just 16-years-old. This caught the eye of Celtic FC and he spent three years there, ending his stint with a loan move to Hamilton. With 42 goals in 136 senior appearances at just 22, Spence clearly has a lot of talent and is a dangerous prospect for any Scottish defence.

LAST TIME LEAGUE CUP SAT 2ND AUG 2014 ATT: 684

1 ALLOA ATHLETIC SPENCE 26

0 STIRLING ALBION

A first-half goal from Greig Spence sent Alloa into the second round of the League Cup as we fell at the first hurdle for the seventh year in a row. The summer signing from Raith Rovers pounced on a loose ball and rounded Callum Reidford to score the only goal after 26 minutes of a lacklustre derby. Alloa were on top in the first half but there was little between the sides after the interval and we generally defended well against our Championship opponents. We failed to create enough clear-cut chances to trouble Barry Smith’s team although Willie Robertson came close to an equaliser against his old club with a couple of minutes remaining when he thumped a 25-yarder just over the top. David Weatherston, who moved from Forthbank to Recreation Park during the summer, was absent from the home line-up. We made a bright enough start on the plastic pitch but Alloa took a grip on the match and Spence and Docherty missed good chances before the deadlock was broken. Stephen Simmons thundered a free-kick wide and sub Iain Flannigan saw his deflected 25-yarder diverted on to the bar by Reidford with 15 minutes left but we were in contention until the end. Steven Doris curled an effort just over and Robertson came even closer as Alloa held on for a narrow but deserved victory.

25 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W. ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

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MATCH PREVIEW

STENHOUSEMUIR VS. STIRLING ALBION LEAGUE ONE SAT 23RD AUGUST, 2014 3:00 KICK-OFF OCHILVIEW

STENHOUSEMUIR FACTFILE FOUNDED: 1884 CAPACITY: 3,746

NICKNAME: THE WARRIORS STADIUM: OCHILVIEW CURRENT MANAGER: SCOTT BOOTH

BEN RAMAGE

tirling will make the short trip down to Stenhousemuir on the 23rd to take on Scott Booth’s Warriors. Stenny will provide a stern test of Albion’s League One resistance given their 5th placed finish last season, and they will be hoping to push on and make it into the play-offs this season. Manager Scott Booth will be hoping that his first pre-season was a success, and the signs are good as Stenny have made an impressive start to their season, progressing in the Scottish League Cup after beating Airdrieonians 3 - 1 away from home. They also opened their League campaign successfully, beating the same opposition 1 - 0 at home thanks to a late Grehan winner. Booth will undoubtedly be upset at losing his star forward and former Dundee, St Johnstone and Falkirk striker Sean Higgins, who had a solid campaign last season and has now joined Championship side Cowdenbeath this summer. Stenny have been active in bringing players in

“

during the current window though, and Booth has had a chance to add his own targets that he feels will help push the side on to the next level. One of these is Paul Sludden, a former Stirling University forward who he hopes will help fill the goal void left by Higgins departure following his tremendous season for the University side. Booth has also made use of the loan system well, bringing back highly-rated Dundee midfielder Jamie Reid, 20, for his second loan spell at the club. Another great prospect has been brought in on loan in the form of Heart’s goalkeeper Jack Hamilton, who is also completing his second loan spell at Stenny. Hamilton has progressed through all the Scotland international youth ranks up until the Under 19’s, for whom he currently has 9 caps, and the 20 year old may yet play a key part for the Warrior’s this season between the sticks. With a full pre-season and a productive summer of transfer activity, Scott Booth will be confident that he can improve on Stenhousemuir’s solid campaign last season by reaching the play-offs this time around.

Stenny will provide a stern test of Albion’s League One resistance given their 5th placed finish last season, and they will be hoping to push on and make it into the play-offs this season.

“

28 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FIXTURES

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: Shaw Hamilton Smith

BRECHIN vs STENHOUSEMUIR AUG 16th | LEAGUE ONE | GLEBE PARK

Defenders: Stewart Malone McGuire Pearson Summers Duncan

Lithgow Dryden Docherty Nimmo McMillan Buist Lawson Greacen

Watt Allan Meechan Scott McKinney Reid Coleman Faulds Hodge Midfielders: Millar Banks Lynch Thomson Peddie

Dickson Doherty

Millar Redpath

Forwards: KouiderAissa Davies Robertson McMenamin Chitemere P Sludden Grehan

STENHOUSEMUIR vs STIRLING ALBION AUG 23rd | LEAGUE ONE | OCHILVIEW

STENHOUSEMUIR vs HEARTS AUG 26th | LEAGUE CUP | OCHILVIEW

THE GAFFER SCOTT BOOTH Scott Booth took over the club in January, his first managerial job. Booth had a glittering playing career as a striker, with two spells at Aberdeen sandwiching an impressive European career playing for German giants Borussia Dortmund, as well as FC Twente and FC Utrecht. Booth also managed to gain 22 caps for Scotland, notching 6 goals in the process. He was a member of the squad for Euro 96, scoring 4 goals in the qualifiers, and also travelled with the team to the 1998 World Cup. He has worked for multiple media outlets as a pundit and also coached in the S.F.A before taking the reigns at Stenny.

KEY PLAYER PAUL SLUDDEN Paul Sludden has been brought in to bring the Warriors goals after his tremendous scoring exploits for Stirling University last season. Sludden joined the University after playing for Falkirk, gaining experience with the Bairns in the Europa League. He went to Australia before returning to Scotland and last season crowned his University spell with the winning goal in the BUCS Championship final. He has hit the ground running, netting for Stenny in their 3 -1 League Cup victory over Airdrieonians and former striker Booth has certainly seen some striking talent in the young attacker.

LAST TIME STIRLING SHIRE CUP TUE 29TH JUL 2014

6 STENHOUSEMUIR WATSON 70, WOOD 90

0 STIRLING ALBION

ATT: 189

A young Albion side went down 6-0 to Stenhousemuir in the first round of the Stirlingshire Cup at Ochilview in July. Keeper Callum Reidford and Ross Forsyth provided some experience against a Warriors team that included Stewart Greacen and Colin McMenamin. William Robertson, who made his debut in our 3-0 win at Elgin, again featured as a trialist but was sent off in the closing stages after picking up a second yellow card. Paul Sludden, signed from Stirling University during the summer, gave Stenhousemuir the lead in 11 minutes when he beat Reidford to the ball and found the net from outside the box. Greg Hurst and Tommy McAllister came close to scoring at the other end but Scott Boothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men then seized control, with three goals in eight minutes before the break. Alan Lawson forced the ball home after Reidford failed to gather a corner then Kyle Doherty netted after his initial effort had been saved. Sludden scored the fourth on the brink of half-time when he smashed a 30-yarder high into the net and the ex-Falkirk forward drilled a low shot past Reidford for 5-0 early in the second half. We steadied the ship after that but conceded a sixth goal with two minutes left when ex-Morton central defender Greacen headed in a corner.

29 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W . ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

MATCH PREVIEW

AIRDRIEONIANS VS. STIRLING ALBION LEAGUE ONE SAT 30TH AUGUST, 2014 3:00 KICK-OFF NEW BROOMFIELD

AIRDRIEONIANS FACTFILE FOUNDED: 2002 NICKNAME: THE DIAMONDS STADIUM: NEW BROOMFIELD CAPACITY: 10,170 CURRENT MANAGER: GARY BOLLAN

irdrieonians welcome the Binos to New Broomfield in a couple of weeks as Greig McDonald’s side continue to face new challenges in a division above. While Stirling just gained promotion from League Two last season, their opponents just avoided the drop. The sides could have met in the play-offs, but instead it was East Fife who represented League One against Clyde and then the Albion. Garry Bollan’s side went on an astonishing eightgame losing streak last season, which makes their sixth-placed league position even more impressive than it already is. Jim Lister’s experience proved vital for The Diamonds as they put together a string of wins to keep their league status. Their season hasn’t started so well, at the time of writing, with two defeats to Stenhousemuir and penalty-shoot-out defeat to Albion Rovers meaning they are out of the Petrofac Training Cup and the Scottish League Cup. The Diamonds dominated their league opener, but Martin Grehan’s 87th minute goal sealed a smash-and-grab victory for hosts Stenhousemuir. The Lanarkshire men started brightly, a long-range O’Neil effort blocked before Watt brilliantly controlled his overhead kick and crossed to Lister, who headed straight at Stenny goalkeeper Jack Hamilton. Scott Stewart was keen to get forward from his central midfield berth, but his 14th minute volley was high

and wide. In Stenny’s rare attacking forays, former Stranraer hitman Martin Grehan was proving a handful, but Airdrie defended in numbers when necessary. Scott Gray looked lively for the visitors, linking well with Watt who screwed two low efforts wide as half-time approached. For all of Airdrie’s productive passing play, their best chance of the match came from a long ball from defence eight minutes into the second half. Jim Lister won the footrace with Alan Lithgow only to see his low effort brilliantly saved by Hamilton. Scott Gray was forced off following a rough tackle, and his replacement Jack Haggerty combined well with O’Neil to send a tantalising ball across the six yard line, but it was missed by everyone. With three minutes remaining, Sean Dickson fed fellow sub Ryan Millar on the right of the Airdrie penalty area. The young forward squared the ball to the onrushing Grehan, who slammed the ball past McNeil to secure win for the hosts. Looking ahead to the match and their season, Airdrie will be depleted without the impressive Grant Adam, now plying his trade in the Scottish Premiership. They have also lost Lewis Coult to the Binos. The signing of David Proctor, however, is impressive and the 30-year-old former Inverness man should be an integral part of Bollan’s plans. These two sides will probably be fighting it out near the bottom, so three points is a must for both managers. 30 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

FIXTURES

AIRDRIEONIANS vs PETERHEAD AUG 16th | LEAGUE ONE | BROOMFIELD

SQUAD LIST Goalkeepers: McNeil Birnstingl

Proctor Boyle

Defenders: Drummond Fitzpatrick Wilson Bain Ward O’Neil

Midfielders: Cadden Watt Stewart Hamill Gray Blockley Haggerty

Forwards: Richford Boyle Kirwan Parker Coogans Lister

DUNFERMLINE vs AIRDRIEONIANS AUG 23rd | LEAGUE ONE | EAST END PARK

AIRDRIEONIANS vs STIRLING ALBION AUG 30th | LEAGUE ONE | BROOMFIELD

THE GAFFER GARY BOLLAN Bollan joined Airdrieonians as manager in 2013 in his second managerial position, following on from a three-year stint as Livingston’s main man. At Livingston, he performed remarkably, winning both the Third Division and the Second Division in successive years. The club relieved him of his duties, citing his failure to bring through the youth players, but he left with a 60% win ratio, something few managers can boast. Bollan saved Airdrieonians season last year, taking them from bottom of the league to sixth place in a great end of season run of form.

KEY PLAYER JIM LISTER Journeyman Jim Lister joined the Diamonds last campaign and was the catalyst for Gary Bollan as the side went on a great run of form, saving them from the grasp of relegation and putting them into mid-table. Lister was voted Player of the Year for Airdrieonians last season and he won the same award for Dumbarton in the year prior to his move. That campaign, he scored 12 goals in 34 games for The Sons in the First Division. His haul of 9 goals failed to beat that last year, but his importance to the team cannot be understated.

LAST TIME SECOND DIVISION SAT 31ST MAR 2012 ATT: 677

0 STIRLING ALBION 2 AIRDRIEONIANS DONNELLY 20, 31

Stirling and Airdrie last met in 2012, when The Diamonds travelled to what was the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium and claimed a 2-0 victory. Danger man Ryan Donnelly started the Airdrie attack with an attempted overhead kick, his effort landing on the roof of the net. Alan Cook tried from 20 yards but Grant Adam saved with ease. Donnelly was again a threat, and this time he made no mistake after a ball through the middle set the striker on his way to rounding goalkeeper Callum Reidford before slotting home the opener. The Binos rose to the challenge and Graham Weir set up Kevin Kelbie, but his turn and shot was well-saved by Adam. Jamie Bain went over from a narrow angle at the other end as Charlie Adam’s brother set him up. Adam was busy throughout and he had to make ammends after flapping at an effort, saving well from Gary Thom’s header. Willie McLaren and Sean Lynch combined down Albion’s right and Donnelly doubled the scoreline, nodding home from just yards out, ending any hope of a Binos comeback. The second half saw little action and the loss contributed to Stirling’s relegation that season.

31 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W. ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

COMMUNITY CORNER

ello everyone and welcome back to another season and another year of community activity!! While the players all enjoyed a bit of a close season, there has been no such thing on the community front as we have been busy finishing off our fantastic nursery programme before getting stuck in to our busy summer camps! I am also absolutely delighted that we have been able to launch our under 12s go FREE initiative at our first home league game of the season against Ayr United. Hopefully this will encourage a lot more young fans and families to attend the games and enjoy the match day experience!

NURSERY PROGRAMME A GREAT SUCCESS! As the last instalment of community corner went to print in April, our nursery programme was just getting underway. The community team visited a total of nine nurseries across eight weeks with over 400 children enjoying the fun sessions. Children from nurseries including Dunblane (pictured) took part in warm ups, fun games and practiced skills such as dribbling and passing. These “mini-kicker” sessions also incorporate a lot of work on motor skills such as running and jumping as well as working with numbers, colours and shapes. During this particular programme, a number of tests were used to measure certain improvements in skills the children were practicing at the beginning and the end of the programme. Jumping and kicking were the two skills that were tested during the first session and the last session with the coaches focusing their

sessions around these skills in between the tests. The results are still being collated but initial findings show improvement in these skills that there have been improvements after only a few sessions. The sessions were delivered to the nurseries over two four-week blocks with Dunblane, Newton, Riverside and Cowie nurseries taking part during the first block, followed by Borestone, Plean, Bridge of Allan, Cambusbarron and St Ninians in the second. The programme was funded through the SPFL Trust Scottish Communities League Cup Fund, supported by the Scottish Government. The next block of our “Mini Kickers” classes, for children aged 3 and 4, run with Active Stirling are due to start this month! More information can be found at www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community/classdetails/ or www.activestirling.org.uk. Bookings can be made via Active Stirling on 01786 273 555 or 03000 280 101.

BOOK ON OUR WEEKLY CLASSES!! You can now book onto our weekly football classes that we are running in various communities around the Stirling area with our partners Active Stirling. We are running “Play The Game” centres for children aged between 5 and 12, “Player Development Centres” for slightly more advanced players aged 9-12 and a goalkeeping class for children aged 8-14 as well as our “Mini Kickers” classes mentioned above. The classes provide a fun and enjoyable environment for children to practice their football skills, play plenty 32 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T I R L IN G A LBI ONF C. CO. UK

COMMUNITY CORNER

of games and meet new friends! All the information on venues, days and times can be found at www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community/classdetails/. Again, bookings can be made via Active Stirling on 03000 280 101 or 01786 273 555.

JUNIOR BINOS ACTIVITY PAGE Our Junior Binos page is returning for another season! You could be one of the lucky winners!! Pictured are last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners from our first two competitions, Kirsty Emslie and Lewis Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell. All you have to do is complete the page and follow the instructions on how to return the form. Good Luck!!

GIRLS FOOTBALL We are still on the lookout for girls to join our expanding girls programme. The programme is being run in partnership with Central Girls and will see the girls training twice a week and playing matches on a Saturday morning. If you are a girl, or you know one who is interested in taking part in regular football with Stirling Albion, please contact myself for more information via the usual channels below. Get following us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest!! Facebook - www.facebook.com/SAFCCommunity Twitter - @SAFCCommunity Website - www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community Email - community@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

Andy

33 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W . ST I R LI N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

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JUNIOR BINOS ---------------------------B H J T E G N G A A G A E Y R

B P D Z O T E E B L I R A G X

S Y Q M P R H O Y K Y R A X Y

E I J Z M Z Y R U M P X S Z K

Z U S A U R U I J S A F Z B J

R Q N S O E E E G T L R M L T

D Y I B E F W N W E W L K G M

H Y J R O M I A G Y Y G E E R

P T D A K H L J K E D R C Q H

B V U Z S A Y E G S V Q P F H

I E W I F O M D N Q Z G V R K

S P N L W C D O E O D C W B T

L A U D B E C I R T I W M B S

V J P U C D L R O W J L O C J

J U B M W I G X I L F K Z T N

CROSSWORD CHALLENGE:

WORDS TO BE FOUND: BRAZIL NEYMAR WORLD CUP GERMANY RIO DE JANEIRO LIONEL MESSI VANISHING SPRAY Look out for diagonal words and words written backwards!

WORLD CUP QUIZ 1. WHO WON THE 2014 WORLD CUP?

4. HOW MANY PENALTY SHOOT-OUTS WERE THERE IN THE 2014 WORLD CUP?

2. WHICH PLAYER RECEIVED THE GOLDEN BOOT FOR SCORING THE MOST GOALS AT THE WORLD CUP 2014?

5. WHICH GOALKEEPER BROKE THE RECORD AMOUNT OF SAVES IN ONE GAME AT THE 2014 WORLD CUP?

3. WHAT STADIUM WAS THE 2014 WORLD CUP FINAL PLAYED IN?

34 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T IR L I N G A L BI ONF C. CO. UK

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SPOT THE PLAYERS

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PICTURED IS STIRLING ALBION’S 2014/15 FIRST TEAM SQUAD! CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHICH 3 PLAYERS HAVE BEEN COVERED UP? WRITE THEIR NAMES DOWN HERE:

NAME:

SCHOOL:

PLAYER 1: PLAYER 2:

AGE:

PLAYER 3: PLEASE RETURN ALL JUNIOR BINOS ANSWERS TO ANDY TODD AT FORTHBANK STADIUM NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2014. ANSWERS WILL BE CHECKED AND ALL FORMS WITH THE MOST CORRECT ANSWERS IN THE WORD SEARCH, QUIZ AND SPOT THE PLAYERS COMBINED WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW. THE WINNER OF THE DRAW WILL WIN A SIGNED STIRLING ALBION BALL. ENTRANTS CAN BE 16 YEARS AND UNDER. 35 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W. STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

PARENT’S NAME: PARENT’S CONTACT NUMBER:

STIRLING ALBION SQUAD LIST 2014/15 COACHING STAFF

GREIG McDONALD

MARC McCULLOCH

GOALKEEPER

DAVID WESTWOOD

GREG PATERSON VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

GOALKEEPER

DEFENCE

CALLUM REIDFORD

LEE HAMILTON

JAMES CREANEY

CHRIS SMITH

SAFC SUPPORTERS TRUST BOARD

BRAEHEAD TAXIS

DRON & DICKSON LTD

SAFC SUPPORTERS CLUB

DEFENCE

MIDFIELD

CRAIG WEDDERBURN

ROSS FORSYTH

ROSS MCGEACHIE

PHIL JOHNSTON

IAIN GLEN

PETER MCKENZIE

MCKENZIE TRAILERS LTD

ROY & SHEENA MCFARLANE

36 / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4 / W W W .S T I R L IN G A LBI ONF C. CO. UK

SQUAD LIST 2014/15 STIRLING ALBION MIDFIELD

DARREN LEE SMITH

CRAIG COMRIE

DALE FULTON

CRAIG SMITH

GARRY CAIRNS JOINERY

IAIN PATERSON

WILLIAM ROBERTSON

MIDFIELD

GRAHAM WEIR

DAVID McCLUNE

DARREN SMITH

BLAIR MUNN

VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

IAN ALLARDICE

DAVID & ALEX KNAPMAN

W TURNBULL NEWSAGENTS JIM THOMSON

FORWARD

SANDY CUNNINGHAM

STEVEN DORIS

LEWIS COULT

GORDON SMITH

CRAIG STEWART

BRIDGE OF ALLAN SUPPORTERS

ROBERT MCCRINDLE

TYLAR ROWLEY

37 / A U GUS T 2014 / W W W . STI R L I N G ALB I O N F C. CO . U K

THE ALBION Advertising If you would like to advertise in The Albion Magazine, please contact the club through the usual streams. Interact: T| 01786 450339 E| office@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk W| stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

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Prudential proudly supports Stirling Albion Best of luck for the 2014/15 season