Stirling Albion F.C. Official Magazine
Issue #9
April 2012
Funded by Stirling Albion Supporters Trust
KEVIN KELBIE|MARK FERRY|Home & Away previews|MATCH REPORTS
ÂŁ3.50
Club Executive Team Chair and Operations Director Stuart Brown
Editors’ Notes So we’ve reached the final stretch. When everything looked said and done, that victory over Brechin changed everything. What a season of ups and downs its been and the last weeks will make for compulsive and most certainly nervous viewing. One certainty is that whatever happens over the next few weeks, everyone will be back here for the start of the 2012/2013 season regardless of what division the club is in.
With so much uncertainty right now, what is clear is that on their day, Greig’s boys can give any team in the division a run for their money and despite their current league position, they’ve looked better than the table reflects. A startling statistic reveals that if Stirling’s games finished after 80 minutes, they’d be in the top four! Quite remarkable, but evidence enough that they’ve got more than enough quality to claw their way from the bottom of the table. What with the league finishing next month, this copy marks the last issue of The Albion for the season. All three of us hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it for the last eight months. We tried to create a publication the club can be proud of and we hope we’ve managed to achieve that. The one thing that continually makes the magazine worthwhile is yourself so thank you for your continued support. We’d also like to thank the club and and the Supporters Trust for their leap of faith in us and in piloting the magazine. Here’s hoping The Albion and the club continue to grow in strength for the next season.
Iain Blackwood, Ross Dunn & Andrew Jenkin Editors
Contents
MATCH REPORTS
page 6
kevin kelbie 2
page 30
Finance Director Alan Christie Commercial Director Dougie Macgowan 0758 188 0712 Fans Representative David McFarlane Secretary Jim Thomson Football Management Manager Greig McDonald Assistant Coaches Shaun Fagan Marc McCulloch Physiotherapist Pauline Robertson Kit Man David Brown Kit Assistant Gregor Dryden Club Doctor Michael Beyer Head of Youth Stewart Taylor (admin)
Mark ferry
all stars
Club Chaplain David Barrie 07941484802 Club Honours
interview
page 16
future binos page 32
C Division Champions 1946/47
page 28 Home & AWAY PREVIEWS
page 20
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
Editors: Iain Blackwood Ross Dunn Andrew Jenkin Contributors: Deena Mobbs David Ogilvie Graham Ruthven Jim Thomson Graeme Young Photography: Rajmund Bakonyi Deena Mobbs (RedWeb) Whyler Photos, Stirling Design: Ross Dunn Printing: J.Thomson Colour Printers Contact: magazine@stirlingalbionfc. co.uk Interact: T| 01786 450339 E| stirlingalbion@btconnect. com W| stirlingalbionfc.co.uk
/thealbionmagazine
@StirAlbionMag @stirling_albion
Inside the box “What a difference a day makes. Twenty-four little hours” © Renee Olstead I asked for a day’s extension to the deadline for this month’s Inside the Box praying for a win against Brechin to report on. Not only were my prayers answered but the performance was such that we can look forward to the last four league games with confidence. Alan Cook’s penalty miss aside (he sends his apologies to the fan in the back row of the stand) everything pretty much went to plan. With the possible exception of the Dumbarton 5-1 game our most impressive display of the season? Setting aside the old cliché “I don’t like to single players out”, I will. Mark Ferry, Graham Weir and Jamie McCunnie – three of Greig McDonald’s four signings in the starting line-up – have brought to the club exactly what was expected of them and if they and the rest of the boys produce similar performances against Cowdenbeath, East Fife, Dumbarton and Albion Rovers, there’s every reason to believe that the crucial eighth spot is within our grasp. Away from the pitch, an update on a couple of up-and-coming events starting with SAFC’s Ladies Night at DDS on Friday 27 April. An opportunity for our female supporters (or indeed anyone of the fairer sex) to come along and be entertained and pampered. Secondly the Club have joined forces with the Supporters’ Club to host the Player of the Year Awards Night, at DDS, on Saturday 5 May. The Supporters’ Bar will be open from around 5:30 p.m. and the presentation of awards will start shortly after, once the players and management get back from Coatbridge. Whilst, everyone involved at the Club is hoping that we’ll be celebrating retaining our second division status, the evening will go ahead regardless of the end of season outcome. If our destiny is to be the play-offs, the player’s will have to stay sober – surely incentive enough to get above Forfar and Albion Rovers! For more information on either of the above, please contact Dougie Macgowan on 0758 188 0712. Tickets (£2) for the POTY Awards night are also available from any of the Supporters’ Club committee members and before and after the remaining home games in the Supporters’ Bar. Last, but certainly by no means least, the permanent appointment of Greig McDonald as Manager for next season. The Executive Board were unanimous in their reasoning behind, and the timing of, their decision to appoint Greig, irrespective of which division we are playing in next season. The timing was to allow Greig to start planning now for next season with regards to his squad and pre-season planning, neither of which, I admit, we got right at the end of last season. The reasoning was that Greig ticks every box, including energy, enthusiasm, commitment, man management, contacts in the game (assisted by Shaun and Marc) and engagement with the youth set-up. He has also engaged with the fans, without exception and win lose or draw, spending time chatting in the Supporters’ Bar after home games. We are also conscious that fans want to see SAFC playing attractive football and no one can argue that hasn’t been the case since Greig took over in early December. As a young manager starting out, Greig is also keen to take on board advice and has actively sought it from a number of experienced managers. One piece of advice he’s put into practice was to concentrate on management in the early days on the basis that if he played, he’d inevitably find himself distracted from his on-field responsibilities by his managerial responsibilities. Greig intends to get a full pre-season’s training behind him with a view to being available for selection from day one. Given the injury problems he has experienced since signing for us, it would be great to see him back playing on a regular basis. In closing, I’d like to extend my personal congratulations to everyone at Alloa Athletic for their success in winning Division Three in such an emphatic manner. Four derby games next season will do just fine, thank you very much!
J Stuart Brown Chair and Operations Director
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ALBION NEWS: RACIST BEHAVIOUR
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Stirling Albion FC has a zero-tolerance policy towards racist behaviour of any sort. Racism is in breach of the Law and is not acceptable in civilised society.
• Friday 27th April – Stirling Albion Ladies Night (contact Dougie Macgowan for more information)
Anyone involved in any racist behaviour will be ejected from the stadium and barred from attending all matches hosted by the club. They may also be liable to arrest. We reserve the right to name and shame any offender and to liaise with other clubs to have him/her excluded from all football grounds. We are supportive of any action taken by the authorities to prosecute offenders. CCTV cameras may be in use and could be used in any proceedings.
IRN BRU - CANS FOR YOUTH TEAMS Supporters are urged to keep collecting as many “Barrs” cans as possible – beg, steal or borrow! Although Stenhousemuir have opened up a sizeable lead in the league table we haven’t yet given up hope of catching them, and in any event we are eager to ensure as high a league place as possible. It goes without saying that the financial difference between a 1st place finish and a 10th place finish is considerable. Cans can be dropped off at the Club at any time. If no one from the Club is available, Active Stirling staff will arrange for their storage
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• Friday 4th May – Scotland U15s v Russia U15s – Doubletree Dunblane Stadium – Kick Off 7.00pm - Ticket Prices TBC • Saturday 5th May – SAFC & Supporters Club Player of The Year Awards – Tickets available from the Club, or before and after home games in the Supporters Bar. Tickets are priced £2.00, and include a free drink and a light buffet. Bar open from 5.30pm, Awards to commence shortly following the return of Management and Players to DDS from Coatbridge. Bar closes 10.00pm.
HARTSON VISITS DDS During a recent business meeting, Neil Robertson from the Supporters Trust took the opportunity to show ex-Wales international John Hartson and his business partner Les Laing around the stadium (see photo below) where they were introduced to our Chair and Operations director, Stuart Brown. Having filled them in about the trust takeover and some general club history John called Neil that night to inform him that they would be more than happy to commit to a sponsorship deal which is currently being worked on for next season. Neil said he was delighted that John - who played for a number of clubs including West Ham, Arsenal and most recently Celtic where he scored 88 goals in 146 games - was so keen to help and that the sum committed is hugely appreciated. John set up “The John Hartson Foundation” after his recent battle with cancer and is climbing Ben Nevis in July to raise funds. Les will be back up in Scotland in a couple of weeks and Neil will be accompanying him to the home game against Dumbarton.
GREIG’S CORNER “We’re still in this fight, and it speaks volumes about this group of players that once again we’ve dragged ourselves right back into the thick of things.”
H
ello and welcome to Doubletree Dunblane Stadium for the most important month in our season. It’s do or die time. March was an extremely mixed month for us. We started off very well, with an impressive win over Albion Rovers, which lifted us off the bottom of the Second Division table. We followed that up with a satisfactory point against Forfar, meaning we’d collected a crucial 7 points from a run of three games, having won 3-1 at Brechin at the end of February. However, we endured an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Stenhousemuir, and although we earned an admirable point against title chasers, Arbroath, that result was offset by the crushing defeat at Forfar. I don’t think I’ve ever felt worse after a match. But more disappointing was the performance we turned in against Airdrie two weeks ago. Up until then, the boys had always shown the fight and desire to win in every match since we’d taken over. So it was extremely surprising for them not to show that fight. Last week at Brechin, we showed that desire again. Every single member of the squad cares about this club and are determined to make sure it’s a Second Division club next season. I could even tell from travelling up with the squad on the
bus that we were going to get a big performance, and that’s what we got. More importantly, we actually played some decent football. We outfought and outplayed Brechin, and that’s what we need to do for the remainder of the season. We need the players to stand up now and show what they can do. Darren Smith and Alan Cook have both been in great form over the past few weeks, but now we everyone to show their determination and ability. We got that at Brechin. Everyone to a man was fantastic. Now, we need that for the 4 games that we have left to get us out of this position. We are capable and we’ve shown that at times this season. The problem all season has been getting the consistency to our performances, and that’s why we are where we are in the table. We know what we’ve got to do now. We have to win games. It’s as simple as that. We’re still in this fight, and it speaks volumes about this group of players that once again we’ve dragged ourselves right back into the thick of things. There are 12 points up for grabs and we will fight for every single one with everything we’ve got. I know we can count on your support and you can count on us never giving anything up.
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Goal blitz stuns Brechin on their home turf
Scott Davidson’s Garyeffort Thombagged seals aerial the Binos three pointsvictory for the with a header Binos
Pictures by Derek Rajmund Watt Bakonyi
Brechin McManus (63)
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Stirling Albion 3 28/02/12 Attendance: 362 Referee: S. O’Reilly
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Cook (42), Ferry (44), Thom (62)
lbion claimed a terrific victory at Glebe Park on Tuesday night to move level on points with Albion Rovers ahead of Saturday’s vital home encounter with the Coatbridge club. Goals late in the first half from Alan Cook and Mark Ferry paved the way for a first win in nine games and Gary Thom made sure of the points with a third goal just after the hour mark. City, who would have jumped into the play-off places with a victory, pulled one back through top scorer Paul McManus almost immediately but the Binos held on to gain revenge for the recent 3-2 defeat to Jim Weir’s side on our first visit to this venue since we won the Second Division title. With Brian Allison and Scott Davidson both suspended, boss Greig McDonald made two changes to the team beaten 4-1 at Dumbarton on Saturday. Smith and Cook were restored in a 4-5-1 formation that saw Graham Weir as the lone striker as Kevin Kelbie dropped to the bench. Brechin had their chances in the first half and Bryan Hodge fired over when he should have done better and Callum Reidford made a fine save from ex-Bino Craig Molloy while on-loan Kilmarnock striker Rory McKenzie also came close
for the hosts on a mild evening in Angus. Stirling had a penalty appeal turned down when Gary Fusco appeared to handle but we took the lead in 42 minutes. Weir won a free kick 25 yards out and Daly McSorley touched the ball to Cook, who smashed a low shot beyond veteran keeper Craig Nelson for his fifth goal of the season. Even better was to follow. Just two minutes later Ferry swept the ball high into the net from close range after Smith’s shot was blocked as Brechin were punished for some slack defending. We increased our advantage in 62 minutes when the outstanding Thom headed home his fourth goal of 2012 from a superbly-delivered John Crawley corner but McManus found the top corner with a header 60 seconds later to give City some hope. The only disappointment on a fantastic night was injuries to Shaun Dillon, who went over on his ankle, and Smith, who received a nasty gash on his foot. McDonald will hope they are fit sooner rather than later, with a crucial home double header against Albion Rovers and Forfar looming. David Ogilvie
Two wins on the bounce as Binos come alive
Scott Davidson’s The Binos celebrate aerial effort bagged with the backroom three points for the staff Binos
Pictures by Whyker RajmundPhotos Bakonyi
Stirling Albion 3 Cook (42, 78), Kelbie (23)
Albion Rovers 0 03/03/12 Attendance: 511 Referee: K. Clancy
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tirling made it two wins in five days to climb off the bottom of the table at Rovers’ expense and move level on points with Forfar, who come to the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Tuesday. Greig McDonald’s men followed up Tuesday’s fine 3-1 victory at Brechin with another crucial triumph against an Albion Rovers team who remain without a win since December 10 and who we face in a potentially massive match at Cliftonhill on the final day of the season. Goals from Alan Cook and Kevin Kelbie midway through the first half set us on our way and Cook made the game safe 12 minutes from time with his seventh league goal of 2011/12, making him joint top scorer with Scott Davidson, who missed the match due to suspension. Shaun Dillon, Darren Smith and Marc McCulloch were all sidelined through injury but skipper Brian Allison was back from a two-match ban and Kelbie returned to the starting XI. Rovers have now lost seven away games on the trot but Paul Martin’s men saw good chances missed by John Gemmell and Robert Love before Cook fired us ahead from the
edge of the box in 20 minutes, his shot taking a deflection on its way past Chris Fahey. Three minutes later Stirling scored again. John Crawley swung over a cross from the left, Graham Weir nodded the ball down and Kelbie smashed a superb shot into the net for his first goal. Mark Ferry twice came close to adding to the lead but Rovers rallied after the break and were unfortunate to have a goal disallowed before Gemmell headed against the bar. The Binos sealed victory 12 minutes from time when a quick break caught out the Coatbridge club and Cook got on the end of Craig McLeish’s delivery to beat sub keeper Derek Gaston, who had earlier replaced the injured Fahey. Defender Gary Thom, who has netted four times in 2012, blazed over from close range late on as we threatened a fourth goal on a day that saw U19 attacking midfielder Stephen Day make his debut - he caught the eye despite only coming on as a substitute in the closing minutes. David Ogilvie
McSorley leaves it late to steal a vital point
Scott Davidson’s Mark effort Ferry bagged breaks aerial the deadlock after three points for the 18 minutes Binos
Pictures by Rajmund Bakonyi
Stirling Albion 2 Ferry (18), McSorley (88)
Forfar 06/03/12 Attendance: 511 Referee: K. Clancy
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Tulloch (62), Templeman (65)
tirling Albion rallied late on in this one to secure a draw but it must have felt like a big chance was lost to secure their third win on the trot. Albion started brightly and were moving the ball around at a good pace in the early stages against a Forfar side who were struggling for form. The weather wasn’t ideal for productive football but the home side didn’t seem to let that affect them early on. The in-form Binos took the lead after a fantastic counter attack finished with Mark Ferry coolly slotting past the helpless Greg Paterson in the Forfar goal. Alan Cook was the key player for Albion and his combination of skill and hard work led to a good opening for the Binos, he cut in between two defenders and released a decent effort which was parried clear by Paterson in the Forfar goal. The chance of the half feel to Darren Smith, the former Motherwell man was expertly set up by Graham Weir but he managed to put his shot wide as he ghosted in at the back post. Albion didn’t start the second half well and they conceded an equaliser shortly after the break when a mix-up between Callum Reidford and his defence, Reidford’s half-hearted
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clearance landed straight on Stephen Tulloch’s head and he guided the ball home to get the Loons back on level terms. It went from bad to worse for Albion within minutes as Templeman belied his size to swivel in the box and guide his shot beyond the helpless Reidford in the Albion net. This was a definite blow for the home side as you could feel a sense of déjà vu for a team who had scored the first goal in their last seven matches but had only recorded two victories. The Binos were given a boost when Chris Hegarty was given a straight red card for a moment of madness when he slid in on Reidford as he gathered up the ball. It was a worrying moment for the home side especially for Reidford after the nightmare time he has had with facial injuries. Albion struggled to take advantage of the man advantage much like they had against East Fife in January but they somehow managed to rescue a point when the impressive Daly McSorley guided home his accurate shot from the edge of the box. All in all a draw seemed the fair result. Graeme Young
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No derby joy for Binos as Stenny run riot - again
The Scott Binos’ Davidson’s second aerial trip effort to Ochilview bagged three this season pointswasn’t for the any better Binos
Pictures by Deena Rajmund Mobbs Bakonyi
Stenhousemuir 4
Kean (2), Rodgers (55, 81), Campbell (57)
Stirling Albion 0 10/03/12 Attendance: 674 Referee: C. Allan
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he Binos went down to a four-goal defeat at Ochilview for the second time this season but stay a point above bottom club Albion Rovers, who were beaten 1-0 by Airdrie United. Stewart Kean fired the Warriors ahead inside two minutes but Greig McDonald’s men responded well and were unfortunate to be behind at the interval. However, two goals soon after the break from substitute Andy Rodgers and on-loan Partick Thistle midfielder Jamie Campbell put the game beyond us and Rodgers wrapped it up late on. Binos boss McDonald was without an entire back four as Brian Allison, Shaun Dillon, Shaun Fagan and John Crawley were all unavailable so there was a debut for ex-Dundee United and Dunfermline player Jamie McCunnie following his return to Scotland from IR Reykjavik. Mark Ferry filled in at left-back in a 4-4-2 formation and joint top scorer Scott Davidson had to be content with a place on the bench on his comeback from a three-match ban. U19 players Stephen Day and Richard Kirwan, who made his first-team debut last season, were also among the
subs. Stenhousemuir, who went into the game in fourth spot despite a run of eight defeats in 11 matches, made the perfect start when Kean was allowed space to rifle home from 20-yards. On-loan Livingston hitman Kenny Deuchar then missed a good chance but the Binos fought back and Alan Cook came close to an equaliser after good work by Daly McSorley and Craig McLeish. Unfortunately, the second half, as was the case on our last visit in November, developed into a painful experience and Rodgers latched on to a Deuchar pass and beat the on-rushing Reidford to sweep the ball into the net from just outside the box. Campbell’s crisp finish with an angled drive sealed the points and Rodgers and Gary Smith wasted clear chances before Rodgers completed Albion’s misery with No 4 from close range. David Ogilvie
Falkingham rescues a late point for Arbroath
Scott ScottDavidson’s Davidson’s goal aerialwasn’t effortenough bagged three to keep points Arbroath for the atBinos bay
Pictures by Whyler Rajmund Photos Bakonyi
Stirling Albion 1 Davidson (20)
Arbroath 17/03/12 Attendance: 537 Referee: S. McLean
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Falkingham (89)
tirling Albion put in another excellent home performance and like the Cowdenbeath and Forfar games, the hosts would have been disappointed not to come away with the three points. Arbroath travelled to the Dunblane Doubletree stadium with designs on the title and probably won’t face a tougher game in the run in as the Binos gave them all they could handle. After a frenetic start, Albion fashioned the first real opening of the game. Winger Darren Smith produced an excellent low cross after good work on the right hand side and midfielder Mark Ferry was unlucky after his snap-shot bounced off Forfar ‘keeper Darren Hill’s near post. Despite Albion’s good start, Arbroath striker Steven Dorris put his name in contention for miss of the season. Dorris somehow managed to fail to put it in an empty net as he scooped his shot over the bar from three yards out. The Binos were fortunate but it didn’t take them long to make Arbroath pay. Scott Davidson, who looked lively all afternoon, produced a moment of magic after he jinked inside from the left he unleashed an unstoppable right footed strike which nestled
1 in to the top corner. Davidson said after the match that Josh Flood’s against Stenhousemuir should still be goal of the season but that was probably due to modesty as this was a goal of real quality. The second half was much more of a scrappy affair. Albion gradually sat deeper and Arbroath were pushing men forward as they tried to get the equaliser for the visitors. Dorris again had a great chance to equalise but after new signing Jamie McCunnie and goalkeeper Callum Reidford got in a mix-up the striker failed to convert from a tight angle. Paul Sheerin also came close when his curling effort was expertly tipped behind by Reidford. Daly McSorley came close with minutes left and his shot almost caught Hill off guard. It was heartbreak for Albion and another late goal put paid to the victory. Josh Falkingham ghosted in at the back post and his deflected effort wrong footed Reidford. All in all a draw was probably fair but Albion will have to eradicate the late goals conceded if they are to stay in the second division. Graeme Young
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Another late goal means no points for Binos
Scott Davidson’s Darren Smith colaerial effort bagged lects the ballfor after three points the his life-lineBinos goal
Pictures by Deena Rajmund Mobbs Bakonyi
Forfar
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Fotheringham (11), Coyne (14), Templemen (22), Mowat (90)
Stirling Albion 3 24/03/12 Attendance: 462 Referee: D. Roache
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Kelbie (21), Smith (63), Ferry (89)
lbion’s fightback from 3-1 down proved in vain as Kevin Byers struck an injury-time winner to send us to the foot of the Second Division table with six matches remaining. Early goals from Martyn Fotheringham and Bradley Coyne had Dick Campbell’s men in control but Kevin Kelbie pulled one back, only for Chris Templeman to immediately restore Forfar’s two-goal advantage with a terrific finish on his return from injury. Darren Smith reduced the deficit with his first league goal for almost six months in 63 minutes then set up Mark Ferry to equalise with a superb header in the final minute, only for Byers to rifle home a low shot from outside the box and seal a vital victory for the Loons. Greig McDonald welcomed back skipper Brian Allison from injury while Alan Cook and Shaun Dillon made the bench but Craig McLeish (injured), Gary Thom (banned) and Josh Flood (ill) missed out as we looked to beat Forfar for the first time this season after a 4-2 defeat and a pair of 2-2 draws. Goals were again expected at both ends and we found ourselves 2-0 down in only 14 minutes. Fotheringham was
in acres of space to head home a Nicky Low cross then ex-St Mirren striker Coyne beat Callum Reidford with an impressive strike from the edge of the area. Forfar also looked vulnerable at the back and Kelbie took advantage to roll the ball into the empty net after being set up by Graham Weir but the hosts went straight down the pitch to make it 3-1 thanks to Templeman’s fine volley at the far post. Kelbie then missed a sitter, firing the ball over an empty net after good work by Smith, but Albion were back in the game when Cook, on as sub, swung over a cross and Smith netted from close in. The former Motherwell forward then turned provider to cross for Ferry to find the top corner with a header but Forfar weren’t finished. Byers was given far too much space and his crisp strike condemned Albion to a sixth defeat in the last seven away matches. Airdrie United, fresh from a 2-0 win over Arbroath and now just two points outside the promotion play-offs, visit the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Saturday. David Ogilvie
Albion four points adrift at foot of the table
Scott Davidson’s Kevineffort Kelbiebagged chalaerial lenges the Airdrie three points for the defence for theBinos ball
Pictures by Whyler Rajmund Photos Bakonyi
Stirling Albion 0 Airdrie 31/03/12 Attendance: 677 Referee: S. Finnie
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Donnelly (20, 31)
his was the second poor result in a row for Albion after the defeat away to Forfar and after this loss to Airdrie it put Albion four points adrift at the bottom. With fellow strugglers Albion Rovers winning at home against league leaders Cowdenbeath, it now means that Albion will have to hope other teams can help them out in the run-in. In what was a tetchy start by both sides, neither team were able to take much control in the early stages. Darren Smith, who was playing on the right of midfield, looked the most dangerous in the early stages and his ability to run at the backline looked like it could reap rewards for the hosts. It was Airdrie who got the crucial break through when Ryan Donnelly expertly rounded the on-rushing Callum Reidford before coolly slotting in to the empty net. Albion seemed stung by that goal and after several good performances at home they seemed to take their time to get themselves going. It went from bad to worse for the Binos as they found themselves two down when after good work on the left wing from Sean Lynch allowed Ryan Donnelly to score the
2 easiest goal as he nodded in from six yards out. Albion created little and their best effort was probably Gary Thom’s lofted effort which almost caught out the backtracking Grant Adam in the Airdrie goal. Albion made tow substitutions at the break with Kevin Kelbie and Daly McSorley making way for Jamie McCunnie and Craig McLeish. Stirling tried to up the pace in the second half and soon had a decent opportunity when Darren Smith raced on to a lose ball but he fired straight and Adam who done well to make himself a big target in the Airdrie goal. Alan Cook and Gary Thom also had half-chances but neither was able to take them. Airdrie looked composed as they seen the game out. Albion failed to get back in to the game and it finished 2-0. After a frustrating performance the Binos now know that they will have to produce a winning run in the next few games if they are to stand any chance of staying in the second division. Graeme Young
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THE DEEP END “On any given day we can outplay every team but it’s now about trying to achieve a level of consistency to get enough points on the board to see us to safety. I’m sure we’ll do just that.” Graeme Young catches up with
Mark Ferry Mark Ferry, 28, has shown an eye for goal during his short time with Albion. The former Queen’s Park midfielder has vast experience and Graeme Young asks if that will be crucial in the run-in. Mark also tells the Albion what it is like working with a young management team and how the recent good performances will eventually pay dividends.
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Albion - How have you enjoyed your time at the club since you have arrived Mark Ferry - I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club so far, there’s been a few ups and downs in terms
of results but overall I’m happy to be here and be part of the team.
Albion - You have shown an eye for goal in your short time at Albion, do ever set yourself a goals target for a season? Mark Ferry - I don’t set myself a specific goal target for the season although I go into every game looking to get myself on the score sheet, obviously it doesn’t always work out but if I’ve at least got myself into some decent positions during a game then I’m reasonably happy.
Picturesby byRajmund RajmundBakonyi Bakonyi Pictures Pictures by Deena Mobbs
Albion - In recent weeks the Binos have performed well in several games, notably against Cowdenebeath, Brechin and Arbroath has that given you a boost ahead of the fight for survival? Mark Ferry - Our recent performances out with the Stenhousemuir game have given us confidence and a belief that we can compete with every single team in the league. I have played each team at least once and I believe we can go into the last quarter of the season with nothing to fear from any of them. On any given day we can outplay every team but it’s now about trying to achieve a level of consistency to get enough points on the board to see us to safety. I’m sure we’ll do just that. Albion - You have a lot of experience compared to some of the younger players in the squad, do you think that will be important as the season progresses? Mark Ferry - Yes, I think that will come in handy and hopefully I can help some of our less experienced players along the way. I’ve been involved with a side that has
been relegated before when I was a young boy trying to break through at St Johnstone and it’s not something I’d ever want to be part of again. It is not a good thing to have on your C.V and we’ll be fighting tooth and nail to prevent it happening to us this season. Albion - A lot has been made about the age of manager Greig McDonald but what do you think are the main benefits of having a young management team? Mark Ferry - The main benefit of having a young management team is seeing how enthusiastic they are and I believe this spreads to the players. They have a lot of faith in us as players and they back it up with the system we play and manner in which we are asked to perform. In our current predicament it would be easy for them to set us up negatively and try to steal some points but they show a belief in us to go out and be better than our opponents and this gives the boys confidence and a belief in their ability.
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BINOS AT HOME: SATURDAY, 14 APRIL 2012, 3PM
club info
season so far
Player-manager: Colin Cameron Assistant manager: Lee Makel Chairman: Donald Findlay QC Formed: 1872 Nickname: Blue Brazil Honours: Division Two champions: 1913/14, 1914/15, 1938/39 Division Three champions: 2005/06
Cowdenbeath would have come to the DDS with the chance to clinch the Second Division title had they not suffered their first home defeat of the season last weekend, going down 3-2 to nearest rivals Arbroath. Even so, the Blue Brazil hold a fourpoint advantage with just four games to go and also have a better goal difference than the Red Lichties so Colin Cameron’s men remain on course for an immediate return to the First Division. Cowden have had a tremendous season and twice turned us over at Central Park, although we did earn a point in a 1-1 draw here in February. Our visitors are strong throughout their side - solid at the back and potent in attack, with Lewis Coult on 12 league goals and Marc McKenzie up to 14 - and will be determined to bounce back from two recent defeats to Albion Rovers and Arbroath and take another step towards promotion.
PAST MEETINGS AT DDS August 9, 2003 – Division Three Stirling Albion 0-0 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 576 January 17, 2004 – Division Three Stirling Albion 1-1 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 790 December 16, 2006 – Division Two Stirling Albion 1-0 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 757 April 3, 2007 – Division Two Stirling Albion 1-0 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 629 November 21, 2009 – Division Two Stirling Albion 2-2 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 682
Stirling Albion 1-0 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 575 August 14, 2010 – Division One Stirling Albion 1-3 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 820 March 5, 2011 – Division One Stirling Albion 3-4 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 735 February 21, 2012 – Division Two Stirling Albion 1-1 Cowdenbeath Crowd: 329 Total: Stirling Albion 3 wins, Cowdenbeath 2 wins, 4 draws
March 27, 2010 – Division Two
our MEETINGS this season October 15 February 11 February 21 April 14
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Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling Albion Cowdenbeath 4-1 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion 1-1 Cowdenbeath Stirling Albion v Cowdenbeath
cowdenbeath’S 10-YEAR-LEAGUe-RECORD 2001/02 – 8th in Division Two 2002/03 – 10th in Division Two (relegated) 2003/04 – 5th in Division Three 2004/05 – 3rd in Division Three 2005/06 – 1st in Division Three (promoted) 2006/07 – 6th in Division Two 2007/08 – 9th in Division Two (relegated via play-offs) 2008/09 – 2nd in Division Three (promoted via play-offs) 2009/10 – 3rd in Division Two (promoted via play-offs) 2010/11 – 9th in Division One (relegated via play-offs)
COWDENBEATH FIXTURES/RESULTS Jul 23 Raith 2-1 Cowdenbeath (Ramsdens Cup R1) Jul 30 Cowdenbeath 2-2 Stenhousemuir (League Cup R1) Stenhousemuir won 4-3 on penalties Aug 6 Forfar 2-2 Cowdenbeath Aug 13 Cowdenbeath 3-1 Brechin Aug 20 Airdrie United 1-5 Cowdenbeath Aug 27 Stenhousemuir 3-1 Cowdenbeath Sep 10 Cowdenbeath 3-2 East Fife Sep 17 Dumbarton 0-4 Cowdenbeath Sep 24 Cowdenbeath 2-1 Albion Rovers Oct 1 Arbroath 1-1 Cowdenbeath Oct 15 Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stirling Albion Oct 22 Cowdenbeath 3-1 Forfar Oct 29 Brechin 1-0 Cowdenbeath Nov 5 East Fife 1-3 Cowdenbeath Nov 12 Cowdenbeath 2-0 Stenhousemuir Nov 19 Bo’ness United 0-3 Cowdenbeath (Scottish Cup R3) Nov 26 Cowdenbeath 0-0 Dumbarton Dec 3 Albion Rovers 3-3 Cowdenbeath Dec 10 Cowdenbeath 0-0 Arbroath Dec 26 Stenhousemuir 0-2 Cowdenbeath
Jan 2 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 14 Feb 18 Feb 21 Feb 25 Mar 3 Mar 6 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28 May 5
Cowdenbeath 4-0 East Fife Cowdenbeath 2-3 Hibernian (Scottish Cup R4) Cowdenbeath 2-0 Airdrie United Forfar 1-0 Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath 4-1 Stirling Albion Cowdenbeath 3-0 Albion Rovers Arbroath 1-1 Cowdenbeath Stirling Albion 1-1 Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath 1-0 Brechin Airdrie United 1-1 Cowdenbeath Dumbarton 0-2 Cowdenbeath East Fife 0-1 Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath 0-0 Stenhousemuir Cowdenbeath 4-1 Dumbarton Albion Rovers 1-0 Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath 2-3 Arbroath Stirling Albion v Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath v Forfar Brechin v Cowdenbeath Cowdenbeath v Airdrie United
SQUAD Kenny Adamson Date of birth: 21/08/88 Position: Defender Previous club: Livingston John Armstrong Date of birth: 25/06/87 Position: Defender Previous club: Hearts Dean Brett Date of birth: 08/12/92 Position: Defender Previous club: Cowdenbeath Youths Paul Byrne Date of birth: 14/08/91 Position: Defender Previous club: Airdrie United Colin Cameron Date of birth: 23/10/72 Position: Midfielder Previous club: Dundee Lewis Coult Date of birth: 07/06/88 Position: Forward Previous club: Arniston Rang-
ers David Cowan Date of birth: 05/03/92 Position: Defender Previous club: Livingston Liam Cusack Date of birth: 27/07/89 Position: Forward Previous club: Clyde Gary Fisher Date of birth: 06/06/92 Position: Defender Previous club: On loan from Kilmarnock Thomas Flynn Date of birth: 23/11/90 Position: Goalkeeper Previous club: Hibernian Scott Linton Date of birth: 06/09/89 Position: Midfielder Previous club: Spartans Derek Lyle Date of birth: 13/02/81
Position: Forward Previous club: Hamilton Accies Lee Makel Date of birth: 11/01/73 Position: Midfielder Previous club: Ostersunds Joe Mbu Date of birth: 14/02/82 Position: Defender Previous club: Whitburn Juniors Marc McKenzie Date of birth: 11/07/85 Position: Forward Previous club: East Stirling Kyle Miller Date of birth: 08/08/92 Position: Midfielder Previous club: Cowdenbeath Youths Lewis Milne Date of birth: 26/04/94 Position: Forward Previous club: Cowdenbeath
Youths Thomas O’Brien Date of birth: 07/08/91 Position: Defender Previous club: Cowdenbeath Youths Mark Ramsay Date of birth: 24/01/86 Position: Midfielder Previous club: Dundonald Bluebell Jon Robertson Date of birth: 25/04/89 Position: Midfielder Previous club: Murieston Boys Club Greg Stewart Date of birth: 17/03/90 Position: Forward Previous club: Syngenta Lee Wilson Date of birth: 21/08/93 Position: Goalkeeper Previous club: Cowdenbeath Youths
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BINOS AT HOME: SATURDAY, 28 APRIL 2012, 3PM
club info
season so far
Manager: Alan Adamson Assistant manager: Jack Ross Chairman: Alan Jardine Formed: 1872 Nickname: The Sons Honours: Scottish League champions: 1890/91 (with Rangers), 1891/92 Division Two champions: 1910/11, 1971/72, 1991/92 Division Three champions: 2008/09 Scottish Cup winners: 1882/83
Having failed to reach the play-offs in each of the last two seasons, the Sons are on course for a top-four finish - at the end of March they enjoyed a six-point lead in third place as Airdrie, Stenhousemuir and East Fife looked set to fight it out for the final top-four spot. Alan Adamson’s men endured a difficult start to the season, losing 5-1 to Stirling and generally struggling at home but an incredible 6-0 win at East Fife highlighted their ability. When they lost 3-1 at Albion Rovers on December 10 it appeared that another season of disappointment was in store but when they returned from their weather-enforced break, Dumbarton were a renewed force. Helped by the goals of exBino Bryan Prunty, they embarked on a fantastic sequence of eight wins and two draws to storm up the Second Division table. A run of four straight defeats followed, two of them to leaders Cowdenbeath, but a key 1-0 victory over Forfar on March 31 got their season back on track and it would be a surprise if they fail to make the play-offs now.
PAST MEETINGS AT DDS August 7, 1993 – Division Two Stirling Albion 2-0 Dumbarton Crowd: 939
September 19, 2001 – Division Two Stirling Albion 4-5 Dumbarton Crowd: 446
March 25, 2006 – Division Two Stirling Albion 3-1 Dumbarton Crowd: 604
January 19, 2002 – Division Two Stirling Albion 2-1 Dumbarton Crowd: 555
December 15, 2009 – Division Two Stirling Albion 2-2 Dumbarton Crowd: 462
December 4, 2004 – Division Two Stirling Albion 1-0 Dumbarton Crowd: 688
April 3, 2010 – Division Two Stirling Albion 1-2 Dumbarton Crowd: 568
December 19, 1994 – Scottish Cup R1 replay Stirling Albion 3-0 Dumbarton Crowd: 787
April 16, 2005 – Division Two Stirling Albion 3-0 Dumbarton Crowd: 705
October 29, 2011 – Division Two Stirling Albion 0-1 Dumbarton Crowd: 602
May 13, 1995 – Division Two Stirling Albion 0-2 Dumbarton Crowd: 3,103
December 7, 2005 – Division Two Stirling Albion 0-0 Dumbarton Crowd: 520
Total: Stirling Albion 6 wins, Dumbarton 4 wins, 4 draws
January 11, 1994 – Division Two Stirling Albion 0-0 Dumbarton Crowd: 828 August 20, 1994 – Division Two Stirling Albion 1-1 Dumbarton Crowd: 714
our MEETINGS this season August 13 October 29 February 25 April 28
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Dumbarton 1-5 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion 0-1 Dumbarton Dumbarton 4-1 Stirling Albion Stirling Albion v Dumbarton
BRECHIN’S 10-YEAR-LEAGUE-RECORD 2001/02 – 2nd in Division Three (promoted) 2002/03 – 6th in Division Two 2003/04 – 3rd in Division Two 2004/05 – 7th in Division Two 2005/06 – 10th in Division Two (relegated) 2006/07 – 5th in Division Three 2007/08 – 8th in Division Three 2008/09 – 1st in Division Three (promoted) 2009/10 – 6th in Division Two 2010/11 – 7th in Division Two
DUMBARTON FIXTURES/RESULTS Jul 24 Jul 30 Aug 6 Aug 9 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 24 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 3 Dec 10
Dumbarton 3-2 East Stirling (Ramsdens Cup R1) Dumbarton 0-4 Dundee (League Cup R1) Airdrie United 3-0 Dumbarton Dumbarton 0-2 Berwick Rangers (Ramsdens Cup R2) Dumbarton 1-5 Stirling Albion Brechin City 3-3 Dumbarton East Fife 0-6 Dumbarton Dumbarton 3-4 Arbroath Dumbarton 0-4 Cowdenbeath Forfar 0-2 Dumbarton Stenhousemuir 3-1 Dumbarton Dumbarton 2-1 Albion Rovers Dumbarton 1-1 Airdrie United Stirling Albion 0-1 Dumbarton Arbroath 4-3 Dumbarton Dumbarton 3-0 East Fife Brechin 3-0 Dumbarton (Scottish Cup R1) Cowdenbeath 0-0 Stenhousemuir Dumbarton 1-1 Forfar Albion Rovers 3-1 Dumbarton
Jan 2 Jan 14 Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 14 Feb 18 Feb 21 Feb 25 Feb 28 Mar 3 Mar 6 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28 May 5
Dumbarton 3-2 Arbroath Dumbarton 1-0 Brechin Airdrie United 2-3 Dumbarton Stenhousemuir 1-2 Dumbarton Forfar 1-1 Dumbarton Dumbarton 1-0 Albion Rovers East Fife 1-2 Dumbarton Dumbarton 4-1 Stirling Albion Dumbarton 3-0 Stenhousemuir Brechin 2-2 Dumbarton Dumbarton 0-2 Cowdenbeath Arbroath 2-0 Dumbarton Dumbarton 0-4 East Fife Cowdenbeath 4-1 Dumbarton Dumbarton 1-0 Forfar Albion Rovers 1-1 Dumbarton Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir Dumbarton v Airdrie United Stirling Albion v Dumbarton Dumbarton v Brechin
SQUAD Scott Agnew Date of birth: 11/10/87 Position: Midfielder Signed: June 2011 Previous club: Stranraer James Creaney Date of birth: 19/10/88 Position: Defender Signed: August 2010 Previous club: Galway United Craig Dargo Date of birth: 03/01/78 Position: Forward Signed: March 2012 Previous club: Partick Thistle Jamie Ewings Date of birth: 04/08/84 Position: Goalkeeper Signed: June 2011 Previous club: Alloa Ryan Finnie Date of birth: 19/02/95 Position: Defender Signed: January 2012 Previous club: On loan from Hamilton
Arnauld Gastal Date of birth: 23/04/92 Position: Goalkeeper Signed: December 2011 Previous club: La Berrichonne De Chateauroux Mark Gilhaney Date of birth: 04/11/84 Position: Midfielder Signed: August 2010 Previous club: Alloa Ally Graham Date of birth: 29/04/93 Position: Forward Signed: January 2012 Previous club: On loan from Falkirk David Gray Date of birth: 27/06/88 Position: Midfielder Signed: January 2012 Previous club: Kitsap Soccer Club Stephen Grindlay Date of birth: 13/03/82 Position: Goalkeeper
Signed: June 2010 Previous club: Ayr United Dominic Kennedy Date of birth: 14/05/92 Position: Defender Signed: August 2011 Previous club: On loan from St Mirren Mark Lamont Date of birth: 04/02/93 Position: Forward Signed: January 2012 Previous club: On loan from St Mirren Alan Lithgow Date of birth: 12/03/88 Position: Defender Signed: June 2011 Previous club: Clyde James Lyden Date of birth: 04/10/93 Position: July 2011 Signed: Defender Previous club: Dumbarton Youths Gary McKell Date of birth: 05/05/93
Position: Midfielder Signed: May 2011 Previous club: Dumbarton Youths Martin McNiff Date of birth: 23/08/91 Position: Midfielder Signed: May 2009 Previous club: Dumbarton Youths
Kevin Nicoll Date of birth: 16/06/86 Position: Midfielder Signed: June 2011 Previous club: Stranraer Paul Nugent Date of birth: 04/04/83 Position: Defender Signed: June 2010 Previous club: East Fife
Ryan Metcalfe Date of birth: 06/04/93 Position: Midfielder Signed: July 2011 Previous club: Dumbarton Youths
Bryan Prunty Date of birth: 12/01/83 Position: Forward Signed: June 2011 Previous club: Alloa
Adam Monaghan Date of birth: 26/06/89 Position: Defender Signed: July 2011 Previous club: St Patrick FP
Pat Walker Date of birth: 14/09/84 Position: Forward Signed: January 2011 Previous club: Annan Athletic
Arlan Mpata Date of birth: 06/06/92 Position: Forward Signed: March 2012 Previous club: Entente Sannios St Gratien
Tony Wallace Date of birth: 22/02/91 Position: Defender Signed: July 2010 Previous club: Dumbarton Youths
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BINOS AWAY: EAST FIFE SATURDAY, 21 APRIL 2012, 3PM WHAT’S THE GROUND LIKE? New Bayview offers a good view of the proceedings - and the Bass Rock in the distance - but just the one stand and not a patch on the old Bayview ground, which had terracing tight up against the pitch and allowed for a bit of banter with the home fans at the segregation fence. New Bayview opened in the autumn of 1998 and we were one of the first visitors, winning 3-2 thanks to an Alex Bone hat-trick. It’s tempting to say they were happy days but we only avoided relegation to Division Three by beating Arbroath on the last day of the season. Admission prices are £13 for adults and £7 concessions. Catering usually good value and of a high standard.
do we have a good record there? Overall, pretty good but there wasn’t much to cheer about in October as we slipped to a 1-0 defeat to a late Ryan Wallace goal in a poor game when it looked as if East Fife had one eye on their forthcoming League Cup quarter-final tie at Kilmarnock. Prior to that, we had won four league games on the trot in Methil, including a 3-0 success in 2009/10. A Challenge Cup defeat on a rainy August night the following season rather set the scene for a dismal Division One campaign. The most remarkable game between the teams at New Bayview was a League Cup tie in July 1999 that East Fife won 8-7 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Albion keeper Garry Gow shanked the 22nd kick of the shoot-out wide of the post as we crashed out.
WHO’S THEIR BOSS? Gordon Durie. The 46-year-old was assistant to John Robertson and took over the reins when the Methil men parted company with Robertson last month. Durie began his playing career as a striker with East Fife before moving on to Hibernian, Chelsea, Spurs, Rangers and Hearts. Durie also won 43 caps for Scotland, scoring seven goals. His assistant is former Dundee and Queen of the South manager Gordon Chisholm.
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EASY TO GET TO? A variety of routes and probably not as far as you might think. The ground itself is down by the Docks and parking is free. If you are looking for the giant power station as a landmark, don’t – it has been demolished. Check your car insurance is valid in case of damage from a wayward shot in the warm-up. Nearest train station is Kirkcaldy but Albion fans who own speedboats have a straightforward journey down the Forth…
How have they fared so far? Like many teams in Division Two, it’s been a tale of inconsistency for the Fifers. They stunned both Aberdeen and Dunfermline in the League Cup but often failed to recapture that form in the league and lost 6-0 to Dumbarton early in the season. They are a capable outfit, though, and won 1-0 at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium in January despite playing more than half the game with 10 men. At the time of writing, East Fife had taken seven points from three games to move level on points with fourth-placed Stenhousemuir. Away game against Airdrie United, who are also in the mix, on the second-last day could be crucial.
PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR? Ex-Hearts and Airdrie striker Ryan Wallace had a marvellous March, netting six times to take his tally for the season to 20 goals. Former Morton playmaker Bobby Linn always looks a class act against us while midfielder Darren Smith is another threat and defender Scott Durie is the son of the manager. Keeper Mark Ridgers and striker Rob Ogleby returned to Hearts in January, although the latter then left Tynecastle for Wrexham.
ANYTHING ELSE? East Fife are exploring the possibility of installing an artificial pitch at New Bayview and have also considered the construction of some terracing, if and when finances allow. Meanwhile, the Black and Golds will be sporting Saltire-style second strips next season.
BINOS AWAY: ALBION ROVERS SATURDAY, 5 MAY 2012, 3PM WHAT’S THE GROUND LIKE? Only the nearside of the stadium is in use these days. The terracing behind the dug-outs has been out of commission for some time. Decent view from the old main stand or you may choose to stand in the enclosure in front. Quite a tight pitch and the surface hasn’t always been the best but it’s the same for both teams. Admission prices are £12 for adults, £7 for concessions and £5 for children U17.
How have they fared so far?
EASY TO GET TO? Shouldn’t take much more than 35 minutes from Stirling. Head down the A80 then then A73 for Airdrie and keep going until you reach Coatbridge. Ground sits on a main road and free parking is available on the street in front of Cliftonhill. Glasgow-based Binos have the added option of the train. Pizza Hut nearby if you require some pre-match sustenance.
Do we have a good record there?
At the time of writing, before their April 7 home game against Dumbarton, Rovers were only one point behind Forfar and enjoyed a four-point advantage over ourselves in what is their first season in Division Two since the four-league system began in 1994/95. Made a slow start following promotion via the play-offs but Rovers have a solid home record and racked up an incredible 7-2 victory over local rivals Airdrie in November – one of four successive wins as they climbed into mid-table. A poor run in the early part of 2012 plunged them into trouble but back-to-back victories over Stenhousemuir and Cowdenbeath have changed everything and they are now strong favourites to avoid bottom spot.
It’s not a venue we have visited often in recent years but Craig McLeish’s goal was just enough to give us a hardfought 1-0 win there in January. It was 0-0 when Stirling visited Cliftonhill for a Scottish Cup replay in 2009/10 and we were fortunate to win the replay 3-1. One of the highlights of the Third Division promotion campaign under Allan Moore in 2003/04 was a thrilling 5-3 triumph in Coatbridge towards the end of the season.
PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR?
WHO’S THEIR BOSS?
Teenager Jack Werndly, on loan from Rangers, has scored a few vital goals and fellow frontman John Gemmell is always a handful. Ex-Partick Thistle midfielder Scott Chaplain is a good player at Second Division level and full-back Barry Russell has also impressed. Robert Love, previously with Stenhousemuir, is top scorer with eight league goals.
NEXT AWAY GAME? Could be in the play-offs against the likes of Elgin, Queen’s Park or Stranraer as early as Wednesday May 9 or will it be in August? If so, let’s hope we are still in Division Two otherwise we are in for a lot of travelling next term.
Paul Martin. The former Dumbarton manager is ably assisted by ex-Binos defender Todd Lumsden, who is also a key member of the Rovers playing squad. Martin was also a solid defender in his playing days with Dumbarton and Kilmarnock.
ANYTHING ELSE? It’s been a tough season so it would be great to end on a high. Get yourself back to the Supporters Club Player of the Year awards in the Castle Suite from 6pm after the Albion Rovers match. The bar will be open so there will be the chance to celebrate/drown your sorrows.
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Stirling City All Stars
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any people may consider Stirling to be a one team city, however, since 2007 there’s been a new team on the block who have been more than catching the eye. Stirling City Allstars are a club purely for anyone over the age of 16 with disabilities. The club came together in 2007 upon observations of the lack of recreational football opportunities for players in the local area. From just a single player appearing for the inaugural training session, today over 30 players receive weekly coaching from a group of 7 dedicated volunteers. Alban Dickson, a volunteer with the Stirling Albion Allstars, believes the organisation represents more than a team. “The Allstars are all about providing an opportunity of football to those who wouldnt’ normally access it. We take in players from all different backgrounds and abilities and will do our upmost to accomodate them”. The club boasts a completely open door policy for anyone over the age of 16, meeting the individual needs of every player to develop their abilities whilst satisfying their ambitions of competing both sides of the border. With trips from Inverness to Harrogate, as well as annual appearances at national tournaments in Glasgow and Leeds, the club has even represented Forth Valley at the Special Olympics in 2009 to be greeted by a 25000 strong crowd at the opening ceremony. In just last season alone the club travelled from Inverness to Sheffield and Belfast representing disability sport from Forth Valley. In addition to their first overseas trip the club also excelled in the Scottish Disability Sport national 7-a-sides competition in Toryglen winning the B category outright and coming a close 2nd in the D category. The club’s developments have more than impressed Dickson, “It’s great to see just how far the club has come and in particular the effects our achievements have had upon the players. Obviously all the coaches have got to know the players really well over the years and seeing them develop not just as footballers but as confident individuals makes the hard work (and terrible banter!) all the more tolerable”.
Pictures by Deena Mobbs The club has received terrific support from the community; knowledge and resources from Active Stirling and Forth Valley Disability Sport as well as sponsorship from local companies, affiliation with local amateur team Stirling City and are now working closer than ever with the local professional team, Stirling Albion. The Allstars and Stirling Albion have always worked closely together in the past and were part of the half-time display at Stirling Albion’s encounter with Raith Rovers last season, last summer’s Fans Game and even at The Peter McKenzie Testimonial against Rangers. Following that friendly against Rangers pre-season, the former Stirling Albion chairman himself made a personal donation towards the club’s winter training costs. Links between both entities stretch further with Stirling Albion under 9s coach Stephen Tortolano an Allstars volunteer along with fellow supporters Tony Fullerton, Andy Mills & Alban Dickson. It’s Dickson’s believe that the success of the club has been down to the work of the volunteers. “Everything the club has achieved is down to the hard work of our volunteers and some very dedicated people from Forth Valley Disability Sport”. And for the past 3 seasons a Stirling Albion player has handed out the awards at the club’s Player of the Year night. This summer sees the club looking to further build on the achievements they have already grasped. After the success of last year’s trip to Belfast the coaches decided that more players are deserving of such an experience and the club has confirmed that an additional, lower ability, team will also take the ferry over this coming June. Also in the calander are trips to national 5 and 7 a-side tournaments in Glasgow and a trip to Harrogate, which the club missed out on last year. With 2012 being the team’s 5th anniversary, the team have many achievements to look back on with pride, and plenty to look forward to with excitement.
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Big
ambitions Graeme Young talks old firm switches, american scolarships and dog walking with binos striker Kevin Kelbie
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ot many players can say that they have made their name away from their homeland, enjoyed youth spells with both the Old Firm clubs and studied in America under a scholarship but Kevin Kelbie has packed in a fair amount of football experience for a 28-yearold. The former Ballymena hot-shot returned to his hometown of Stirling in January of this year, is intent on firing the Binos back up the table. Since arriving at Albion at the turn of the year, Kelbie has provided a focal point to the attack. His domineering style has caused problems for opposition defences and has managed to score against Albion Rovers and Forfar Athletic in recent weeks. His dedicated style has seen him end up with stitches in his head after the Arbroath game and fans know that type of blood and thunder style will be key in helping Albion push up the table. Kelbie’s eventful career started out at Celtic before a move across the city to rivals Rangers when he was a teenager. Kevin admits that it was quite an experience to be involved with Scotland’s top two, he said: “I started out at Celtic boys
club and then I moved to play s-form material at Rangers. It’s not that common to switch sides but I then spent six years at Rangers before I was let go. It was good experience for me and a good place to learn my trade”. Kevin’s first experience of senior football came at Alloa Athletic and after a few fleeting appearances he decided to take up a scholarship in America. Kevin would spend a year at Northern Oklahoma College and he enjoyed his time out there, if not the academic side of life. He added: It was a football scholarship that I was on out in Oklahoma. I enjoyed my time there. It was more the football I enjoyed than the studying, which I wasn’t the best at but it was a good experience from my point of view. After he finished his studies in America, Kevin moved to Northern Ireland and after a brief stay with Glentoran, Kevin soon found a club which he would call home for six seasons, he stated: “My uncle, who is mum’s brother lives over there and I went over to work with him and I ended up getting involved through that. I ended up playing with Ballymena United and I spent six great years over there. I
Pictures by Deena Mobbs played regularly and scored a decent amount of goals. They were a really good team with me on a personal level so I look back on that period with great memories”. After a short spell at Glentoran, Kelbie returned for an equally brief spell at Greenock Morton where he played the first half of the 2011/2012 season. Manager Greig McDonald brought Kevin to the club in January and along with Graham Weir and Mark Ferry the new recruits have given Albion some much needed experience. Kelbie knows that his experience will be crucial in the run-in, he added: “The team is in a position where every game is important; we need to get as many points as we can. It helps having experienced players and I feel that I am one of them so I’ll do everything I can to help the younger boys at the club. It is important to try and pick up as many points as we can now to try and lift ourselves out of trouble”. One thing Greig McDonald has looked to since taking over is putting together a striking partnership and Albion’s front two have built up a rapport since teaming up with each other, Kevin said: “I am really enjoying playing with Graham, he
is a different type of player compared to myself but I feel we work well together. I think we link up well with each other. I feel we do a lot of our good work outside the box and I think we create a decent amount of chances for others. I think sometimes we maybe drift outside the area too much but it is important to try and get on the end of some of the chances that have came our way as well”. Kelbie has had anything but ordinary playing career, his current job alongside playing with Albion is a little bit different as well. Kevin runs his own dog walking business. Kevin is pleased with how it is doing, he explains: “I just started it up over a year ago; it’s based in the Cumbernauld area. Obviously the hours are very good and it fits around my football. The business has been doing well and I am looking in to getting a van in Stirling area in the near future which will help expand my business, things are going really well.
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Future Binos
Tom Ogilvie, Albion’s Under 13 Youth Coach, looks at the youth development system at our club
S 32
tirling Albion youth development programme started back in season 98/99 as Scottish football set to place an emphasis on developing our young talent. Stewart Taylor our current Head of Youth was one of the original coaches who helped run the Under 14s squad that consisted of a number of players who went on to feature in Stirling Albion’s first team including Ian Turner, David O’Brien, Stewart Devine and Jinky Wilson. Stewart Taylor was appointed Head of Youth Development in 2002. Stirling Albion currently has four teams at Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 16s and Under 19s. The main aim of the programme is to produce first team footballers for the
Club and over the years more than 30 players have come through the Youth teams to go and play first team football. These include current first team regulars Daly McSorley, Josh Flood and even more recently Stephen Day. Currently we have eight qualified coaches working with each of the squads, along with goalkeeping coach, two youth physios and a Sports Scientist. It also fair to say that over the past few years Stirling Albion Youth teams have helped to enhance the reputation of the Club both locally and nationally. Stirling Albion is very well regarded amongst all our senior clubs throughout Scotland and by officials in the SFA and SFL. During the
past few years no fewer 17 Scottish Schoolboys have been involved within the youth development set up at the Club. It is clear that not all our young players will make it to first team level, but we feel that it is essential that they hopefully will still enjoy their time with the Club and improve their football development while in our care. The Youth Development programme is funded through support from the SFA and the usual fund raising activities, race nights, bag packing, sponsored walks, etc . We are also very fortunate to receive a number of donations from local businesses that help us to run financially independent of the Club. The Club however are keen to support and invest in the Youth Development programme and are now helping in a number of practical ways, kit laundry, handing down old first team kit and paying for transport for Under 19S.The current ‘ Irn Bru appeal’ for all fans to collect empty cans, will also hopefully allow the Club to pass on the benefit directly to the youth teams. Over the years the Youth teams compete against SFL teams across the country and although they don’t compete for points at the younger ages nevertheless the football is always competitive. The main aim is to help the players to improve hopefully year on year with a view that by 17s/19s they can be considered as part of the first team squad. The Under 19s team play in the SFL league and with only
a few games remaining currently sit third in a highly competitive league of 24 teams, including many that are full time, Ross County, Raith, Livingston and Cowdenbeath. The majority of the team are still eligible to play at this age again next year but such is their ambition many are hoping to break through and gain first team action in the near future. In addition to Stephen Day who recently made his debut for the first team, Jamie Clark , Ross McGeachie and Steven Forbes have all impressed the First team management with their performances of late. Whilst it is big ask to take the step up, it is the reward for the coaches Graeme Donald and David Binnie to see as many players get their opportunity. The recent appointment of Greg McDonald as first team manager will encourage all the current youth team players as Greg has indicated that if they can show they are good enough then they will get their chance to play first team football. Clubs like Stirling Albion must recognise that they need a healthy thriving youth set up to continue and hopefully to continue to produce quality players for the Club if it is to survive.
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Stirling Albion Callum Reidford
Sam Filler
Streets Ahead
Geradine Watson Independant Financial Advisor*
Shaun Dillon
Devon Jacobs
Brian Allison
John Crawley
Stephen Jones
First Point USA
Gary Thom
Danny Ashe
Meadows Nursery
Home: Ian Jones Away: Streets Ahead
Craig Stewart
Roy McFarlane
Shaun Fagan
Alan Cook
Daly McSorley
Josh Flood
Iain Glen
W.Turnbull Newsagents
Craig Smith
Contact the club on 01786 450399 to sponsor a Bino now! *Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority
SA Associates
n 2011/12 Squad Greig McDonald
Andy Hunter
Gavin Macpherson
Ina Shaw M.B.E
Jane McFarlane
Mark Ferry
Scott Davidson
Gary Brass
RedWeb www.stirlingalbionfc.com
Dron & Dickson
Graham Weir
Craig McLeish
Streets Ahead
Jim Thomson
Stevie Nicholas
David Ogilvie
Contact the club on 01786 450399 to sponsor a Bino now! *Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Marc McCulloch Tony Quinn Independant Financial Advisor*
Darren Smith Margaret Macfarlane
Kevin Kelbie
Dick KIng
Stats SFL Fixtures and Results 2011/12
Irn-Bru Second Division 2011/12 P
W
D
L
F
A
GD PTS
Cowdenbeath
32
18
9
5
62
27
35
63
Arbroath
32
16
11
5
72
46
26
59
Dumbarton
32
14
7
11
53
55
-2
49
Airdrie United
32
12
9
11
61
57
4
45
East Fife
32
13
6
13
52
50
2
45
Stenhousemuir
32
12
6
14
47
46
1
42
Brechin City
32
10
10
12
41
50
-9
40
Forfar Athletic
32
8
9
15
52
69
-17 33
Albion Rovers
32
9
6
17
39
58
-19 33
Stirling Albion
32
8
7
17
43
64
-21 31
Last Updated 07/04/12
Player Stats
Date
Opposition
Res
Att
Sat, 6 August 2011
(H) East Fife
1-0
688
Sat, 13 August 2011
(A) Dumbarton
5-1
706
Sat, 20 August 2011
(H) Albion Rovers
2-2
617
Sat, 27 August 2011
(A) Arbroath
2-4
670
Sat, 10 September 2011
(H) Stenhousemuir
2-2
649
Sat, 17 September 2011
(H) Forfar
2-4
551
Sat, 24 September 2011
(A) Airdrie Utd
1-1
709
Sat, 1 October 2011
(H) Brechin
1-0
555
Sat, 15 October 2011
(A) Cowdenbeath
0-2
312
Sat, 22 October 2011
(A) East Fife
0-1
617
Sat, 29 October 2011
(H) Dumbarton
0-1
602
Sat, 5 November 2011
(A) Stenhousemuir
0-4
829
Sat, 12 November 2011
(H) Arbroath
0-1
573
Sat, 3 December 2011
(H) Airdrie Utd
1-4
711
Player
Age
Pos
App
Sub
Gls
Mon, 2 January 2012
(H) Stenhousemuir
3-1
575
Allison, Brian
23
Def
24
(0)
0
Sat, 14 January 2012
(A) Albion Rovers
1-0
455
Ashe, Danny
20
Def
1
(1)
0
Sat, 21 January 2012
(H) East Fife
0-1
608
Bonar, Lewis
20
Mid
16
(7)
1
Tue, 24 January 2012
(A) Forfar
2-2
361
Brass, Gary
19
Att
1
(1)
0
Sat, 28 January 2012
(A) Airdrie Utd
1-4
730
Cook, Alan
19
Mid
29
(9)
7
Wed, 1 February 2012
(A) Arbroath
0-2
901
Crawley, John
28
Def
24
(3)
1
Sat, 11 February 2012
(A) Cowdenbeath
1-4
341
Davidson, Scott
20
Mid
28
(4)
8
Sat, 18 February 2012
(H) Brechin
2-3
479
Dillon, Shaun
27
Def
15
(1)
2
Tue, 21 February 2012
(H) Cowdenbeath
1-1
329
Fagan, Shaun
28
Mid
22
(1)
0
Sat, 25 February 2012
(A) Dumbarton
1-4
722
Ferry, Mark
28
Att
16
(2)
4
Sat, 3 March 2012
(H) Albion Rovers
3-0
511
Filler, Sam
21
Gk
12
(0)
0
Tue, 6 March 2012
(H) Forfar
2-2
371
Flood, Josh
20
Mid
20
(11)
2
Sat, 10 March 2012
(A) Stenhousemuir
0-4
674
Hunter, Andy
19
Mid
0
(0)
0
Sat, 17 March 2012
(H) Arbroath
1-1
537
Jacobs, Devon
20
Def
28
(6)
1
Sat, 24 March 2012
(A) Forfar
3-4
462
Kelbie, Kevin
27
Att
11
(2)
2
Sat, 31 March 2012
(H) Airdrie Utd
0-2
677
McDonald, Greig
29
Def
1
(1)
0
Sat, 7 April 2012
(A) Brechin
2-1
McCulloch, Marc
32
Def
20
(2)
0
Sat, 14 April 2012
(H) Cowdenbeath
McLeish, Craig
22
Mid
17
(4)
1
Sat, 21 April 2012
(A) East Fife
Macpherson, Gavin
21
Mid
6
(4)
0
Sat, 28 April 2012
(H) Dumbarton
McSorley, Daly
20
Mid
23
(2)
2
Sat, 5 May 2012
(A) Albion Rovers
Nicholas, Stevie
30
Att
9
(8)
0
Reidford, Callum
24
Gk
19
(0)
0
Smith, Darren
24
Att
29
(4)
4
Thom, Gary
22
Def
29
(0)
4
Weir, Graham
27
Mid
13
(1)
1
Last Updated 07/04/12
Last Updated 07/04/12
Stirling Albion Football Club Customer Charter Preamble Stirling Albion Football Club (hereinafter referred to as “the Club”) seeks to improve the service it provides for home and visiting supporters and to the people in the wider community. The standards which it strives to achieve will be embodied within this Customer Charter which will be subject to regular review and amendment as efficiency and improvements are effected. The Club, therefore, regards this Charter as a “living and breathing” entity constantly under review as it seeks to raise its own standards as well as those required of it under the Scottish Football Association Club Licensing Scheme. 1. Tickets a) For season 2011/12, discounted season tickets will be made available to Senior Citizens (65 years of age and over), students, and junior customers (under 17 years of age). For season 2012/13, consideration will be given to similar discounting. b) For season 2011/12“Junior Player” Membership Cards give free admission to all league games as part of a package involving playing for SAFC younger age group teams. Consideration will be given to continuing with a similar scheme for the 2012/13 season. c) The Club will consider, without commitment, the concept of offering an instalment payment scheme for season tickets for the 2012/13 season. d) Discounted “pay at the gate” rates will be available to Senior Citizens (65 years of age and over), students on production of valid matriculation cards, and all juniors under 17 years of age. e) Where appropriate, the Club may offer free or discounted entry to specific groups from Stirling and its environs for specified matches. f) With the exception above, we will charge visiting fans the same general admission prices for accommodation comparable to that used by the home support. g) The Club is committed to continuing with a range of ticket prices such as was applied for the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. h) Away fans will normally be seated in the East stand and, at its discretion and subject to police advice, the Club will open the North Terracing for visiting supporters. i) In the event of all-ticket matches, non-season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets after the requirements of season ticket holders and Bino Bond holders have been met. For all-ticket matches at away venues, this option may be exercised at the Club’s discretion. j) The Club will determine its policy for returned and unwanted tickets, and its tickets return policy for abandoned matches, on a match-to-match basis which will have regard to police and other requirements. k) If a match is postponed after spectators have been admitted to the ground but before the match has kicked off, ticket holders and any spectators having entered the ground will be offered free admission to the re-arranged game. l) If a match kicks off but is abandoned before commencement of the second half spectators in attendance at the match will be offered free admission to the re-arranged game. m) Details of the availability and pricing of all tickets will be promulgated via the Club website and via the press. Amendments to availability and pricing will be published through these means at the earliest possible opportunity. n) For the very few “restricted view” seats in Doubletree Dunblane Stadium, the Club will offer price reductions for all-ticket games. These seats will only be offered for sale once all other tickets for the home stand have been sold.
day experience does not meet these essential requirements. It also welcomes contributions from all supporters as to how that experience could be improved. c) For season 2011/12 the Club encouraged family groups and junior supporters to utilise the North end of the Home stand and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. d) Following the Club meeting an earlier commitment to seek the views of disabled supporters and disabled folk in the wider community, it is committed to a further review of all arrangements for a range of customers with special needs. e) Commensurate with the published guidelines for fans governing the use of foul and abusive language, the Club is committed to a wider review of what may be deemed “Unacceptable Conduct”. 5. Catering a) The Club undertakes to continue to sub-contract a catering service for use by all supporters. b) It welcomes feedback from supporters where such service is perceived to fall short of expectations and how it might be improved. 6. Community Activity a) The Club commits to defining, as soon as possible, a designated strategy and activities aimed at establishing and improving its position in the community, following which they will be communicated as widely as possible by the most appropriate means, with amendment to the Customer Charter as necessary. b) The Club will support and work with outside agencies, especially disadvantaged groups. c) We support the aims of leading initiatives such as “Show Racism the Red Card” to tackle problems of racism within the game. d) Whenever possible, the Club supports local charities and national worthy causes. 7. Merchandise a) Both home and away strips will normally have a life span of at least one or two seasons, unless changes are enforced due to contractual obligations or to meet the requirements of the Scottish Football League or Scottish Football Association. b) The Club will consult with its supporters regarding new strip designs and will ask them to vote on a range of options. c) Dates of introduction of current and new replica strips will be made known upon request. d) The Club offers refunds on merchandise in accordance with its legal obligations. 8. Supporter Information
2. Special Needs a) The Club will facilitate access for disabled customers and their carers. b) Subject to at least 48 hours notice being given, we will endeavour to reserve car parking space for a wheelchair user and their carer (one per disabled person) who will be admitted free of charge and will be accommodated with other supporters in the disabled area. In the event of bad weather, we will endeavour to accommodate, subject to availability, wheelchair users and their carers in one of the hospitality suites at the back of the home stand overlooking the pitch.
a) The Club undertakes to keep its supporters informed of changes through a combination of some or all of the following means - website, newsletters, match day programme, press, by email and post to members of the Stirling Albion Supporters’ Trust, and by fans’ meetings. b) A supporters’ meeting with the Club’s Executive Board members and/or First Team Coach will be held twice a year – normally every 6 months. c) The Club will provide supporters with information as to its position on major policy issues. d) To assist in shaping policy, the Club will undertake a survey on a regular basis and when there are issues on which the securing of supporters’ views is considered important. e) The Club acknowledges the need to promulgate information to supporters timeously and that some means of disseminating information will more readily lend themselves to meeting this need and will be more cost effective.
3. Fixture Lists
9. Customer Service and Standards of Performance
a) The Club undertakes to keep supporters informed as to postponements and fixture changes through its website and the press.
a) The Club will respond to any reasonable contact from a supporter within 7 days, by whichever method appears to the Club to be most appropriate, unless there are extreme circumstances which render the Club unable to respond within that timescale. b) The Club strives to provide value for money in all areas of its business. c) The Club commits to achieving the highest level of service. d) We will treat all customers with respect and courtesy.
4. Doubletree Dunblane Stadium a) The Club undertakes, through Active Stirling, to provide a clean and safe environment with the appropriate facilities. b) It welcomes feedback from all supporters where it is perceived that the match
Prudential proudly supports Stirling Albion Best of luck for the 2011/12 season
www.pru.co.uk