the albion - april 2015

Albi nSTIRLING ALBION F.C. OFFICIAL MAGAZINE I APRIL 2015

Albi nthe

ISSUE #37 I £3.00

#37

DOWN AND OUTBINOS SECURE FIRSTHOME WIN OF THESEASON BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH AS RELEGATIONIS CONFIRMED

Club Executive TeamChair and Operations DirectorStuart Brown

Finance DirectorAlan Christie

Commercial DirectorJohn Hunter

DirectorDavid McFarlane

MembersGraham DouglasJim Thomson

AdministratorNeil Mackay

Football ManagementManagerStuart McLaren

Assistant ManagerMartyn Corrigan

PhysiotherapistJenna Orr

Goalkeeping CoachDavid Westwood

Club DoctorMichael Beyer

Heads of YouthStewart Taylor (Admin)Blair Cremin (Coaching)

Under 19 CoachesGraeme DonaldDavid Binnie

Community Engagement ManagerAndrew Todd

Modern ApprenticeStephen Al-Sayed

Club MascotBino the Bear

Club ChaplainDuncan Strathdee (0778 991 2259)

Editor’s Notes

CONTENTS REGULAR FEATURES:03. INSIDE THE BOX 04. ALBION NEWS06. VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT 14. THE LOCKER ROOM

2 / APRIL 2015 / WWW.STIRLINGALBIONFC.CO.UK

It’s a strange feeling writing this month’s notes considering it is extremely likely to be my last.

With my impending graduation, it wouldn’t be right to commit to carrying on in this role, since I don’t know what the next year will hold. Hopefully a full-time job in the media industry... we shall see!

In any case, following three years covering the club it is time to hang up my boots and move on to pastures new. I’ve had a great time producing this magazine alongside Stuart Kenny and more challengingly this year with more responsibility following the way things turned out. I hope the magazine has been of a good standard - of course there have been a few errors, but I still like to think I’ve helped to make one of the best-looking programmes in Scotland’s football leagues.

I’d hope to be bowing out on a more positive note, but life has other plans. The relegation of the club has sadly

APR. 2015 I #3704. INSIDE THE BOX 05. ALBION NEWS06. VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT08. MATCH REPORT VS. DUNFERMLINE09. MATCH REPORT VS. STRANRAER10. MATCH REPORT VS. PETERHEAD11. MATCH REPORT VS. FORFAR12. MATCH REPORT VS. AIRDRIEONIANS13. MATCH REPORT VS. BRECHIN CITY14. THE LOCKER ROOM: LEE HAMILTON16. HOME PREVIEW: GREENOCK MORTON24. AWAY PREVIEW: AYR UNITED 26. HOME PREVIEW: STENHOUSEMUIR28. MEN UNITED VS PROSTATE CANCER29. SUPPORTERS DIRECT30. ACTION REPLAY: HURLFORD UNITED32. COMMUNITY CORNER34. JUNIOR BINOS35. START-UP STIRLING36. SQUAD AND SPONSOR PROFILES

been confirmed and while it was probably a weight off a lot of people’s minds, it was no less disappointing. I started this magazine as someone who just worked for the club, but in a way that I can’t explain I’ve been sucked into being a fan. It’s not an easy journey, but football never is.

We’ve got the relevant match reports to catch you up on the latest events, with previews for the remaining three fixtures. Lee Hamilton features in this month’s The Locker Room while you can see what Chairman Stuart Brown and Manager Stuart McLaren have to say following recent events. Andy Todd’s Community Corner will catch you up with all the goings on in that department.

I’d like to give a special thanks to David Ogilvie and Jim Thomson for the help over the years, and everyone at the club for the opportunity. I’d also like to thank you for supporting the magazine; without that support we couldn’t have kept it going.

David ChalmersEditor & Head of Design

@[email protected]

14

16

THE LOCKER ROOM:LEE HAMILTON

HOME PREVIEW:GREENOCK MORTON


Editors:David Chalmers & Ben Ramage

Contributors:Jim Thomson, Ben Ramage, Andy Todd, Stuart Brown, Niels Bootsma, Stuart McLaren

Thanks to:Lee Hamilton, Supporters Direct, Men United vs. Prostate Cancer, Stuart McLaren, Stuart Brown, Andy Todd, Jim Thomson, Alan Christie, David Brown, Neil Mackay, Start-Up Stirling

Photography:Niels Bootsma, Colin Poultney, Tony Fimister, Prudential, Daily Record, BBC, Andy Todd, SNS Group, The Scotsman, The Herald, David Sargent, Getty Images, Brechin City FC, Airdrieonians FC, Robert Dalzell, Jim Thomson, Ayr United FC, Greenock Morton FC

Design:David Chalmers

Printing: Mailboxes Etc. Stirling

Contact:[email protected]

Interact:T| 01786 450399 E| [email protected]| stirlingalbionfc.co.uk

CLUB HONOURS

C Division Champions 1946/47

B Division Champions1952/53

Second Division Champions1957/58, 1976/77, 1990/91, 1995/96, 2009/10

Division One Play-off Winners2006/07

League Two Play-off Winners2013/14

Stirlingshire Cup Winners1953/54, 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

THE ALBION MAGAZINE

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“

The fat lady has uttered her final chorus and our fate is confirmed. Our stay in the third flight of the SPFL was a short one and next

season we will ply our trade in SPFL2.

No one, least of all me, is hiding from the fact that this season has fallen way below expectation; however I’m not one for dwelling on the past aside from learning from it and trying not to repeat the same mistakes. Two (of many!) things I have learned during my time on the Board are one, never make promises about what you will achieve and two, there’s no such thing in football as “should” (e.g. we should be a Championship Team). In football, over the piece, you get what you deserve and on this occasion it was relegation.

Our target for next season is promotion. Anything less will fall short of the Board’s, the Manager’s, the coaching staffs’ and I’ve no doubt the fans expectation. Everything possible will be (and is already being) done to ensure promotion is what we deserve.

We’ve still got three matches left to play this season and I extend a warm welcome to everyone associated with our remaining visitors - Greenock Morton and Stenhousemuir. Whilst our season may be over, it certainly isn’t for any of our three opponents (Ayr United away being our other game) and rest assured, we will be giving everything to try and improve on our win column statistic.

Turning away from on field matters, as the season draws to a close, I would wish to thank everyone who has played a part in everything we have

achieved behind the scenes. There are too many to list by name but without taking anything away from those I don’t personally mention, I would like to record an extra special thank you to the following…

Jim Inglis, for his tireless masterminding of our Match Day Hospitality. Whilst he (and his team) perform their Mein Host duties on Saturday afternoons impeccably, hospitality doesn’t just happen and Jim is a very regular visitor to the Club during the week, dropping of the alcohol supplies and generally ensuring everything is ship shape in advance of the day itself. Margaret McFarlane for ensuring our Boardroom Hospitality and Players’ / Officials’ refreshments are without question the best in the league. Stef Torrance, Jimmy and Lynne Watson for managing (and manning) the Supporters Bar - a particularly difficult task in a season where on field performances have been so disappointing.

Finally, and more than worthy of his own paragraph, a very, very special thank you to our Club Chaplain, Duncan Strathdee. A number of people associated with the Club have faced personal tragedies or difficulties over the course of this season and unseen and unheralded Duncan has provided them with a listening ear, comfort and guidance that I know has been very much appreciated.

Stuart BrownChairman SAFC

INSIDE THE BOX

“

Our target for next season is promotion. Anything less will fall short of the Board’s, the Manager’s, the coaching staffs’ and I’ve no doubt the fans expectation.

STUART BROWN

RELEGATION CONFIRMEDOur relegation to League 2 was confirmed on April 11 when we were beaten 2-1 by Brechin at Glebe Park. We went into that game knowing only a win would keep alive our slim survival hopes but Andy Jackson’s double, either side of Sandy Cunningham’s equaliser, earned City all three points.

SAFC COMPLETE LEAGUE RECORD1945/46 - Eastern League1946/47 - Division C - 1st (promoted)1947/48 - Division B - 8th1948/49 - Division B - 2nd (promoted)1949/50 - Division A - 16th (relegated)1950/51 - Division B - 2nd (promoted)1951/52 - Division A - 16th (relegated)1952/53 - Division B - 1st (promoted)1953/54 - Division A - 14th1954/55 - Division A - 16th1955/56 - Division A - 18th (relegated)1956/57 - Division 2 - 8th1957/58 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)1958/59 - Division 1 - 12th (highest ever league position)1959/60 - Division 1 - 17th (relegated)1960/61 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)1961/62 - Division 1 - 18th (relegated)1962/63 - Division 2 - 10th1963/64 - Division 2 - 19th1964/65 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)1965/66 - Division 1 - 15th1966/67 - Division 1 - 16th1967/68 - Division 1 - 18th (relegated)1968/69 - Division 2 - 4th1969/70 - Division 2 - 4th1970/71 - Division 2 - 12th1971/72 - Division 2 - 3rd1972/73 - Division 2 - 4th1973/74 - Division 2 - 7th1974/75 - Division 2 - 8th1975/76 - Division 2 - 6th1976/77 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)1977/78 - Division 1 - 5th1978/79 - Division 1 - 8th1979/80 - Division 1 - 8th1980/81 - Division 1 - 13th (relegated)1981/82 - Division 2 - 8th1982/83 - Division 2 - 5th1983/84 - Division 2 - 4th1984/85 - Division 2 - 6th

1985/86 - Division 2 - 5th1986/87 - Division 2 - 3rd1987/88 - Division 2 - 5th1988/89 - Division 2 - 4th1989/90 - Division 2 - 3rd1990/91 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)1991/92 - Division 1 - 8th1992/93 - Division 1 - 10th1993/94 - Division 1 - 9th (relegated)1994/95 - Division 2 - 3rd1995/96 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)1996/97 - Division 1 - 7th1997/98 - Division 1 - 10th (relegated)1998/99 - Division 2 - 6th1999/00 - Division 2 - 7th2000/01 - Division 2 - 10th (relegated)2001/02 - Division 3 - 9th2002/03 - Division 3 - 5th2003/04 - Division 3 - 2nd (promoted)2004/05 - Division 2 - 4th2005/06 - Division 2 - 5th2006/07 - Division 2 - 2nd (promoted via play-offs)2007/08 - Division 1 - 10th (relegated)2008/09 - Division 2 - 5th2009/10 - Division 2 - 1st (promoted)2010/11 - Division 1 - 10th (relegated)2011/12 - Division 2 - 10th (relegated)2012/13 - Division 3 - 7th2013/14 - League 2 - 3rd (promoted via play-offs)2014/15 - League 1 - 10th (relegated)

UNDER CONTRACT FOR 2015/16A reminder that four players are currently under contract for next season - striker Sandy Cunningham and defenders Lee Hamilton, Ross McGeachie and Kevin McKinlay. Updated squad news in the coming weeks will appear on the official website in the first instance.

TOP SCORERS9 Gordon Smith6 Sandy Cunningham6 Steven Doris3 Darren Lee Smith3 Craig Wedderburn2 Phil Johnston2 Ross McGeachie2 Chris Smith

1 Angus Beith1 Craig Comrie1 Lewis Coult1 Dale Fulton1 Andy Stirling1 Graham Weir

LEAGUE ONE TABLE (04/03/2015)

P Pts1 Forfar 33 63 2 Stranraer 33 61 3 Morton 33 60 4 Brechin City 33 55 5 Airdrieonians 33 49 6 Dunfermline 33 48 7 Peterhead 33 48 8 Ayr United 33 28 9 Stenhousemuir 33 28 10 Stirling Albion 33 17

SPFL MANAGER AWARDS FOR MARCHPremiership Manager of the Month: Jim McIntyre (Ross County)Championship Manager of the Month: Robbie Neilson (Hearts)League 1 Manager of the Month: Dick Campbell (Forfar Athletic)League 2 Manager of the Month: Craig Tully (East Stirlingshire)

SPFL PLAY-OFFMontrose will play Brora Rangers or Edinburgh City on May 9 and May 16 for a place in League 2 next season. The Highland League and Lowland League winners meet on April 25 and May 2, with Brora at home in the second leg.

BOBBY JOHNSTONEWe are sorry to hear of the passing of Bobby Johnstone, an Albion stalwart of the early 1960s. A left-half, Bobby joined the club in January 1959 from Muirkirk Juniors and remained at Annfield until moving to Airdrieonians in October 1963. Bobby was an ever present in the 1960/61 Division Two title-winning team and overall played in 166 games for the club. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.


ALBION NEWS

FIXTURES26 Jul PTC R1 Elgin City 3-02 Aug LC R1 Alloa 0-1 9 Aug L1 Peterhead 1-1 16 Aug L1 Ayr United 1-319 Aug PTC R2 Alloa 1-223 Aug L1 Stenhousemuir 5-4 30 Aug L1 Airdrieonians 0-013 Sep L1 Brechin City 0-520 Sep L1 Forfar Athletic 2-227 Sep L1 Stranraer 0-24 Oct L1 Dunfermline 0-211 Oct L1 Morton 0-218 Oct L1 Stenhousemuir 0-425 Oct L1 Airdrieonians 2-21 Nov SC Hurlford United 1-1

8 Nov SC Hurlford United 2-2 (AET: Stirling win 13-12 on penalties)11 Nov L1 Brechin City 1-215 Nov L1 Stranraer 1-122 Nov L1 Dunfermline 0-429 Nov SC Raith Rovers 0-26 Dec L1 Peterhead 2-313 Dec L1 Forfar Athletic 1-220 Dec L1 Ayr United 2-227 Dec L1 Morton 3-43 Jan L1 Stenhousemuir 2-110 Jan L1 Dunfermline 2-217 Jan L1 Peterhead 1-224 Jan L1 Forfar Athletic 0-131 Jan L1 Stranraer 0-1

14 Feb L1 Ayr United 1-421 Feb L1 Brechin City 0-128 Feb L1 Airdrieonians 1-43 Mar L1 Morton 0-414 Mar L1 Dunfermline 1-117 Mar L1 Stranraer 0-121 Mar L1 Peterhead 2-128 Mar L1 Forfar Athletic 0-44 Apr L1 Airdrieonians 0-211 Apr L1 Brechin City 1-218 Apr L1 Morton25 Apr L1 Ayr United 2 May L1 Stenhousemuir


“

Motivation to succeed is not short in supply. If we did need any more however, we found it in the confines of the compact

away change room at Glebe Park Brechin last Saturday. Results over recent weeks had led us further down the road to relegation but that did nothing to reduce the sickening feeling that set in after the final whistle. Experiencing feelings at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, feelings brought on by achieving goals, are what we must all aim for.

With that in mind I can assure our supporters that steps are being taken on the journey to making Stirling Albion FC the best club we can possibly be. Like any journey we have points we’d like to reach along the way but what is most important is that we focus on how we are going to get there. There are obviously many facets to this last point but underpinning them all has to be our culture.

Culture has become one of those buzzwords for sporting organisations. Often bandied about with little meaning or understanding. Culture, as I see it in a football club context, is best described as ‘the unwritten rules that become accepted’ or in more straight forward terms, ‘the way we do things round here’. Through the good work of the people involved in the club (past and present) the culture at Stirling Albion FC could never be described as poor, so that gives us a good starting point. There is, however, always room for improvement particularly from the football department.

In order to be successful we must behave like successful people off the pitch and this will reflect how we behave on the training and match day pitches. Continuation of the culture and subsequently success then becomes a naturally occurring event. As the group develops a positive culture other individuals of the right character will be drawn to it and as a result strengthen it.

In the immediate term I would like to echo the Chairman’s words by stressing that despite not having a league position to play for we will be giving everything we have in each of the last three games. By doing that we will be demonstrating a fundamental characteristic of the culture we are striving to create, integrity. Other clubs at both ends of SPFL League 1 will expect nothing less in our matches against Morton, Ayr, and Stenhousemuir. Of equal importance to us is the fact that we, at the very least, owe our supporters is a couple of performances and hopefully with that results that they can be proud of.

Finally the message I have for supporters of Stirling Albion FC is please recognise the importance of the role you play in the club. Your behaviour is of equal importance to creating a positive culture as that of our players, staff, and board members. There is great strength in unity and I know that together we can achieve many things.

See you in 2015/16.

Stuart McLaren

“

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

In the immediate term I would like to echo the Chairman’s words by stressing that despite not having a league position to play for we will be giving everything we have in each of the last three games.

STUART MCLAREN


Gordon Smith’s ninth goal of the season earned us a draw at East End Park as Stirling Albion ended a seven-match

losing streak in League 1.The ex-Raith striker opened the scoring with

20 minutes left, after Lewis Coult had seen his header come back off the bar, but Dunfermline equalised five minutes later when Andy Geggan nodded home at the far post.

Stuart McLaren’s men were well worth the draw. The Binos boss recalled keeper Callum Reidford in a line-up that showed four changes from the team beaten at Cappielow on March 3.

Coult, Sandy Cunningham and Kevin McKinlay also returned, with on-loan Andy Stirling ruled out against his parent club, Angus Beith injured and Ross Forsyth unavailable. U20 defender Scott Davidson was included in the squad for the first time.

Dunfermline were unchanged from the side that beat Ayr 2-1 the previous week but they lacked urgency and Stirling looked comfortable in the first half in a revised system that saw

McKinlay and Phil Johnston deployed as wing-backs.

Adam Cummins came close but the centre-half prodded the ball wide of the post after Ryan Scully had parried a header. The Pars threatened only occasionally but Michael Moffat wasn’t far away when he cracked a shot against the top of the bar.

We always looked capable of causing problems from set-pieces and it was a corner that led to the opening goal. Craig Comrie whipped in a terrific delivery, Coult’s near-post header was tipped on to the bar and Gordon Smith nodded in the rebound.

Dunfermline levelled five minutes later when Alex Whittle, just on as a substitute, swung in a cross from the left wing and ex-Ayr man Geggan rose highest to head home from close range.

John Potter’s side applied some late pressure and Reidford did well to push out an Andy Barrowman header as we held on for our first point since the 2-2 draw with the same opponents in January.

MATCH REPORT

ScullyMillen

UrquhartMartin

McAuslandSpence (71)George (34)

GegganAllan (65)

MoffatHopkirk

Subs:GoodfellowWhittle (71)

ByrneBuchananan

Falkingham (34)El Bakhtaoui

Barrowman (65)

ReidfordMcGeachieMcKinlayC. SmithCumminsRobertsonJohnstonComrie

Coult (80)G. Smith (76)Cunningham

Subs:Paterson

Hamilton (76)Herron

DavidsonWeir

Shepherd (80)Paton

GEGGAN CANCELS OUT SMITH OPENER IN EAST END DRAW

LEAGUEONE

SAT 14THMAR 2015

ATT: 2,318

LEFT:Phil Johnston in action against Dunfermline

PHOTO: Niels Bootsma

1 DUNFERMLINEGEGGAN 75

1 STIRLING ALBIONG. SMITH 70


W illie Gibson scored the only goal midway through the second half to take Stranraer to the top of League 1 and

leave us still searching for a home win.Admission prices had been cut for the midweek

fixture, that was due to be played on Saturday March 7 but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but it was a frustrating night for the home fans.

It was a poor game of a few clear-cut chances but Gibson’s free-kick proved decisive as Stephen Aitken’s men recovered from back-to-back defeats.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made one change to the team that drew at Dunfermline, with on-loan winger Andy Stirling replacing Sandy Cunningham.

Steven Doris, Darren Lee Smith and Angus Beith were ruled out and there was a place on the bench for U20 midfielder Ally Petrie.

The best of the first-half chances fell to the

visitors but Sean Winter sent a header wide and the same player was thwarted by a terrific block from Callum Reidford.

We had our best spell early in the second half but Lewis Coult was denied his first Albion

goal when David Mitchell managed to block his shot with a reaction save after the ex-Airdrie striker had diverted Willie Robertson’s drive towards the net.

A first goalless draw since the

stalemate at Airdrie in August looked on the cards but Stranraer took the lead in 68 minutes.

Craig Comrie conceded a free-kick for a push on Jamie Longworth and Gibson’s curling shot was missed by everyone and sneaked just inside the right-hand post.

Thereafter, we never looked like getting back in the game and Steven Bell, on as a substitute for fellow ex-Bino Chris Aitken, saw his effort deflected narrowly wide as the visitors chased a second goal.

MATCH REPORT

ReidfordMcGeachieMcKinlayC. SmithCumminsRobertson

Johnston (67)ComrieCoult

G. Smith (80)Stirling (71)

Subs:Paterson

Hamilton (67)ForsythPetrieWeir

Shepherd (80)Cunningham (71)

MitchellPettigrewLongridgeRumsby

McKeownAitken (71)

WinterGallagher

Malcolm (82)Longworth (88)

Gibson

Subs:Tobin

RussellRobertsonBell (71)

Stoney (82)Stirling (88)

GIBSON SEALS THE POINTS FOR THE TRAVELLING BLUES

LEAGUEONE

TUE 17THMAR 2015

ATT: 442

LEFT:Chris Smith playing at Forthbank in another game


0 STIRLING ALBION

1 STRANRAERGIBSON 68

““

A first goalless draw since the stalemate at Airdrie in August looked on the

cards but Stranraer took the lead in 68 minutes.


On-loan Dunfermline midfielder Andy Stirling scored a late winner as we came from behind to claim our first home victory

of the season in League 1.Rory McAllister’s deflected free-kick gave the

Blue Toon the lead after just four minutes but Lewis Coult equalised 60 seconds later with his first Albion goal and his assist saw Stirling net the clincher six minutes from time.

The result put us 10 points behind second-bottom Ayr United with six games to play while Peterhead remained four points outside the play-off zone.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made three changes to the side beaten 1-0 by Stranraer, with Ross Forsyth replacing the injured Kevin McKinlay and Sandy Cunningham and Lee Hamilton getting the nod ahead of Phil Johnston and Gordon Smith.

Steven Doris, Darren Lee Smith and Angus Beith were ruled out against a Peterhead side who had won their previous two home games but arrived at Forthbank having earned just one point out of 12 on their travels since beating Airdrie in January.

We fell behind when Callum Reidford was left helpless when McAllister’s free-kick went in off the wall but the response was immediate.

Hamilton’s persistence forced an error from keeper Graeme Smith and the wing-back got to the ball first, before squaring it for Coult to steer into the empty net.

Reidford made good saves from David Cox and McAllister as half-time approached while Cunningham had a decent opportunity at the other end.

It was the visitors who looked the more likely team to find a winner in the second half. McAllister forced a fine stop from Reidford and Gary McDonald rattled the bar from distance, with McAllister’s follow-up brilliantly blocked by the Albion No 1.

We were struggling to create chances but a quick break saw Coult pick out Stirling and he made no mistake from close range.

Peterhead almost equalised when Jamie Stevenson’s free-kick bounced off the bar and they will feel hard done by as we finally won at home at the 15th attempt.

MATCH REPORT

ReidfordMcGeachie

ForsythRobertsonCumminsC. SmithHamiltonComrie

Coult (89)Stirling

Cunningham (70)

Subs:PatersonJohnston

WeirDavidsonShepherdPaton (89)

G. Smith (70)

G. SmithKerr

NobleRoss

R. Smith (75)McDonald

Dzierzawski (85)StrachanMcAllisterStevenson

Cox (61)

Subs:Macdonald

CowieDonaldsonRiley (75)

Brown (85)Rodgers (61)

ON-LOAN STIRLING GIVES BINOS FIRST HOME WIN OF SEASON

LEAGUEONE

SAT 21STMAR 2015

ATT: 479

LEFT:Goalscorer Lewis Coult in action against Dunfermline at Forthbank


2 STIRLING ALBIONCOULT 5, STIRLING 84

1 PETERHEADMcALLISTER 4


Two goals in each half earned Forfar an emphatic victory to keep them a point behind leaders Stranraer and pushed us

closer to relegation.Stuart McLaren’s men created a number of

good chances but failed to take them and two goals in two minutes midway through the first half put Dick Campbell’s side in control.

It was always going to be an uphill struggle in the second half but we missed some decent opportunities before Forfar added to their lead in the closing stages.

For the first time this season, we fielded an unchanged team as we looked to build on the 2-1 home win over Peterhead against a Forfar side with the best home record in the division.

There was a gale blowing down the pitch at Station Park and the Binos had the advantage in the first half. We started strongly and within two minutes Sandy Cunningham was clean through but the teenager allowed a defender to recover and prod the ball inches wide of his own post.

Stirling came close again when the lively Andy Stirling picked out Chris Smith but he sent the ball wide when he should have hit the target and,

out of nothing, Forfar took the lead in 20 minutes. A ball over the top released Dale Hilson and the ex-Dundee United forward beat Callum Reidford with a perfectly-judged lob.

There was worse to come. A corner was headed goalwards by Michael Dunlop and the ball appeared to go in off Chris Smith as the Loons doubled their advantage.

Cunningham had another great chance when he latched on to a long ball and sent his effort wide, although it appeared Rab Douglas got a touch, then Lewis Coult had a clever flick cleared off the line following a corner as we enjoyed a good spell.

It was all over in 72 minutes when Forfar broke quickly and substitute Omar Kader raced in on goal to beat replacement keeper Cammy Binnie with a cool finish.

The 17-year-old had come on for his debut at half-time after Callum Reidford took a knock and made some good saves but was left exposed as we chased the game.

Both Dunlop and Iain Campbell rattled the crossbar for the hosts before former Bino Chris Templeman rounded things off with a close-range header in the last minute.

MATCH REPORT

DouglasBaxter

CampbellDunlopDods

Mallin (65)Denholm (46)

Fotheringham (65)Templeman

SwankieHilson

Subs:King

KennedyHay

ClarkHusband (65)

Kader (46)Dale (65)

Reidford (46)McGeachie

ForsythRobertsonCumminsC. Smith

Hamilton (73)ComrieCoult

StirlingCunningham (81)

Subs:Binnie (46)

HerronSinclair

DavidsonJohnston (73)G. Smith (81)

FOUR-FAR TOO GOOD FOR STIRLING AT STATION PARK

4 FORFARHILSON 20, C SMITH OG 22, KADER 72, TEMPLEMAN 89

0 STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 28THMAR 2015

ATT: 606

LEFT:Gordon Smith up against Forfar earlier this season



Bryan Prunty converted two second-half penalties as Airdrie kept their play-off hopes alive and pushed us to the brink of

League 2 football next season.Binos boss Stuart McLaren made three

changes to the team beaten 4-0 at Forfar – Angus Beith replaced the suspended Craig Comrie, Gordon Smith came in for the injured Lewis Coult and Kevin McKinlay got the nod in place of Chris Smith. There was a debut for U20 midfielder Jordan Sinclair, who replaced Willie Robertson late on.

We started the game well and Robertson saw a shot blocked before Andy McNeil pushed out an effort from Andy Stirling but the Diamonds came to life as half-time approached and Callum Reidford made a couple of fine saves to keep the

score level.Airdrie, who have lost only to leaders Stranraer

on their travels since September, took the lead in 53 minutes when Prunty found the corner from the spot despite Reidford getting a hand to the

ball.The kick had

been awarded when Bob McHugh, on loan from Motherwell, went down under a challenge from his Fir Park team-mate Adam Cummins and the

visitors went close again when Luca Gasparotto headed against the bar following a corner.

We struggled to make inroads and Airdrie sealed the points 11 minutes from time when Prunty smashed his penalty down the middle after Brian Colvin deemed Ross Forsyth had impeded on-loan Dundee United midfielder Scott Fraser.

MATCH REPORT

ReidfordMcGeachieMcKinlay

Robertson (81)CumminsForsyth

HamiltonBeith

G. Smith (76)Stirling (65)

Cunningham

Subs:Binnie

C. SmithMcAllister

Sinclair (81)Johnston )65

DavidsonPaton (76)

McNeilBainBoyle

McHughGasparotto

LindsayGray (65)

FitzpatrickPrunty (81)

FraserMorton (81)

Subs:Ferguson

WilsonStewartO’Neil

Boyle (81)Blockely (81)

Watt (65)

TROUTEN PENALTY SEES BRECHIN EDGE IT OVER ALBION

LEAGUEONE

SAT 4THAPR 2015

ATT: 942

LEFT:Ross Forsyth playing at Forthbank in another game

PHOTO: Colin Poultney

0 STIRLING ALBION

2 AIRDRIEONIANSPRUNTY PEN 53, PEN 79

“

“

Airdrie sealed the points 11 minutes from time when Prunty

smashed his penalty down the middle after Brian Colvin

deemed Ross Forsyth had impeded on-loan Dundee United

midfielder Scott Fraser.


Andy Jackson scored a stoppage-time winner as our relegation to League 2 was confirmed at Glebe Park.

Jackson gave Brechin an early lead and Ray McKinnon’s men missed several good chances before substitute Sandy Cunningham headed the equaliser four minutes from the end.

Only a win would have kept our slim survival hopes alive but that never looked likely and we must now prepare for a return to the fourth tier in 2015/16.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made two changes to the team beaten 2-0 by Airdrie, with Craig Comrie and Phil Johnston replacing Lee Hamilton and Cunningham.

Brechin, who had already beaten us three times this season, went ahead in 12 minutes when we failed to deal with a cross from a free-kick on the right flank and Jackson lashed the ball into the net.

Robert Thomson then had an effort disallowed for offside after on-loan Aberdeen midfielder Jamie Masson had rattled the post and Bobby Barr missed a good chance to double the lead as City bossed the first half.

Masson and Thomson squandered further good opportunities after the break and we took advantage

to level through C u n n i n g h a m ’ s c l o s e - r a n g e header.

However, we couldn’t hold on. Jackson fired wide when clean

through but made amends in added time when he hooked the ball past Callum Reidford to move Brechin six points clear in fourth place in the race for the play-offs.

This is our third relegation in five seasons since we clinched the Division Two title at Glebe Park in May 2010 and there are still three games to play - against Morton, Ayr United and Stenhousemuir.

MATCH REPORT

SmithMcLean

HamiltonMcCormack

McNeilFuscoBarr

MolloyA. Jackson

MassonThomas (80)

Subs:O’Neil

DurojaiyeFergusonTrouten

S. JacksonTapping (80)

ReidfordMcGeachieMcKinlay

Robertson (30)CumminsForsyth

Beith (79)JohnstonComrie

G. Smith (79)Stirling

Subs:Binnie

C. SmithHamilton (30)Sinclair (79)

WeirCunningham (79)

LAST-MINUTE JACKSON WINNER RELEGATES STIRLING ALBION

2 BRECHIN CITYA JACKSON 12, 90

1 STIRLING ALBIONCUNNINGHAM 86

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 11THAPR 2015

ATT: 427

LEFT:Goalscorer Sandy Cunningham at Forthbank in another fixture


““

This is our third relegation in five seasons since we clinched the Division Two title at Glebe

Park in May 2010.


DC: What’s the mood in the dressing room been like since the confirmed relegation?

LH: Obviously we’ve been dissappointed and everybody hates getting relegated especially after last season with all the boys in the team getting promoted and just getting relegated the season after is hard to take but we’ve just got to build on it and hopefully get a few wins in the last few games of the season and next season try and push ourselves to get back up again.

Obviously last season the side finished 4th and then won the play-offs; do you think it was maybe a season too early?

It maybe was, but it made us push ourselves, it really did. This season, it showed us that we can keep up with teams but unfortunately we can’t get the end result but if we match the teams in the performance aspect, so maybe it was a season too early but hopefully if we go up next season we’ll be better prepared for it.

As a young player and moving up a division this

season, do you think you’ve improved as a player?

Definitely. I think especially playing against players this season that are full-time and in training every day and experienced players who’ve played with higher clubs and now they’re settled in this division. Myself, personally, I feel it’s improved me because I’m learning how to play against them, especially if we can push next season to get promoted again then I’ll be prepared better because I know what the mindset is like and how they play.

You’re quite a versatile player, we’ve seen you play in a few positions now; where do you see yourself on the park long-term?

Anywhere. I’d play any position as long as I’m playing! That’s the same as any player, if you’re going to be playing you’ll be happy to play in any role whether that’s up front, midfield or defence. I like both roles - midfield and defence - but with midfield you obviously get to get forward a bit more, but I need a bit more experience there to be able to push myself.

You’ve got three games left despite the relegation, is it important to stay professional?

THE LOCKER ROOM

VERSATILE LEE HAMILTON CAUGHT UP WITH EDITOR DAVID CHALMERS TO SPEAK ABOUT THE PAST SEASON AND HOPES FOR NEXT SEASON


Definitely. The gaffer is always one to tell us to remain professional and keep the faith and hopefully if we do that in the last few games, get some wins to show that we can actually finish off games. Obviously it’s going to be difficult because we know the situation but I don’t think the boys heads will go down, I think we could maybe get a couple of results.

Do you think it might help, playing without fear?

I think it’ll take some weight off our shoulders and we can just relax and play our game. Hopefully we can just score a few goals and stop conceding goals in the last few minutes of games and losing.

Late goals do appear to be a problem for the team, why do you think that might be?

I think it’s just bad luck because we’ve been playing well for the majority of games and in a lot of games we’ve actually been the better team but we just struggle to hold out and I don’t know what it is. We try and work different things out in training defensively, go through set-pieces but I think it’s mostly bad luck to be honest.

How important was it to get the win over Peterhead, giving the fans that first home win of the season?

It was good. It was good for ourselves to get a win for a start, but it was good to give the fans that come and watch every week, they’ve obviously

been disapointed that we’ve not had any wins until the Peterhead game. It’s disappointing but to get a win when we were borderline relegated, just to give the fans something because we were still fighting to stay up. It gave them some hope, it gave us some hope. It was good.

While staying professional, there’s three games left - does the focus start to turn to next season and a promotion push?

Definitely. I think with the ability we’ve got in the team just now and whatever players we keep on and whatever players we bring in, I think we have got the potential to come straight back up again whether that’s through winning the league or via the play-offs. But we’ve got to focus on the last few games this season with in mind next season and get what we need.

Results obviously haven’t went the teams way but since Stuart McLaren has come in the team do genuinely look like they’ve improved a lot. The board obviously believe he’s the right man to take the team forward, why do you think that is?

He’s got a good knowledge for the game. He’s very tactical in his training and game preparation. He gets into the right mindset for games. He focuses on parts of your game that you do need to improve on and we know that it is helping us, strategically. It has been helping us and we have been playing better but sadly results haven’t been going our way.

THE LOCKER ROOM

“

“

The gaffer is always one to tell us to remain professional and keep the faith and hopefully if we do that in the last few games, get some wins to show that we can actually finish off games.

LEE HAMILTON


BEN RAMAGE

The Albion welcome title-chasing Morton to the Forthbank for the second last home game of the season. With relegation now

confirmed, it will be interesting to see whether the Binos can put in a better performance now that the extreme pressure of getting results to close the gap has been removed. M o r t o n , meanwhile, will be dying to keep up the pressure on fellow title rivals Forfar and Stranraer sitting just three points behind their fellow challengers.

The ‘Ton have led for large periods of the season, but have hit a rough patch of form just at the wrong time as the season closes in. Jim Duffy‘s side have lost three of their last six fixtures, including what could prove to be a costly 2 - 0 home defeat to Brechin

City at the start of April. The gaffer has impressed in his first season at the reins at Cappielow Park, but will surely be judged on whether he can guide Morton back to the Championship at the first attempt, whether via the title or the play-offs. Much will rely on the continued form of Aberdeen loanee Declan McManus, who has proved a masterstroke of a signing by Duffy. The twice capped Scotland

Under-21 star has notched an impressive 16 league goals in his second spell at Morton, and the striker will be vital to their chances of a successful end to the season.

Fellow forward Stefan McCluskey has also chipped in up front, adding seven goals to what has proved to be a real strength of the Pride of the Clyde this season. The Albion face a strong task in trying to halt what will be a hugely determined side who can ill-afford any other slip ups in their few remaining games.

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. GREENOCK MORTON

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 18THAPRIL 2015

15:00 KO

FORTHBANK

““

The ‘Ton have led for large periods of the season, but

have hit a rough patch of form just at the wrong time as the

season closes in.

GREENOCK MORTON FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1874 NICKNAME: THE TON STADIUM: CAPPIELOW PARK CAPACITY: 11,589 CURRENT MANAGER: JIM DUFFY


FIXTURES SQUAD LIST

STIRLING vs MORTONAPR 18th | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

STRANRAER vs MORTONAPR 25th | LEAGUE ONE | STAIR PARK

MORTON vs PETERHEADMAY 2nd | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

March snowfall almost forced the game to be postponed the last time the Albion met the ‘Ton in March, but thankfully it passed a pitch inspection after rainfall cleared the snow just in time for kick-off.

Stirling started the game brightly and could have taken the lead had Morton goalkeeper Derek Gaston not brilliantly denied first Gordon Smith and then Angus Beith. Stirling were left to rue those misses, as they have so often this season, as Morton put the visitors to the sword thanks to a brilliant hat-trick by striker Stefan McCluskey.

This was added to by a stunning 25-yard strike by McManus, which left Albion keeper Paterson with no chance. The travelling Bino fans were left with another depressing journey home, while the result put Morton two points clear at the top of table at the time.

4 GREENOCK MORTONS MCCLUSKEY 35, 62, 78, MCMANUS 82

0 STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 3RDMAR 2015

ATT: 1,037

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERDECLAN MCMANUSDeclan McManus, 20 has been one of the starts of League One this season, bagging 16 goals so far for the Ton this season which could see him end the campaign as outright top scorer. The exciting forward has been sent out by Aberdeen to gain some valuable first team experience, and has grasped the opportunity of consistent first team football brilliantly. Glasgow-born Declan’s form has not gone unnoticed, and his relentless goalscoring saw him called up and make his first appearances for the Scotland Under 21’s. The youngster is definitely one to watch.

THE GAFFERJIM DUFFYGlaswegian Jim Duffy, 55, took over at Greenock after a three year spell at Clyde, having previously managed Hibernian, Dundee and Falkirk. He has hit the ground running, turning around a demoralised relegated side who now look like they could head straight back up at the first attempt.

A strong centre back as a player, Duffy came through the Celtic youth system before moving to the team he now manages, amassing over 100 appearances for Morton during his three years there.

Goalkeepers:Derek GatonNicolas Caraux

Defenders:Lee KildayRicki LamieMichal MillerStefan Milokevic

Sean CrightonThomas Oware

Midfielders:Jamie McCluskeyCono PepperJoe McKeeJordan AllanReece Hands

Forwards:Andrew BarrowmanDavid McNeillDeclan McManusStefan McCluskeyJon ScullionPeter MacDonald

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F U R N I T U R E C E N T R E


DAVID CHALMERS

The Binos will travel to south-west Scotland to face Ian McCall’s men in what should be a chance for Stirling to play with the shackles

off. A long and laborious trip to Somerset Park

will give the squad the opportunity to go for one last away win this season following two wins over Stenhousemuir at Ochilview. The Honest Men were tipped last year as candidates for promotion but instead Mark Roberts found himself trying to steer the club away from the bottom of the table, but to no avail. At the start of 2015 the board decided Roberts’ time was up and got in touch with Ian McCall to see if his experience could salvage their season. While the team can’t exactly start the party, they’ve managed a few shock results and that’s managed to see them almost over the line.

As it stands, the club sit in eighth place, level

on points and goal difference with Stenhousemuir. Those two will battle it out to stay in the league with the Albion already relegated and seventh-placed Peterhead 20 points ahead with just nine left to play for.

The last time we travelled to Ayr Steven Doris bagged a brace to put the Binos 2-1 up with just 10 minutes left on the clock; however, former Celtic and West Bromwich Albion striker Craig

Beattie scored a last-minute equaliser to save an all-important point, denying Stuart McLaren’s men an all-important

two points. Without Beattie’s equaliser, this could have been a real six-pointer. Alas, football can be cruel and late goals have been a problem all season and Stirling are relegated. Instead, McLaren and his players must look at this as an opportunity to show that his team deserves to bounce straight back up this division next season by beating teams like Ayr and Stenhousemuir in their last few fixtures.

MATCH PREVIEW

AYR UNITED VS. STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 25THAPRIL 2015

15:00 KO

SOMERSETPARK

AYR UNITED FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1910 NICKNAME: THE HONEST MEN STADIUM: SOMERSET PARK CAPACITY: 10,185 CURRENT MANAGER: IAN McCALL

““

Stuart McLaren must see this encounter as a winnable

fixture with Ayr’s current form


FIXTURES SQUAD LIST

AIRDRIEONIANS vs AYR UNITEDAPR 18th | LEAGUE ONE | EXCELSIOR

AYR UNITED vs STIRLING ALBIONAPR 25th | LEAGUE ONE | SOMERSET PARK

FORFAR vs AYR UNITEDMAY 2nd | LEAGUE ONE | STATION PARK

Ian McCall’s men made a strong start at Forthbank and were two goals ahead inside 15 minutes thanks to midfielder David Robertson and a Gordon Smith own goal as they capitalised on some poor defending.

Phil Johnston gave us hope with his second goal of the season early in the second half but substitute Craig Beattie and Jordan Preston - one of five new signings in the Ayr line-up - sealed an emphatic away victory.

We were soon under pressure as Ayr seized the initiative and Robbie Crawford headed against the post before Robertson, on his debut after moving from Livingston, tucked the ball home after another effort had rebounded from the woodwork.

Three minutes later Gordon Smith could only head Adam Blakeman’s cross into his own net, just 30 seconds after keeper Greg Paterson had done well to keep out a Craig Murray effort.

We began to cause Ayr some problems and Shepherd was thwarted by keeper David Hutton before Angus Beith set up Lewis Coult, whose shot came back off the post.

Johnston cut in from the left to drill a low drive into the corner nine minutes into the second half but we were unable to put the visitors under any sustained pressure.

Beattie was left unmarked to head in Ayr’s third goal from a corner and he then teed up Preston, on loan from Blackburn Rovers, for the fourth with seven minutes left.

1 STIRLING ALBIONJOHNSTON 54

4 AYR UNITEDROBERTSON 12, G SMITH OG 15, BEATTIE 74, PRESTON 83

LEAGUEONE

SAT 14THFEB 2015

ATT: 785

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERALAN FORRESTForrest, younger brother of Celtic star James Forrest, is an exciting younf forward who made an immediate impact on his Ayr United debut at the start of last season when he came off the bench at Hampden Park to score United’s winner against Queen’s Park in the Ramsdens Cup, becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 321 days.

His dynamic style of play makes him a threat as you never know which flank he’s coming from. With eight goals this campaign he is Ayr’s star man.

THE GAFFERIAN McCALL50-year-old McCall took over the role of manager of Ayr United from Mark Roberts in January this year with the board believing his experience could save the club from relegation. While they could still go down via the play-offs, they have done enough to avoid automatic relegation.

He joined the club after four years out of management, with his last role being at Partick Thistle during 2007-2011. His best spell as a manager was in charge of Falkirk where he oversaw 18 wins in just 30 matches before moving onto Dundee United.

Goalkeepers:David HuttonShaun Newman

Defenders:Josh McArthurMartyn CampbellNicky DevlinPeter MurphyAndrew Muir

Midfielders:Alan ForrestMichael DonaldMichael WardropeBrian GilmourPeter McGillRobbie CrawfordPaul Slane

Forwards:Mark RobertsJon Paul McGovernSean McKenzieRyan DonnellyDale ShirkieCraig Beattie


DAVID CHALMERS

It’s been something of a turbulent spell for Stenhousemuir recently with a series of changes behind the scenes at the Forth Valley club.In early 2015 the club changed hands with Gordon

Thompson replacing Bill Darroch as Chairman, and the board also decided to give Scott Booth his marching orders following a dissappointing spell in charge of the team.

Booth had a high-profile playing career and starred for Aberdeen, FC Twente and Borussia Dortmund as well as international honours with Scotland. He moved into club management with the Warriors after moving to Ochilview from a role coaching Scotland’s youth sides. However, the 43-year-old was deemed no longer suitable to lead the squad and instead 33-year-old Brown Ferguson, twice caretaker manager, has now been announced as the permanent manager of the team with the board putting faith into the former East Stirlingshire, Alloa Athletic, Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle player. He joined the club in 2011 and has scored nine goals in 64 games.

Since taking over in February, Ferguson has overseen 10 games with his team picking up just two

wins and a draw. If Stirling Albion could have turned a few draws into wins and some defeats into draws then it could very well have gone down to the wire with these two sides, but in any case they are still in danger of going down as they occupy the relegation play-off spot in League One and are level on points with Ayr United. With the Binos playing both sides in the remaining three fixtures, they could very well impact on both side’s finishing position.

They threw away a 2-0 lead against Morton in Greenock last week with three goals in 12 minutes sealing a late comeback for the ’Ton and snatching all three points from Ferguson’s side. Their two wins over Peterhead and and Stranraer in early March are the reason they pulled away from the Albion.

Many times recently they have taken the lead and ended up on the losing side, while their most recent matches have seen two sending off’s with both Anthony Marenghi and Ryan Millar seeing red in the games against Forfar and Airdrieonians.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren will certainly be willing his side to give the fans a home win to end the season and this match should be an entertaining encounter with Stirling having Stenny’s number a few times this season.

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. STENHOUSEMUIR

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 2NDMAY 2015

15:00 KO

FORTHBANK STADIUM

STENHOUSEMUIR FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1884 NICKNAME: THE WARRIORS STADIUM: OCHILVIEW CAPACITY: 3,746 CURRENT MANAGER: SCOTT BOOTH


FIXTURES SQUAD LIST

STRANRAER vs STENHOUSEMUIRAPR 18th | LEAGUE ONE | STAIR PARK

STENHOUSEMUIR vs BRECHIN CITYAPR 25th | LEAGUE ONE | OCHILVIEW

STIRLING ALBION vs STENHOUSEMUIRMAY 2nd | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

First-half goals from Craig Comrie and Gordon Smith earned us a vital victory in the New Year derby.

Colin McMenamin pulled one back before the break but we held on for only our second League 1 win of the season - the first was 5-4 at the same venue in August - to close the gap on Ayr United to five points.

There was a minute’s silence before the game in memory of Stenhousemuir U20 player Kyle Doherty, who tragically died earlier that week.

Warriors keeper Greg Fleming had already made a good save to keep out a Gordon Smith header before we took the lead after 24 minutes.

On-loan Hearts midfielder Angus Beith, who had an excellent match, took a corner short to Comrie and his low shot from just outside the box found the net with the aid of a slight deflection as Scott Booth’s team appealed in vain for offside.

We doubled our advantage five minutes later thanks to an eighth goal of the season for Gordon Smith. The summer signing from Raith Rovers made a powerful run into the box and tucked the ball into the corner for his first goal since the end of October.

Stenhousemuir got back in it before half-time when McMenamin hooked a shot high past Paterson and ex-Bino Alan Lithgow then hit the bar following a corner.

Keeping goals out has been a problem all season but we restricted the Warriors to very few opportunities in the second half, although Paterson did well to claw away a Lithgow header in his first appearance since the August 23 game here.

Gordon Smith forced a smart save from Fleming and Coult wasn’t far away from his first Albion goal as we started 2015 with a badly-needed win against our local rivals.

1 STENHOUSEMUIRMCMENAMIN 34

2 STIRLING ALBIONCOMRIE 24, G. SMITH 29

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 3RDJAN 2015

ATT: 586

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERCOLIN McMENAMIN34-year-old McMenamin has proven his worth to the team with 14 goals this campaign.

His career started at Queen of the South before moving to English giants Newcastle United for two years. He failed to make an appearance for the Toon before coming back to Scotland to Livingston and Falkirk. A season at Shrewesbury came before a prolific two year spell at Gretna with 23 goals in 46 games. He ammassed a huge 80 games for Dundee in two years and scored 21 goals there. 20 goals in 44 games for Ross County is another highlight of his career. An experienced goal-threat, and Stenny’s top scorer.

THE GAFFERBROWN FERGUSONFerguson took the reigns after Booth’s departure in early February and has been in charge for 10 games. Having claimed seven points to add to Booth’s 21, the 33-year-old has managed to steer the club from automatic relegation to League Two. However, he has a job to do in the remaining three fixtures to ensure the Warriors stay in League One.

Formerly a midfielder with East Stirlingshire, Alloa Athletic, Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle, he joined the club in 2011 and will be in charge of the team next season as permanent manager.

Goalkeepers:Greg FlemingCraig BurnsDean ShawChris Smith

Defenders:Robbie DuncanStewart GreacenAlan LithgowRoss McMillanJamie McCormackRoss MeechanNicolas MortimerJames Redpath

Ciaran SummersFraser Thomson

Midfielders:Mark AllanRyan ColemanRhys CraigieSean DicksonKyle DochertyKris FauldsLee GallagherGregor FotheringhamBryan HodgeAnthony MarenghiKieran Millar

Jamie ReidMark ScottJosh WattTom Walsh

Forwards:Stan ChitemereFraser EddingtonMartin GrehanColin McMenaminRyan MillarGary OliverCallum RobertsonPaul SluddenCraig Sutherland

We’re delighted to welcome Men United to Forthbank on Saturday. Ateam of volunteers will be raising money for Prostate Cancer UK, to help the fight

against a disease that will affect 1 in 8 men in their lifetime. Andas well as giving generously, you yourself can get involved.

Men United is Prostate Cancer UK’s movement for everyone who believes men are worth fighting for.

By joining Men United, you’ll get more opportunities to do great stuff withyour friends, from bike rides to pub quizzes to Iron Man challenges.

Whatever you and your mates love to do, you can do it for Men United andhelp beat a disease that kills one man every hour in the UK.

Plus, you’ll find out about ways to make a difference on an even wider scale by uniting with men across the UK, like petitioning MPs or volunteering.

Whether it’s big or small, signing a petition or running a marathon, doingit together is what really matters. What starts with a quick ‘hello’, a chat

in the pub or a barbecue with mates can end with a nationwide movement ofmen - ready to fight for their friends, themselves and men everywhere.

See your friends more. Join Men United.

Join Men United and help keep friendships alive.prostatecanceruk.org/menunited

SUPPORTER OWNERSHIP WEEK

WHY WE ARE CROWDFUNDING? You don’t need us to tell you that your club is important. You know it is- you’re supporter owned. You can own a part of it, and make the decisions that really matter to its future.

We’re running Supporter Ownership Week this week as a celebration of ownership of clubs by people like you, and during it we’re running a series of events to showcase the work that people like you do to make supporter ownership happen at a club.

We’ll be bringing you the stories of the people who make it possible, and telling the World about why what you do is pio-neering, and why we want to do more of it.

To make that possible we’ve also launched a crowdfunding campaign so that we can make it possible for others to take the same journey, so that others just like you can really say: “Ours”. We’d love you to sup-porter it and pledge. We have a number of rewards inclduing the our supporter own-ership week t-shirt above for £25.

PLEDGE NOW >>>>>>>>>

Every penny that we raise from Supporter Ownership Week will allow us to: Create• More supporter owned clubs and provide professional support to assist in club conversions• New supporter ownership opportunities by working with (and establishing more) supporters trusts

Build• Look for funding opportunities to benefit supporter owned clubs• Develop policy, research and share best practice to benefit supporter owned clubs• The network of supporters trusts to en sure there is a credible and robust vehicle to own a club via its supporters.

Promote• Supporter ownership as a concept across the U.K using a number of domestic and European success stories• Supporter owned clubs to opinion leaders across sport and beyond• Run events and campaign for supporter owned clubs including networking sessions

Supporters Direct, helps and supports 39 supporter-owned clubs across three different sports. We also represent over 180 supporters’ trusts in the UK which represent the inter-ests of over 700,000 individual members.

Supporters Direct has helped to establish ove r39 supporter owned clubs and con-tinues to support a network of over 190 supporters trusts who have been set up to represent and increase the influence of supporters.

You don’t need us to tell you that your club is important. YOU KNOW IT IS

JOIN THE FILM CREW FOR TODAYS MATCH!!! Today we want you to be part of the Club film crew and upload your videos to FanFootage.

Chart the atmosphere around the stadium and some of the big moments of the match. If you film it, we want you to upload it! So get you phone out and upload your footage to:

WWW.FANFOOTAGE.COM .CO.UK/SUPPORTER-OWNERSHIP-WEEK


ACTION REPLAYSteven Doris converted the decisive kick as we won an incredible 28-penalty shoot-out 13-12 after a 2-2 draw with Hurlford United at Forthbank.

It could hardly have been a more dramatic debut for new manager Stuart McLaren and assistant Martyn Corrigan but we eventually came out on top in this William Hill Scottish Cup third-round replay after a 1-1 draw at Blair Park the previous.

On a rain-lashed afternoon, Ross Chisholm and Doris missed first time round before Callum Reidford saved from Jamie Wilson to allow Doris to set up a fourth-round meeting at home to Raith Rovers on November 29.

Ross Robertson fired Hurlford in front after 15 minutes but Doris levelled 13 minutes from time with his first goal for the club and grabbed a second equaliser deep into extra time after Stewart Kean had scored for the Junior Cup holders.

In a repeat of the original tie, Hurlford scored early. Reidford had already made a fine save before Ross Robertson found space in the box to curl a shot into the top corner.

Darren Henderson’s side looked comfortable in the first half but we were much improved in the second period and the ball was scrambled off the line before Johnston’s header suffered the same fate on an increasingly sodden pitch.

The equaliser arrived when Robertson’s persistence allowed Doris to break beyond the Hurlford defence and he made no mistake. We finished the game strongly but keeper Ally Brown pulled off a great save to keep out a header and Gordon Smith fired over from close range after being picked out by Weir.

The Ayrshire team stunned us in extra time when Kean, who scored last week, bundled the ball home from close range in a rare attack with nine minutes remaining but Doris equalised for the second time after a spell of penalty-box pinball.

And so to what developed into an epic decider from 12 yards. John Dempster and Gordon Smith scored and Reidford saved from Ross Chisholm. Fulton stuck his penalty away but Wilson netted and Brown denied Doris to keep it at 2-2 after six kicks.

Remarkably, there then followed 20 successful attempts - most of them of an incredibly high standard - before Reidford turned Wilson’s effort round the post.

Doris sent us through with an emphatic final penalty in our first ever Scottish Cup shoot-out, 25 years after they were introduced to the competition.

>

EASTER CAMPS GOING WELLAs the April edition of “The Albion“ goes to print, we are in the middle of our Easter Holiday Camps with our partners at Active Stirling. The first week of the camps went very well with over 50 children enjoying some Easter football out in some glorious sunshine. The numbers attending the camp continued to grow throughout the week and children also took part in our theme days including international Thursday, with a number of international kits on show, and Stirling Albion red day. There were Stirling Albion prizes awarded throughout the week and Bino the Bear even took time out of his schedule to pop down and meet the kids and join in with some of the sessions.

Going into the second week, the number of children signed up is looking healthy again and if the weather is as good as the first week then it promises to be a fantastic end to the camps. We will have updates posted online so everyone can keep up with how the camps are progressing.

WEEKLY CLASSES AVAILABLE TO BOOK NOW!!!

As always our weekly classes, run in partnership with Active Stirling, return and are available to book on NOW!! The classes run in various areas in and around Stirling and are available for children as young as 3 all the way up to 12 years old.

Boys and Girls 3-4 years old can enjoy Mini Kickers, which gives young children the opportunity to develop basic motor skills such as balance and co-ordination. There is a huge emphasis on fun and enjoyment in our Mini Kickers classes.

Children aged 5-6 years and 7-12 years can attend our Play the Game Centres which develop skills and learning through a variety of small sided games and exercises.

All the information on venues, days and times can be found at www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community/class-details/ or www.activestirling.org.uk/kidstermtime. Bookings can be made via Active Stirling on 03000 280 101 or 01786 273 555.


COMMUNITY CORNER

A P R .2015

SEASON REVIEW AND LOOK AHEAD

As the season draws to a close, it has obviously been a disappointing one on the park but off the park and on the community front there is plenty to be proud of and optimistic of in the months and years to come.

Stephen Al-Sayed has been a valuable member of the community team and has done a fantastic job as a coach since starting his apprenticeship. Stephen will continue working throughout the next few months and on the summer camps with his apprenticeship due to end around September.

This season was our first with the u12s go FREE scheme which I think has been a fantastic addition to what we do out in the communities and definitely one that attracts more young fans and families to our games at Forthbank. Naturally when the team are doing well, the attendances will increase but our u12s scheme ensures that we can continue to grow the ways in which young children can get involved in the club and I’m sure this will strengthen next season as we continue to look at ways on how we can improve it.We delivered another successful Tesco Bank programme within some schools in Stirling providing six weeks of activity to primary 2s and 3s. This then links to a further six weeks of coaching at the football club with the aim of keeping the children involved in the junior academy with regular training sessions and games. The junior academy has continued to grow as a result of the programme with approximately 20 new children joining up.

It is always a quieter period around Christmas and New Year until Easter kicks in and it gets really busy

again! We had our programme with Cowie Utd, which started between New Year and Easter, delivering within the schools out that way to help Cowie attract new members and Stephen Al-Sayed has been leading this up as part of his apprenticeship. This programme continues after Easter too.

As you can see our Easter Camps have been going really well and we have our summer camps to look forward to as well over the next few months! As well as this we will be going into Nurseries again to deliver a similar programme to the one we ran last year in the run up to summer. It is becoming increasingly important to get children involved at a younger age and Mini Kickers sessions are always well received within the nurseries and by the children themselves so we are really looking forward to this programme again!

As always we have a number of other exciting bits and pieces on the horizon, just not things that I can go into a lot of detail on quite yet. Even although we have a bit of a break from “the Albion” and first team duties, the community programme will still be plenty busy during this time so to keep up to date - follow us on Twitter, Facebook and keep an eye on the Community section of the website.

Get following us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest!!Facebook - www.facebook.com/SAFCCommunityTwitter - @SAFCCommunityWebsite - www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/communityEmail - [email protected]

Andy33 / APRIL 2015 / WWW.STIRLINGALBIONFC.CO.UK

COMMUNITY CORNER

X


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JUNIOR BINOS----------------------------

CAN YOU HELPBINO TO FIND HIS

EASTER EGGS?


Supporting local individuals and families who are experiencinghomelessness, housing difficulties and in financial hardship.

A huge thanks to Stirling Albion FC for supporting our work. We were delighted to kick off our involvement with the Club with the bucket-collection at the Ayr game which raised a fantastic £446.39! All funds raised will go towards our work with local people who are in crisis. Thank you to everyone who donated on the day.

What we do:Run 3 Crisis Food Banks each week1,500 people, including 400 children, received food from our Crisis Food Banks in 201451,000 meals were distributed throughout 2014Provide practical support to people who are homeless150 Home-Starter Packs of essential household items (e.g. kettle, bedding, pots and pans, cutlery) were given to people moving out of homelessness into their own tenancy.143 Emergency-Packs (e.g. dried foods, tea/coffee, toiletries) were distributed to people becoming homeless and moving into temporary accommodation.More people are needing our help than ever before and all support you are able to give to our work will make a real and lasting difference. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter, visit our website at www.startupstirling.org.uk, email us at [email protected] or phone Joanie on 01786 551027 to find out how you can get involved.

COACHING STAFF


STIRLING ALBION SQUAD LIST 2014/15

STUART McLAREN MARTYN CORRIGAN CALLUM REIDFORD CAMMY BINNIE

ADAM CUMMINS LEE HAMILTON KEVIN McKINLAY CHRIS SMITH

CRAIG WEDDERBURN ROSS FORSYTH ROSS McGEACHIE PHIL JOHNSTON

GOALKEEPER

DEFENCE

DEFENCE MIDFIELD

INA SHAW MBE DRON & DICKSON LTD VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

SAFC SUPPORTERS TRUST BOARD

BRAEHEAD TAXIS SAFC SUPPORTERSCLUB

IAIN GLEN PETER MCKENZIE MCKENZIE TRAILERS LTD ROY & SHEENA MCFARLANE


SQUAD LIST 2014/15 STIRLING ALBION

MIDFIELD

DARREN LEE SMITH ANGUS BEITH WILLIAM ROBERTSON

GRAHAM WEIR ANDY STIRLING LEWIS COULT GORDON SMITH

SANDY CUNNINGHAM STEVEN DORIS CHRIS PATON

CRAIG COMRIE

MIDFIELD

FORWARD

CRAIG SMITH GARRY CAIRNS JOINERY ALASDAIR DUNN

VICTOR & DEBBIE NELSON

CRAIG STEWART BRIDGE OF ALLAN SUPPORTERS

ROBERT MCCRINDLE TYLAR ROWLEY

FORWARD

Allanwater Café, Bridge of Allan David Bennett & Son Butchers Braehead TaxisBurn Stewart Distillers Ltd Deanston Distillery Visitor Centre CAS Hire UK Ltd Ceramic Tile Distributors StirlingClark & Drummond CaterersAndrew Craig Roofing LtdDavidson Cruse Wealth Management Ltd Corrieri’s Café, CausewayheadDron & Dickson LtdR.S. Erskine & Co Ltd OpticiansFalkirk & Central Scotland SamaritansThe Golden Lion HotelHill & Robb SolicitorsKay Garage Doors_W. Kay LtdKilgannon Motors Ltd

Macfarlane Gray / French Duncan Llp

McKenzie Trailers LtdMorrisons Garage Ltd

Ogilvie Homes LtdScott Direct Ltd

Scottish National PartyDr Richard Simpson MSP

Smart Fit StirlingSpringkerse Auto Centre

Sterling Precast LtdStrathallan Pharmacy

SwimEasy LtdTilly Confectionery Ltd

Torwood Fencing LtdTrinity Mirror Plc Stirling Observer

Daily Record & Sunday MailUnison Stirling Council - Anti

RacismWoodWinters Wines & Whiskies

MAIN SPONSORHUNTER’S EXECUTIVE

COACHES

TRAVEL SPONSOR

STADIUM ADVERTISERS

SPONSOR

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£60 incl. vat

• Guest Speakers •• Prize Draw, Auction & Raffle •

For further details & to book contact 01786 450399

Tel 01786 463 920 Fax 01786 463 413Email [email protected]

4 Craig Leith Road, Broadleys Industrial Park, Stirling FK7 7LQ

STADIUM ADVERTISERS

VISIT US 8 MILES NORTH OF STIRLING ON A84 AT DOUNE& THE COFFEE BOTHYWHISKY TOURS, SHOP

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4 Craig Leith Road, Broadleys Industrial Park, Stirling FK7 7LQ

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Stirling AlbionBest of luck for the 2014/15 season

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the albion - april 2015

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