The Albion - February 2015

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

Albi nthe

ISSUE #35 I £3.00

#35

BINOS UPFOR THE

FIGHTSTIRLING AREN’T READY TOGO DOWN YET. BINOS BOSS

STUART MCLAREN AND MIDFIDLERWILLIE ROBERTSON SPEAK

WITH THE MAGAZINE

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 12. THE LOCKER ROOM

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

Is it February already? My word, 2015 is going fast! And so are the games, with 13 games left of the season to go.

We‘re back with the second edition of The Albion this year with the return of the manager‘s piece this edition after a mix-up last month.

We‘ve got match reports from the games with Dunfermline, Peterhead, Forfar and Stranraer and our photographer Niels Bootsma has a number of great photos from some of these games which you can view on pages 28-31.

Of course, the Morton game was postponed and that means that the game has been re-scheduled for early March. Accordingly, we‘ve got a preview for that, with a bit from last month’s with some new relevant information also. With Declan McManus back on

FEB. 2015 I #3504. INSIDE THE BOX 05. ALBION NEWS06. VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT07. MATCH REPORT VS. DUNFERMLINE08. MATCH REPORT VS. PETERHEAD09. MATCH REPORT VS. FORFAR ATHLETIC10. MATCH REPORT VS. STRANRAER12. THE LOCKER ROOM: WILLIE ROBERTSON14. HOME PREVIEW: AYR UNITED16. HOME PREVIEW: BRECHIN CITY24. AWAY PREVIEW: AIRDRIEONIANS 26. AWAY PREVIEW: MORTON28. MATCH PHOTOS32. COMMUNITY CORNER34. JUNIOR BINOS35. START-UP STIRLING36. SQUAD AND SPONSOR PROFILES

loan from Aberdeen, the ‘Ton will represent a good challenge with their recent good form.

Also providing a challenge will be Brechin City, Airdrieonians and today‘s opponents Ayr. All teams have their own strengths and there is no such thing as an easy game in League One. Hopefully the boys can pick up the results that see the club climb the table in the coming months.

Willie Robertson was kind enough to answer some of our questions in this month‘s player interview which you can find on page 12 and Andy Todd catches us up with all the community news in its usual slot. Well done to this involved in being re-accredited.

Let‘s hope we can get the win today and a good performance. ‘Mon the Binos!

David ChalmersEditor & Head of Design

@[email protected]

16

12

HOME PREVIEW:AYR UNITED

THELOCKERROOMWILLIE ROBERTSON


Editors:David Chalmers & Ben Ramage

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

Thanks to:Willie Robertson, 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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“

February may be the shortest month of the year but this one is set up to be huge in respect of our prospects in retaining our position in

SPFL1.

Valentine’s Day sees the visit, to Forthbank, of our closest rivals, Ayr United, in what is undoubtedly a pivotal game. Win and we’re back within touching distance, lose (or draw) and the mountain gets a good bit steeper.

No one can deny we’re not playing well enough to get the required result but equally there’s no denying that despite improved performances, the results just aren’t coming our way. It’s clichéd but winning is a habit and so is losing. Time to change our habit!

We also welcome Brechin City to Forthbank as we face two home games in a row. Brechin are on a great run of form. Time for that to come to an end!

The month is rounded off by a visit to near neighbours Airdrieonians and I’ll settle for a haul of nine points over the three games!

I’m sure that some fans are concerned about the lack additions to the squad, despite the departures of five players that started the season. We have brought in (or retained) new faces - Angus Beith, Scott Shepherd and most recently Kevin McKinlay - and it’s not for the lack of effort by Stuart and Marty to add to this

list. Unfortunately a couple of key factors have to be right - firstly, the player has to add value (i.e. better than what we’ve got) and secondly, the player (and the player’s parent club if he’s not a free agent) has to agree to sign (release). The search continues!

We’ve also been hit hard by injuries, in particular Steven Doris, who looks likely to miss the rest of the season. Steven is facing an operation and has the full support of the Club with this and his rehabilitation. Graham Weir also remains on the sidelines but Darren Lee Smith is getting close to being ready to kick a ball in anger.

Graham Douglas (Secretary to both the Club Executive Board and Supporter’s Trust) was rushed into hospital a couple of weeks ago suffering from meningitis and initially things didn’t look good. However, I’m delighted to report that he is now making considerable progress and everyone at SAFC extends their wishes to Graham and his wife Joyce that this recovery continues and that he’s soon back to full fitness. Haste Ye Back, Graham!

I close with the usual commercial plug… the Annual Dinner takes place at the Golden Lion Hotel on Friday 27 March and tickets are still available. Please contact Neil at the Club. A great night is guaranteed.

Stuart BrownChairman SAFC

INSIDE THE BOX

“

No one can deny we’re not playing well enough to get the required result but equally there’s no denying that despite improved performances, the results just aren’t coming our way.

STUART BROWN

CUNNINGHAM AGREES NEW DEALOne of the best pieces of January news was the decision of forward Sandy Cunningham to sign a new contract that will keep him at Forthbank until summer 2016. We are also pleased to confirm that midfielder Willie Robertson will remain at Forthbank for the rest of this season.

Sandy, who turns 20 in April, made his debut in a Scottish Cup tie with Deveronvale in November 2012 after impressing with our U19 team. His major breakthrough came last season when he scored eight goals, including a stunning winner in the play-off final against East Fife at Bayview. Sandy has netted five times so far in 2014/15 and has been in excellent form of late.

Willie joined us from Alloa in the summer, initially until January, and now has the chance to add to his 14 appearances for Stirling Albion.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren said: “We are understandably delighted that Sandy has agreed to stay with the club through until the end of next season.

“In the relatively short period of time I’ve been in post he has made a positive contribution to the team’s improved performances. Just as importantly, he has demonstrated with his behaviour that he is an individual who fits with the culture we are building here at Stirling Albion.“

McKINLAY SIGNS ONSince the last issue of the magazine, we have signed Kevin McKinlay on a contract until the end of next season. The Stirling-born 28-year-old was on the books of Chelsea as a youngster and has played for Ross County, Partick Thistle, Dundalk, Stenhousemuir and Ayr United.

Kevin, who is left-sided and can play at the back or in midfield, moved from Ochilview to Somerset Park during the summer and joins us after being released from his contract by mutual consent.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren said: “From an ability and character perspective, Kevin is exactly the type of individual we want to bring to Stirling Albion. He will significantly improve the quality of our playing group, along with bringing some leadership. The fact he is a local lad is also a very positive aspect of this signing.”

LOAN DEAL EXTENDEDIt was confirmed in the final week of January that midfielder Angus Beith will remain at Forthbank for the rest of the season. Hearts have agreed the 18-year-old can continue with Stirling Albion and the terms of his loan deal mean he will also be eligible to play for the Tynecastle club in the SPFL Development League. Angus made his debut for the Binos in the Scottish Cup tie with Raith Rovers at the end of November and scored his first senior goal against Morton in December.

TRIO MOVE ONWe would like to wish all the very best to a number of players who left the club during January. Midfielders David McClune and Dale Fulton, and left-back James Creaney, were all released from their contracts by mutual consent. They go with our best wishes for the future and with thanks for their contributions to the club.

YOUNGSTERS GET THE CHANCEBinos boss Stuart McLaren has included a number of our U20 team in his matchday squad in recent weeks. Keiron Magennis, Chris Paton, Jordan Herron and Stephen Al-Sayed have all been involved on occasion, as have goalkeepers Cammy Binnie and Sean Robertson.

INJURY UPDATEStriker Steven Doris is facing an extended spell on the sidelines with a stomach muscle injury that may require surgery. The former Arbroath forward joined us from Dundee in the summer but hasn’t

featured since the 4-3 defeat to Morton at the end of December. Graham Weir is also yet to feature in 2015 because of a groin complaint but Darren Lee Smith, absent since October, is close to a return following knee surgery

DINNER DATEThe annual SAFC fundraising dinner takes place at the Golden Lion Hotel on Friday March 27. John Morgan is MC for the night and the speakers are John Gahagan and John McKelvie. It promises to be a great evening so to book your place contact the club on 01786 450399 or via e-mail [email protected]

TOP SCORERS8 Gordon Smith6 Steven Doris5 Sandy Cunningham3 Darren Lee Smith3 Craig Wedderburn2 Chris Smith1 Angus Beith1 Craig Comrie1 Dale Fulton1 Phil Johnston1 Ross McGeachie1 Graham Weir

LEAGUE ONE TABLE (10/02/2015) P Pts1 Stranraer 23 43 2 Forfar Athletic 23 42 3 Morton 23 41 4 Brechin City 21 35 5 Dunfermline 22 33 6 Peterhead 21 33 7 Airdrieonians 23 27 8 Stenhousemuir 23 21 9 Ayr United 22 19 10 Stirling Albion 23 13

MARCH FIXTURESWe begin next month with a home game against Stranraer then travel to Dunfermline on March 14. We welcome Peterhead to Forthbank on March 21 and end the month with a trip to Forfar.


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

7 Feb L1 Morton14 Feb L1 Ayr United21 Feb L1 Brechin City28 Feb L1 Airdrieonians7 Mar L1 Stranraer14 Mar L1 Dunfermline21 Mar L1 Peterhead28 Mar L1 Forfar Athletic4 Apr L1 Airdrieonians11 Apr L1 Brechin City 18 Apr L1 Morton25 Apr L1 Ayr United 2 May L1 Stenhousemuir


“

The month of January has passed us by and after a very positive start frustration became the overriding emotion. That frustration, however,

has thankfully been down to us not quite getting the rewards we feel we may have deserved rather than not reaching any great heights with our play. But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves as the only way we can ensure we get our just rewards in terms of points is to continue to work hard and work smart.

Without dwelling on the month that has gone I would like to point out two aspects that particularly pleased me. The first is the level of support we have received and in particular the numbers of Binos fans who made the long journeys north to Peterhead and south to Stranraer. That support is as always greatly appreciated and is a source of motivation for the squad. The second is the resolve and desire that the playing group continue to demonstrate. This was especially evident in the match here against Dunfermline where the players failed to be deterred by the odds stacking up against them. This approach will stand us in good stead as we go about earning the points we require over the last 13 matches to achieve our goal.

Looking ahead we will be playing some crucial matches in February and none more so that the Ayr United fixture. We again showed our fighting and football qualities in the last encounter at Somerset Park but unfortunately were denied the three points as Ayr managed a very late equaliser. Ian McCall has since taken over and I’m sure he will have his team well prepared to make the trip here. After that we face two of the teams who have hit some good form of late in

Brechin and Airdrie. One of the aspects of this league that has become apparent to me is that positions on the table are of little consequence in predicting how a match will play out. With that in mind we will go into all our matches respecting our opponents but knowing we are capable of beating every one of them on a given day.

In team news we have seen a few players, namely David McClune, Dale Fulton, and James Creaney depart Forthbank. I would like to go on record with my thanks to all three players for their efforts whilst with the club. Each left amicably and I wish them every success for the future.

On the injury front Steven Doris is due to see a specialist on the 16th of February with surgery the most likely outcome of that appointment. The good news is it is a short recovery after the surgery so we are hopeful of having him available for the final few games of the season. Darren Smith will begin full training in the middle of the month so we are looking at him being available for the match against Airdrie on the 28th. Unfortunately Graham Weir is only making slow progress with his hip/groin issue but once again we are targeting a return for the final few matches of the campaign.

Thanks for your ongoing support and I hope that we can get a run of results together this month that will see us climb towards safety.

Thanks for your support.

Stuart McLaren

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

We again showed our fighting and football qualities in the last encounter at Somerset Park but unfortunately were denied the three points as Ayr managed a very late equaliser.

STUART MCLAREN“


Lewis Martin scored with virtually the last kick of the ball to deny us our first home League 1 win of the season.

Allan Smith fired the Pars ahead just before half-time - four minutes after Lewis Coult had been sent off by referee Crawford Allan for what was deemed to be a dangerous tackle on Martin.

Captain Chris Smith headed the equaliser from a Craig Comrie corner on the hour mark and fellow central defender Craig Wedderburn scrambled home the second goal from close range with 11 minutes left.

We were set for a vital and deserved win until Martin blasted the ball home following a corner two minutes into stoppage time to break Albion hearts.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made just one change to the team that beat Stenhousemuir the previous week, with Coult in for Lewis Small, who has returned to Falkirk after his loan spell was cut short due to injury.

There was a welcome return to the squad for Ross Forsyth and new loan signing, Falkirk striker Scott Shepherd, was also listed among the subs. Darren Lee Smith, Steven Doris and Graham Weir remained on the injury list.

Dunfermline, who arrived at Forthbank on the back of just two wins in nine matches, gave a debut to former Forfar full-back Jim Paterson.

The visitors missed a couple of good early chances and there was another escape when Shaun Byrne lashed a shot narrowly over but we threatened

through a Phil Johnston drive that was well saved by Ryan Scully and a Ross McGeachie header that was cleared off the line.

Coult’s red card came in 38 minutes when he lunged in on Martin and Dunfermline soon took advantage - young striker Smith got in behind the defence and squeezed a low shot past Greg Paterson.

Stirling’s second-half performance was exceptional and you would never have known we were a man short. The attacking, passing football under McLaren has deserved a greater haul of points and it so nearly resulted in a memorable win here.

Chris Smith equalised on the hour mark with a precise header from Comrie’s corner for his second goal of the season - the other was at Hurlford in the Scottish Cup.

An unlikely comeback then looked to be completed by another unlikely scorer when Wedderburn did well to force the ball in from close range after Scully had been unable to hold on to a whipped free-kick from Angus Beith.

Shepherd had a glorious opportunity to seal the victory with a debut goal when sent clean through but Scully made a vital save.

When we survived an incredible scramble in stoppage time, a first win over the Pars since 2007 was looming but right at the end, and with keeper Scully forward for a corner, Scotland U19 defender Martin rescued a point for John Potter’s team.

MATCH REPORT

PatersonMcGeachie

CreaneyBeith

WedderburnC. Smith

Johnston (83)ComrieCoult

G. Smith (90)Cunningham (67)

Subs:ReidfordMcClune

Forsyth (90)Hamilton (83)

RobertsonFulton

Shepherd (67)

ScullyMillen

PatersonMartin

BuchananSpence (80)Falkingham

ByrneMoffat (74)

SmithForbes (63)

Subs:Gill

MercerGraham

Thomson (80)El Bakhtaoui (74)

O’KaneStirling (63)

DUNFERMLINE RESCUE LATE POINT THANKS TO MARTIN

2 STIRLING ALBIONC SMITH 60, WEDDERBURN 79

2 DUNFERMLINESMITH 42, MARTIN 90

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 10THJAN 2015

ATT: 1,152

LEFT:Lee Hamilton in action

PHOTO: Niels Bootsma

Peterhead came from behind to claim the points at a freezing Balmoor as we suffered our first defeat of 2015.

Defender Craig Wedderburn fired Albion in front just before half-time and Sandy Cunningham was denied by the woodwork early in the second period before Rory McAllister equalised from the penalty spot and Jamie Stevenson grabbed the winner two minutes later.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made just one change to the team that drew 2-2 with Dunfermline as on-loan Scott Shepherd replaced the suspended Lewis Coult, with Steven Doris, Graham Weir and Darren Lee Smith again ruled out through injury.

Albion were the better team in the first half and we played some nice football, with Gordon Smith going close and Chris Smith also denied by keeper Graeme Smith.

Peterhead’s more direct approach caused occasional problems and there was an escape when Ryan Strachan smacked a shot against the post following a corner.

The deadlock was broken four minutes before the interval. Craig Comrie picked out Shepherd

on the right flank and he beat a defender before crossing for Wedderburn to score from close range for the second week running.

We had a great chance to double our lead when Phil Johnston sent Cunningham clear but the 19-year-old was unlucky to see his shot hit the post and Shepherd couldn’t convert the rebound.

Peterhead had an effort disallowed for offside but we were looking fairly comfortable as the game entered the last 20 minutes.

That changed when referee Stephen Finnie awarded a penalty when David Cox went down in the box under a challenge from Ross McGeachie after Stevenson had hoisted a free-kick into the area.

McAllister easily converted the penalty and within a couple of minutes we were behind. The Peterhead striker seized on a slack pass from Angus Beith, outstanding since he joined on loan from Hearts, and that allowed ex-Morton man Stevenson to run clear and beat Greg Paterson with a good finish.

It was a turnaround that hadn’t looked likely but Jim McInally’s men protected their lead comfortably in the closing stages and were denied a third goal when the ball was cleared off the line.


MATCH REPORT

G. SmithKerr

NobleDonaldson (59)

RossCowie

StrachanRedman

McAllister (87)Stevenson

Cox (85)

Subs:JarvieTrialist

Rodgers (59)R. Smith (87)Brown (85)

PatersonMcGeachie

CreaneyBeith

WedderburnC. SmithJohnstonComrie

ShepherdG. Smith

Cunningham (58)

Subs:ReidfordMcCluneForsyth

HamiltonFobertsonFulton (58)

TWO IN TWO DEALS A BLOW TO ALBION RELEGATION HOPES

LEAGUEONE

SAT 17THJAN 2015

ATT: 566

LEFT:Lee Hamilton playing at Forthbank in another game


2 PETERHEADMCALLISTER PEN 73, STEVENSON 75

1 STIRLING ALBIONWEDDERBURN 41


Gavin Malin’s 38th-minute goal moved Forfar to within a point of leaders Stranraer as our wait for a first home win in League 1 went

on.Chris Smith was sent off just 60 seconds after

the interval and we struggled to create openings against a well-organised team.

Binos boss Stuart McLaren made one change to the team beaten 2-1 at Peterhead - new signing Kevin McKinlay made his debut at left-back in place of James Creaney, who was sidelined along with Steven Doris, Graham Weir, Darren Lee Smith and Lewis Coult (suspended).

After a cold week, the game went ahead after two pitch inspections but there was a flat feel to the first half, with neither side creating much, although the visitors always looked the more likely to score.

The deadlock was broken seven minutes before the break when Gavin Swankie made space on the left and cut the ball back for Malin and the ex-Spartans midfielder had a simple finish from close range.

Our hopes of a comeback suffered a major blow just after the break. Skipper Chris Smith challenged M a r t y n F o t h e r i n g h a m , who had latched on to a long ball, and referee Barry

Cook felt there was sufficient contact to award the free-kick and a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Forfar controlled most of the second half and lively winger Danny Denholm and Malin missed good chances to extend their lead.

Visiting keeper Rab Douglas was rarely called into action but the 42-year-old did well to clutch a powerful drive from Angus Beith in stoppage time.

MATCH REPORT

PatersonMcGeachieMcKinlay

BeithWedderburn

C. SmithJohnston (79)

ComrieShepherd (50)

G. SmithCunningham

Subs:ReidfordMcCluneForsythHerron

Hamilton (50)RobertsonPaton (79)

DouglasTravis

CampbellMalcolm

DodsYoung (90)Kader (70)

MalinFotheringham (79)

SwankieDenholm

Subs:SalmonSteevesDunlop

Husband (90)Templeman (70)

JamesDale (79)

HIGH-FLYING LOONS WIN NARROWLY AT FORTHBANK

0 STIRLING ALBION

1 FORFAR ATHLETICMALIN 38

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 24THJAN 2015

ATT: 571

LEFT:Steven Doris in action earlier this season


““

Forfar controlled most of the second half and lively

winger Danny Denholm and Malin missed good chances to

extend their lead.


Stranraer skipper Frank McKeown struck with just five minutes left as we went down to a narrow defeat to the League 1 leaders at

a windswept Stair Park.It was yet another frustrating afternoon for

the Binos - we turned in a good second-half performance and looked set for a vital point until McKeown forced the ball home with time running out as Stephen Aitken’s men moved two points clear at the summit.

Stirling remain six points behind Ayr and eight points adrift of Stenhousemuir.

Stuart McLaren made two changes to the side beaten 1-0 by Forfar for Albion’s journey to the south west corner of the country, where we lost 2-0 in September.

Lee Hamilton replaced suspended skipper

Chris Smith and Lewis Coult was handed a start, as on-loan Falkirk forward Scott Shepherd missed out with a virus. U20 players Chris Paton, Keiron Magennis and Jordan Sinclair were on the bench.

Stranraer were the better team in the first half and their direct approach might have paid dividends

had they been sharper in front of goal.

Albion were much better in the second period and almost took the lead when good work by Coult saw him set up Angus Beith but the on-

loan Hearts midfielder delayed his shot too long and winger Willie Gibson got back to make a last-ditch tackle.

Even then, a first clean sheet since the end of August was on the cards until central defender McKeown popped up to ensure more late heartbreak.

MATCH REPORT

MitchellPettigrewLongrideRumsby

McKeownAitken

GallagherStirling (62)

MalcolmLongworth (70)

Gibson (82)

Subs:Tobin

RussellRobertson

WinterBell (62)

Stoney (70)McShane (82)

PatersonHamilton

McKinlay (74)Beith (89)

McGeachieWedderburn

JohnstonComrieCoult

G. SmithCunningham

Subs:ReidfordSinclair

Forsyth (74)MagennisRobertsonPaton (89)

GONE WITH THE WIND AS MCKEOWN HEADS LATE WINNER

LEAGUEONE

SAT 31STJAN 2015

ATT: 387

LEFT:Beith, Cunningham and Doris standing over the ball in another game


1 STRANRAERMCKEOWN 85

0 STIRLING ALBION

“

“

A first clean sheet since the end of August was on

the cards until central defender McKeown

popped up to ensure more late heartbreak.


DC: The team still sit bottom of the table, but a lot of people have praised the club with a series of improved performances over the past couple of months. Is that a fair statement to make?

WR: Yes I think the team has improved but at the end of the day we need to win games and

pick points up. That’s the only way you stay up in leagues

What can the team do to turn these good performances into results?

We need to improve on concentrating in the

THE LOCKER ROOM

STIRLING’S WILLIE ROBERTSON CAUGHT UP WITH EDITOR DAVID CHALMERS TO SPEAK ABOUT THE THIS SEASON SO FAR


last 10 minutes of a game. Too much through the season we have gave too many goals away.

Late goals seem to be a weakness in the team, what’s it like to drop points like that?

It’s a terrible feeling working your socks off for 80 minutes and losing a game.

You obviously joined the club directly from rivals Alloa. Did you get any stick from your former teammates?

No, not really; they were a great bunch of lads and we still keep in touch. I would have got stick if we beat them at the start of the season!

You’ve made 14 appearances so far; do you feel you’ve been able to show your qualities yet or are we still to see the best from yourself?

I feel I was doing well until getting sent off twice. I’ve now learned as a player to keep my calm and not get involved. I think it was better for me to learn by it now than later.

You’ve yet to make an appearance in 2015, but I’m sure you’re knocking on the gaffer’s door to get an opportunity?

I was banned for three games then was ill when coming back. I’ve not had much game time but that’s credit to the two midfielders

that are playing well. If you have the jersey and you keep it that’s fair enough. Hopefully I can come back in the team soon to play well again.

There’s been so many departures from the club this season; first the manager, then a number of players throughout. Has it been difficult to adjust to an ever-changing squad?

That’s the gaffers decision for players to leave and come in. As a team we just have to come in and learn the way the gaffers wanting to play and hopefully improve and pick points up.

The team has an extremely important game against Ayr today; what kind of challenge do the away team bring to Forthbank? Is it a fight between these two for the drop or do Stenhousemuir still have a lot to worry about?

Today’s game is massive and I think we need to take the three points out of the game. What’s good in this league is that anyone can beat anyone which is shown in other teams results. I’m sure we will be fine.

The games don’t get any easier with Brechin and the re-scheduled Morton game coming up. Are there any priorities or is it a case of taking each game as it comes?

When you are in our position in the league you’ve got to just take game by game and focus on your next opponents. You can’t get to ahead of yourself or carried away.

THE LOCKER ROOM

“

“

I just have to keep my head down and working hard in training and see what happens. Everyone wants to be playing and I’m no different.

WILLIE ROBERTSON


BEN RAMAGE

The Binos first game of February couldn’t be more vital. With last week’s trip to Morton’s Cappielow Park called off due to a frozen

pitch, the visit of Ayr has taken on new importance as Stirling aim to climb off the bottom spot. The gap between ourselves and the Honest Men remains at six points, and with the visitors still having a game in hand a positive result couldn’t be more important. Ayr’s game last week against Airdrie also fell victim to the freezing weather, and they will be determined to maintain or extend their reasonable margin that sees them sitting above bottom spot.

Ayr ran out 3 - 1 winners on their last visit to the Forthbank, but have struggled throughout the season and since replaced then manager Mark Roberts with the vastly experienced Ian McCall last month. He has overseen a reasonable return to form, with two draws and two losses in his first four games. While that does not signify electrifying form, Ayr had lost seven of their previous eight games before his appointment and he certainly seems to have steadied the ship at least before this crunch game. The former Dundee United manager has also used his influence in the transfer market already, having snapped up his former Arab David

Robertson. The 28-year old midfielder has joined the Honest Men after his release from cash-strapped Livingston, and his Scottish Premier League experience could prove imperative in Ayr’s quest for survival. McCall has also added young Scottish prospect Jordan Preston on loan, the strong 19-year old striker arriving from Blackburn Rovers for the rest of the season.

Goals have been hard to come by for Ayr’s strikers this season, and the gaffer will be hoping that Preston can strike up a formidable partnership with former Hearts striker Craig Beattie. The Former Jambo is another powerful centre-forward and he will be hoping to cause the Binos defence problems, as he aims to add to his meagre tally of four league goals this season. The West Coast club lost their key forward Micheal Moffat over the summer and his replacement Ryan Donnelly, who signed from Albion Rovers, has so far been unable to replicate the departed goalscorer’s terrific form which sealed him a move to Dunfermline. Experience so often tells during relegations battles, though, and the appointment of Ian McCall and signing of Robertson could well prove to be the turning point for Ayr this season.

The Binos will be hoping that the resurgence waits until after their visit to the Forthbank though, if not all season, as we ourselves battle relegation.

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. AYR UNITED

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 14THFEBRUARY, 2015

3:00 KICK-OFF

FORTHBANK STADIUM

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


FIXTURES SQUAD LIST

STIRLING ALBION vs AYR UNITEDFEB 14th | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

PETERHEAD vs AYR UNITEDFEB 21st | LEAGUE ONE | BALMOOR

Stirling were on course for a fantastic away victory the last time the sides clashed at Somerset Park in December, before they were cruelly denied in the dying moments. Alan Forrest had opened the scoring for Ayr at the start of the second half, before Steven Doris equalised shortly after with a superb 25-yard free-kick that found the top corner. Doris then struck another beauty which gave the Bino’s an all-important lead.

The Bino’s hopes for a rare away victory were harshly dashed though when former Scotland international Craig Beattie received a free-kick in the 90th minute and showed all his experience and composure to coolly slot home the equaliser. The Albion will be hoping to hang on better to any lead in this hugely important clash.

2 AYR UNITEDFORREST 54, BEATTIE 90

2 STIRLING ALBIONDORIS 66, 80

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 20THDEC 2014

ATT: 880

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERALAN FORRESTWhile David Robertson represents something of a coup for Ayr, it is flying winger Alan Forrest who has been this shining light for the Honest Men so far this season. Younger brother of Celtic and Scotland forward James, 18-year old Forrest has notched seven goals already this season, nearly matching his total tally of eight last season. Alan shares much of his brother’s style of play, a pacy and clever winger who has a knack for finding space inside the box. The Bino’s defence will have to be very wary of his incisive runs from out wide.

THE GAFFERIAN MCCALLMcCall started his managerial career at Clydebank, before spells at Greenock Morton, Airdrieonians and Falkirk. His performance their landed him the top spot at Dundee United, and he led them to a top-six finish in his first season. He then managed Queen of the South and Partick Thistle, before his three year break from management which ended last month with his arrival at Somerset Park. Ian was a talented midfielder in his playing days, earning an impressive £250,000 move to Rangers back in 1987 from Dunfermline. He also played for Bradford City, Dundee and Falkirk before moving into management.

AYR UNITED vs FORFAR ATHLETICFEB 28TH | LEAGUE ONE | SOMERSET

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

Stirling welcome Brechin City to Forthbank the week after the match with Ayr United in what is a rare home double-header.

Often the fixture list sorts out a home-away-home-away schedule but now and then teams get the luxury of home comforts and Binos boss Stuart McLaren will be looking to use that home support to gain some points in the ever important relegation struggle.

The last time Ray McKinnon’s side came to Forthbank, the sides were separated by a single point; now there are 22 points and five teams in between.

At the time of writing, the City occupy the last promotion play-off spot with just 21 games played; only Peterhead have played as few games with the majority of the league on 23 games played. This is of course due to the postponed matches against Dunfermline Athletic and Peterhead with Glebe Park feeling the cold on the both occasions.

In Alan Trouten, the visitors have the league’s joint top goal-scorer with 10 goals to his name thus far. The experienced midfielder was voted into the SFL Second Division Team of the Year in the 2012/13

season and has enjoyed his best spell in his career since joining the team. 38 goals in 68 games is the mark of a striker, and at 29 Trouten exudes both quality and experience in abundance.

McKinnon will have been pleased with his side’s efforts against Falkirk in the cup as only a late David Smith winner saw the Bairns avoid a replay against the League One side after Alan Trouten’s penalty levelled proceedings.

Jamie Bain was the enemy when he rescued a point for Airdrieonians in Brechin’s last league fixture and it was that man Trouten again who had opened the scoring initially.

Dundee loaned young striker Craig Wighton to the side and he made an instant impact when he bagged a brace against Stranraer in a 2-0 victory.

Paul McLean earned the plaudits for scoring and setting up the goals in the narrow 2-1 win over Ayr United which took his team into the play-off positions. After opening the scoring he then put it on a plate for Robert Thomson to fire home. Alan Forrest got a late consolation goal for the visitors.

Before the Falkirk defeat, the City had been unbeaten in 14 games and it would be fair to say that this match represents an incredibly tough challenge, but one that the Albion squad must relish.

MATCH PREVIEW

STIRLING ALBION VS. BRECHIN CITY

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 21STFEBRUARY, 2015

15:00 KO

FORTHBANK STADIUM

BRECHIN CITY FACTFILEFOUNDED: 1906 NICKNAME: THE CITY STADIUM: GLEBE PARK CAPACITY: 3,960 CURRENT MANAGER: RAY MCKINNON


FIXTURES SQUAD LIST

BRECHIN CITY vs GREENOCK MORTONFEB 14th | LEAGUE ONE | GLEBE PARK

STIRLING ALBION vs BRECHIN CITYFEB 21st | LEAGUE ONE | FORTHBANK

DUNFERMLINE vs BRECHIN CITYFEB 28th | LEAGUE ONE | EAST END PARK

Albion endured a frustrating night at Glebe Park in Stuart McLaren’s first League 1 game in charge as 10-man Brechin claimed the spoils.

We were made to pay for missing some good first-half chances when Robert Thomson fired City ahead after 27 minutes.

Ray McKinnon’s side had defender Colin Hamilton sent off for handball seven minutes after the interval but Gordon Smith saw his kick saved by Graeme Smith.

Within three minutes, substitute Paul McLean doubled Brechin’s lead with a fine header and they held on despite Graham Weir pulling one back late on with an accurate downward header for his first goal of the season.

Gordon Smith and Sandy Cunningham both had great chances to give us the lead but City keeper Smith made two vital saves and we were punished when Thomson gathered a deep cross from the left and cracked a low drive across Callum Reidford and into the far corner.

We should have equalised early in the second half when Hamilton saw red for handling after Graeme Smith had done well to deny Steven Doris from close range but Gordon Smith’s spot-kick was saved.

McLean headed the hosts further in front following a cross from the right and Brechin defended well until Weir gave us hope, but we couldn’t find an equaliser.

2 BRECHIN CITYTHOMSON 27, MCLEAN 56

1 STIRLING ALBIONWEIR 85

LEAGUE ONE

TUE 11THNOV 2014

ATT: 408

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERALAN TROUTENBrechin’s man between the sticks is an integral part of Ray McKinnon’s squad after joining the club in 2013.

A talented goalkeeper, Smith was called up to the Scotland side while he was number one at Motherwell in a team that qualified for the UEFA Cup. Having come through the youth ranks at Rangers, he also went on to play for Brighton and Hove Albion, Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Hibernian and an intriguing spell abroad at Azerbaijan side Gabala under former Arsenal stalwart Tony Adams’ tutelage. There could be up to five Smith’s on the pitch.

THE GAFFERRAY MCKINNONRay McKinnon took over Brechin in the summer of 2012 and has been in charge of The City ever since. The 44-year-old had been in charge of Juniors side Lochee United before that and also operated in a technical role for the Scottish Football Association.

A former player, McKinnon represented the Binos in 2000 while on trial. A growing reputation must be giving the young manager aspirations away from Brechin City, but first he must attempt to gain promotion to the Championship during the current campaign.

Goalkeepers:Patrick O’NeilGraeme SmithBen Tough

Defenders:Colin HamiltonSteven JacksonDarren McCormackGerry McLauchlan

Paul McLeanEwan McNeil

Midfielders:Bobby BarrGreg CameronRyan FergusonGary FuscoCraig MolloyCallum Tapping

Alan TroutenCraig Storie

Forwards:Andy JacksonRobert ThomsonCraig Wighton

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DAVID CHALMERS

Gary Bollan’s Airdrieonians side welcome Stirling Albion to New Broomfield, otherwise known as the Excelsior Stadium, sitting just about

comfortably enough ahead of the relegation battle.With 13 games to go, the club sit on 27 points from

23 games and a goal difference of +1. While not many are predicting the Binos to claw their way off the bottom, beating the teams nearest them is the best possible start.

More likely a three-way battle between Stenhousemuir, Ayr United and the Albion, Bollan will surely want to put to bed any notion of his squad going down.

His team are the king of draws with an incredible nine one-pointers; the most in the league. Their last three fixtures have all ended evenly. First there was the 2-2 draw with Dunfermline at East End Park with the Pars pegging it back twice. Jim Lister opened the

scoring for the Diamonds before Scott Stewart dragged down Allan Smith for a penalty in which Ross Millen converted. Liam Watt’s corner found Bryan Gilfillan’s head to regain the lead but Michael Moffat ruined the party with his first goal since September 2014.

It was late drama at both ends in the 1-1 draw with table-toppers Stranraer as Jon McShane headed

his side in front with just three minutes remaining of r e g u l a t i o n time. However, Jim Lister had other ideas and equalised just two minutes later to gain a

valuable point.Against Brechin it was again Airdrieonians who

had to come from behind to claim a draw with Jamie Bain the scorer after Brechin’s Alan Trouten opened proceedings.

Their last win came against Morton in early January and the last meeting between these two ended in a draw; it wouldn’t be surprising if this one did as well.

MATCH PREVIEW

AIRDRIEONIANS VS. STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 28THFEBRUARY, 2015

3:00 KICK-OFF

NEW BROOMFIELD

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

““

Their last win came against Morton in early January and the last meeting between these two ended in a draw; it wouldn’t be

surprising if this one did as well.


FIXTURES SQUAD LIST

AIRDRIEONIANS vs FORFAR ATHLETICFEB 14th | LEAGUE ONE | BROOMFIELD

STENHOUSEMUIR vs AIRDRIEONIANSFEB 21st | LEAGUE ONE | OCHILVIEW

AIRDRIEONIANS vs STIRLING ALBIONFEB 28th | LEAGUE ONE | BROOMFIELD

A spectacular strike from Dale Fulton and Gordon Smith’s seventh goal of the season were cancelled out by Scott Fraser and Marc Fitzpatrick as Gary Bollan’s men twice hit back to earn a deserved draw.

Chances were scarce in the opening stages but we took the lead in 20 minutes when Fulton smashed home a superb 25-yard shot via the underside of the bar after good work by Steven Doris.

It was only our second first-half goal of the season and we led at the interval for the first time thanks to a couple of good stops by Callum Reidford as Airdrie rallied.

Doris cracked an 18-yarder off the top of the bar at the start of the second half before the Diamonds equalised in 57 minutes.

On-loan Dundee United midfielder Fraser swung in a free-kick from wide on the left and the ball eluded everyone and ended up in the net.

Reidford made a crucial stop to deny Scott Gray as Airdrie enjoyed a good spell but we were back in front with five minutes left when Gordon Smith did well to turn a Fulton corner past Andy McNeil.

The visitors were not to be denied, though, and extended their good run to just one defeat in six games when Marc Fitzpatrick lashed the ball home from close range after Reidford had made a superb save to keep out a header from a corner.

2 STIRLING ALBIONFULTON 20, SMITH 85

2 AIRDRIEONIANSFRASER 57, FITZPATRICK 87

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 21STOCT 2014

ATT: 847

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERJIM LISTERJourneyman Jim Lister joined the Diamonds last campaign and was the catalyst for Gary Bollan as the side went on a great run of form, saving them from the grasp of relegation and putting them into mid-table.

With seven goals to his name, and three in his last five games, it’s looking likely the forward will beat last season’s tally of nine. Lister was voted Player of the Year for Airdrieonians last season and he won the same award for Dumbarton in the year prior to his move. That campaign, he scored 12 goals in 34 games for The Sons in the First Division. A major threat.

THE GAFFERGARY BOLLANBollan joined Airdrieonians as manager in 2013 in his second managerial position, following on from a three-year stint as Livingston’s main man.

At Livingston, he performed remarkably, winning both the Third Division and the Second Division in successive years. The club relieved him of his duties, citing his failure to bring through the youth players, but he left with a 60% win ratio, something few managers can boast.

Bollan saved Airdrieonians season last year, taking them from bottom of the league to sixth place in a great end of season run of form.

Goalkeepers:Andy McNeil

Defenders:Chris O’NeilMarc FitzpatrickJamie BainPaddy BoyleLuca GasparottoLiam Lindsay

Midfielders:Scott GrayNathan BlockleyLiam WattNicky CaddenAiden WardScott StewartJordan MortonScott FraserRoss DochertyBryan Gilfillan

Forwards:Jim ListerKyle RichfordJohn BoyleJack KirwanBryan Prunty


DAVID CHALMERS

Stuart McLaren and his side travel to Renfrewshire in March to try and exact revenge on Greenock Morton after succumbing to a 4-3

loss in late December.After going up 3-1 and looking like delivering a late

Christmas present to the attending fans, the game was turned on its head by the Ton and on-loan Aberdeen forward Declan McManus declared his quality for all to see with a brace before returning to the Dons briefly.

What Stirling could have done with Declan McManus up front after squandering a series of chances; the Binos could have scored five or six, but failed to do so. The travelling Ton fans were screaming for Jim Duffy’s head, but before too long they were screaming off their own head’s when they stole the victory at Forthbank.

Since that day at Forthbank, Morton seem to have found their groove again and they have three wins in their last four games. They kicked off 2015 with a loss to Airdrieonians after experienced striker Jim Lister put the Diamonds ahead and then they shut up shop to keep the narrow scoreline. Three goals in 10 minutes agains Stenhousemuir meant that they ended up the victors in 3-2 win. League One top scorer Colin McMenamin scored a brace but the goals from Stefan

M c C l u s k e y , Thomas O’Ware and Ross Caldwell were enough to seal the points.

P e t e r M a c D o n a l d ’ s return to the ’Ton has been vital as he earned a point against Ayr United, doubled his side’s lead in

a 2-0 win over Dunfermline and then the impressive late winner over Forfar on the last day of January. Rejuvinated and with McManus and MacDonald on the books, they will test the Binos defence.

MATCH PREVIEW

GREENOCK MORTON VS. STIRLING ALBION

LEAGUE ONE

TUE 3RDMARCH 2015

19:30 KO

CAPPIELOWPARK

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

“

“

Peter MacDonald’s return to the ‘Ton has been vital as he earned

a point against Ayr United, doubled his side’s lead in a 2-0 win over Dunfermline and then the impressive late winner over

Forfar on the last day of January.


FIXTURESGoalkeepers: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

SQUAD LIST

BRECHIN CITY vs GREENOCK MORTONFEB 14th | LEAGUE ONE | GLEBE PARK

GREENOCK MORTON vs STRANRERFEB 21st | LEAGUE ONE | CAPPIELOW

PETERHEAD vs GREENOCK MORTONFEB 28th | LEAGUE ONE | BALMOOR

Three goals in a six-minute spell late in the game earned Morton a dramatic victory at Fortbank. Stirling looked on course for a first home league win of 2014/15 as we led 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining but Jim Duffy’s men came storming back and we had keeper Callum Reidford sent off in stoppage time for a foul on Joe McKee. Striker Lewis Coult took over between the posts on his return after two months out and denied Declan McManus his hat-trick with a fine penalty save but the damage had already been done.

Sandy Cunningham headed us in front from a Ross McGeachie cross, out-jumping keeper Derek Gaston to loop the ball under the crossbar after only three minutes, but McKee equalised when he thundered a 25-yarder into the bottom corner.

McGeachie restored our advantage with a terrific angled finish after good work by Phil Johnston but Morton came close to a leveller when McManus rattled the post.

Johnston missed a great chance early in the second half before on-loan Hearts midfielder Angus Beith found the corner with a powerful free-kick from the edge of the area to make it 3-1 on the hour mark.

Comrie almost added a fourth goal at the end of a superb passage of play but Morton, in particular McManus, always looked a threat and the on-loan Aberdeen forward made space in the box to fire a low shot beyond Reidford and give the visitors hope.

It was a pivotal moment in the game and within six minutes we were behind. Wedderburn diverted a Mark Russell shot into his own net then McManus lashed a 20-yarder beyond Reidford as Morton completed a remarkable comeback.

3 STIRLING ALBIONCUNNINGHAM 3, MCGEACHIE 30, BEITH 59

4 GREENOCK MORTONMCKEE 28, MCMANUS 75, 81, WEDDERBURN OG 79

LEAGUE ONE

SAT 27THDEC 2014

ATT: 931

LAST TIME

KEY PLAYERDECLAN MCMANUSMcManus rejoined parent club Aberdeen after scoring 12 goals in 21 starts for the ‘Ton, however following further discussions the striker was allowed to rejoin the club on loan until the end of the season, enhancing the team’s promotion hopes.

An integral cog in their season already, McManus’ return must be a massive boost to the dressing room and he clearly possesses loads of talent and is likely to be a squad player for the Dons next season. Potentally a future Premiership starter.

THE GAFFERJIM DUFFYDuffy, 55, signed a two year contract in May to take over control of the Ton, who were in freefall after Kenny Shiels struggles in Inverclyde. The Glaswegian joined after a three year spell at Clyde, having previously managed Hibernian, Dundee and Falkirk. 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. Duffy then moved on to Dundee, and also played for Partick Thistle.


PHOTOS

GIRLS PROGRAMME

The girls programme is really beginning to take off with the girls being involved in their first tournament as a full team from Stirling in January. The girls took part in an under 11s indoor festival at Coasters in Falkirk and performed very well on the day! Pictured are the girls at the tournament and collecting their medals. Well done girls!!!

We are always looking for more girls to join our ever expanding programme that is run in partnership with Central Girls Academy. The training nights are 6-7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays with tournaments taking place at weekends. If you are interested in finding out more please get in touch with me via the email address below.

START-UP STIRLING

As many of you will be aware, we recently took donations of non-perishable foodstuffs and other essentials in at the club to donate to local charity Start-up Stirling. We are also holding a collection at the game against Ayr on Saturday the 14th February.

Manager Stuart McLaren and first team players Lee

Hamilton, Sandy Cunningham and Ross McGeachie went along to Start-up Stirling with myself, Stephen Al-Sayed and a few of our junior academy players to drop off the donations. We were shown around their warehouse and given an insight into how they work and just how in demand and important the work they do is.

We were delighted to be able to help as a club and thank all the supporters and members of the public who kindly donated. We hope to continue this link with Start-up Stirling and more information can be found within the community pages of this months’ magazine.

QUALITY MARK

The Stirling Albion Junior Academy recently received their re-accreditation award for the Scottish FA’s Quality Mark award scheme. The Quality Mark scheme has been running for a number of years now and recognises clubs

for the activity and opportunities they provide kids, for their good practice and overall structure.

There are a number of levels to the Quality Mark and the Junior Academy were delighted to be re-accredited with the Standard award. We are aiming to have the next level, the Development Award, very soon.


COMMUNITY CORNER

F E B .2015

Central Girls Academy were also being awarded with their Standard Award. Well done to them and the other clubs throughout the region who were collecting awards. Pictured with myself is Nicola Howieson, the chair of the Junior Academy, collecting our award

WEEKLY CLASSES RETURN FOR 2015!! BOOK NOW!!

As always, our weekly classes are running through various venues around Stirling. The classes, run with our partners at Active Stirling, include “Mini Kickers” classes for 3-4 year olds, “Play the Game” centres for children aged between 5 and 12 and a goalkeeping class for children aged 8-14.

The classes provide a fun and enjoyable environment

for children to practice their football skills, play plenty of games and meet new friends! There is a wide range of days and venues available.All the information on venues, days and times can be found at www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/community/class-details/ or www.activestirling.org.uk. Bookings can be made via Active Stirling on 03000 280 101 or 01786 273 555.

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 / FEBRUARY 2015 / WWW.STIRLINGALBIONFC.CO.UK

COMMUNITY CORNER


----------------------------

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

CROSSWORDCHALLENGE:WORDS TO BE FOUND:IVORY COASTALGERIACAMEROONCONGOGHANASOUTH AFRICATUNISIA

Look out for diagonal words and words written backwards!

AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS QUIZ:1. WHICH TEAM WON THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS 2015?

2. WHICH TEAM CAME RUNNERS UP IN 2015?

3. AFTER FINISHING WITH AN IDENTICAL RECORD IN THE GROUP STAGE, HOW WAS IT DECIDED WHO WOULD GO THROUGH BETWEEN GUINEA AND MALI?

4. WHERE WAS THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS HELD IN 2015?

5. THE FINAL WAS DECIDED ON PENALTIES,

WHAT WAS THE SCORE ON PENALTIES?

G CF P UL S D I AA D S WEI AF W RV F U C TV A L IMZ OM T DP K O O TI W R EHP ZO U US R R D QE V Z FIC FX D YF F N G XY Z F LSO MK C AF P Z N MO W T OCF WU H TO O V O LA B M PSX AR E BT A C I RA I B YZS UK U XI A I O RI E I ZCO CT A IO C U A BV E R OMA SS S MH D O F FX Q A RGC JD M DI D P B ON N L CRY NL N AA H G G HA E J ADU XO S XX A L M OS V N ULT HT L UJ N X I MF L F JM


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’re delighted to kick off our involvement with the Club with the bucket-collection at the Ayr game, and all funds raised will go towards our work with local people who are in crisis.What we do:Run 3 Crisis Food Banks each week 1,500 people, including 400 children, received food from our Crisis Food Banks in 2014 51,000 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 DAVID WESTWOOD GREG PATERSON

CALLUM REIDFORD LEE HAMILTON KEVIN McKINLAY CHRIS SMITH

CRAIG WEDDERBURN ROSS FORSYTH ROSS McGEACHIE PHIL JOHNSTON

GOALKEEPER

DEFENCEGOALKEEPER

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 STEVEN DORIS LEWIS COULT GORDON SMITH

SANDY CUNNINGHAM SCOTT SHEPHERD 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

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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

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

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The Albion - February 2015

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Transcript of The Albion - February 2015