Programme notes from Saturday’s game against Strathspey Thistle
I extend a very warm welcome to the Directors, Management, players and supporters of Strathspey Thistle for this afternoon’s Scottish Cup 2nd Round match. When we last met; a pre-season friendly at Seafield Park, Grantown-on-Spey, on the evening of Friday 20th July 2012, the hospitality extended to us by Strathspey’s officials was second to none and I welcome the opportunity to return the compliment. A repeat of the result that evening (4-0) will do very nicely, although I’ve no doubt that the Jag’s Manager, Gordon Nicolson, will have spent the week preparing his players with a Cup shock very much in mind!
Some recent very sad news was the passing of former Stirling Albion Director, John Smith. John’s contribution to Stirling Albion and indeed Scottish Football was immense and everyone at Stirling Albion extends their thoughts and sympathies to his family, including another former Stirling Albion stalwart, his brother Alex, now retired and living in Australia.
Not much to report on the playing front with no game last week but the good news is the injury list has had a full fortnight to reduce in length. Today’s team selection will undoubtedly reveal the extent of the shortening!
Back in the Boardroom, I’m delighted to report that we are very close to being able to formally announce the appointment of two new Board members. Just a couple of i’s to be dotted and t’s to be crossed before doing so but I can reveal that they will take the lead for a specific area of responsibility; namely, Business Development and Community Engagement.
Congratulations to the coaches and players of our Youth Development U/18’s on their recent defeat of Spartans in the Scottish Youth Cup. The draw for the next round sees them travel to Dumfries to take on Queen of the South on Sunday 27 October. Fingers crossed for another win and progression to round three.
A busy time coming up before the end of October on the Forthbank Pitch, with three UEFA U/17 Qualifying matches in the space of a week, all featuring Scotland and slotted in between is our next home game on the 26th versus Cowdenbeath. A challenging time for Graeme Glen but one I’m sure he’ll rise to and pass with flying colours!
Thank you for your continuing support; there is no hiding from the fact that the first quarter of our league programme has fallen well short of everyone’s expectations but I remain confident that we are heading in the right direction, perhaps not yet in terms of league position but most certainly in respect of performance.
C’mon the Binos!
Stuart Brown
Chairman
