22^nd February 1997. A wet cold day at Boghead (naturally). The game was petering out to a dull 1-1 draw and with five minutes to go some fans were shuffling towards the exit when the ball broke to the Stirling Albion right back twenty yards from the Clydebank goal. He took a couple of strides along the wet uneven surface, steadied himself, and lashed the ball into the top left hand corner of the net.

With the justifiable excitement and anticipation that has come with recent events at Forthbank, the departure of Andy Paterson to Stranraer has slipped by with little comment. While it is important to look forward to the new season, Twist And Shout believes it would be wrong to allow such a great servant to the club leave without some form of tribute.

Andy (Lower Left) celebrates with the rest of his 95/96 Division Two Championship
winning team-mates

  Andy was brought to the club from Saint Mirren by Kevin Drinkell at the start of the 1994-95 season. He made his debut as a substitute in a 2-0 home win against Morton in September and from that moment was an ever present member of the team. Along with Gary Paterson, Ronnie McQuilter and Paul Deas, Andy formed what many fans will regard as the best back four ever fielded by the Albion. Andy began his career at Bristol City in 1992, but failed to make much of an impression and moved to Saint Mirren in February 1993 but again could not manage to hold down a regular first team place. However, he proved to be one of Kevin Drinkell's most astute signings and quickly made the right back slot his own, eventually notching up 240 appearances for the club and scoring 10 goals.

  Consistently popular with the supporters - who were impressed with his loyalty to the club and never failing commitment on the field - Andy must surely rank as one of the best players of recent times. Solid in defence, skillful coming forward and accurate in passing, he will, however, be best remembered for his explosive shooting, particularly from free kicks anywhere near to the penalty area; his opener in the 6-2 win against Kilmarnock being the perfect example.

"we beat the Killie 6-2, what was the score with you"

  It is probably fair to say that the last two seasons did not see Andy at his best - he was often asked to play in a midfield  position that clearly did not suit him - however his loyalty to the team and fans was never in any doubt. The disappointments of the last two years obviously hurt him as much as the support. His place as one of the true Albion greats is beyond question. On behalf of all Albion fans, Twist and Shout wish him well in his new career at Stair Park. But let's just pray that we don't give away any free kicks close to goal when we play Stranraer next season!