NEWS OF FORMER REDS

Former Stirling Albion players and managers

OCTOBER 2003

Tadg Moriarty scored Edinburgh City’s 6th goal in their demolition of Gala Fairydean two weeks ago.  The result gained the Meadowbank side entry to the Scottish Cup proper .. . Chris Templeman has dropped out of Brechin’s starting line-up for recent games . . . Les Fridge has been appointed goalkeeping coach to Ross County where he will continue to be back-up keeper . . . Alex Smith will have been delighted with his team’s 7-1 win away to Raith Rovers last week . . . Mark Crilly was ordered off playing for St Mirren against Queen of the South two weeks ago . . . Airdrie’s Mark McGeown is now in his 15th season as a first choice keeper . . . Alex Williams came of the bench to score Morton’s equaliser against Hamilton two weeks ago . . . Craig Feroz is getting back to full fitness and was reported to be Bathgate’s Man of the Match against Linlithgow recently . . . Chris Wood’s season has barely started at Linlithgow due to injury.  Gary Higgins has been bagging the occasional goal for the West Lothian side . . . Andy Storrar was on target for Fauldhouse at Musselburgh recently . . . Alan Aitken has got the senior scouts taking an interest in him thanks to his recent scoring record for Rosyth Recreation . . .

Neil Bennett (the goalkeeping variety), who played for Albion pre-season, was on the bench for Albion Rovers recently.  Neil was formerly with Airdrie and Barrow . . . Paul Mortimer is back in the East Fife side after a spell out through injury . . . Ronnie McQuilter has signed for Stenhousemuir following his release by Gretna . . . Stevie Nicholas appeared as a trialist for East Fife against Dumbarton last weekend . . . Andy Whiteford and Todd Lumsden formed the heart of Hamilton’s defence as they went down 4-3 at home to Alloa last weekend . . .

SEPTEMBER 2003

Kevin Thomas, former Hearts and St Johnstone winger who had a spell on loan to Albion in 1997/8, is now with Bo’ness United. The Bus have also signed goalkeper Mark Cairns who was reported to have signed for us during the close season although those reports were premature . . . Paul Roberts is still scoring goals but is now with Lanark United. His double for the Binos against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup at McDiarmid Park remains a great 1990s memory . . . Gregor McKechnie struck Sauchie’s winner at Dunbar a few weeks ago but Willie Irvine’s side have made a poor start to the league campaign . . . Former manager Alex Smith’s Ross County side now lead the way in Division One . . . Hugh Davidson scored Forfar’s first goal in the recent match against Morton . . . Alex Williams has been on the bench in Morton’s recent fixtures . . . Eddie Forrest has been featuring regularly for Premier Division Partick Thistle . . . Paul Mortimer is recovering from injury and was able to take his place on the bench for Airdrie last week . . .

Stevie Mallan has signed for Stenhousemuir. He made his debut against Alloa recently, coming on as a sub in the 66th minute. By the 75th he had been booked for unsporting behaviour. Quelle surprise. He scored his first goal for Stennie in their 2-0 win over Ray Stewart’s Forfar Athletic . . . Stevie Nicholas turned down offers from Gretna, East Fife and Cowdenbeath before heading down south on a week’s trial at Hartlepool . . . Iain Turner was included in the Everton travelling party for the visit to Highbury recently and was then on the bench for the match with Liverpool at Goodison Park . . . Goran Zujovic spent last season playing in the German 4th Division . . . Ian Joy is back in the UK with Chester City after a spell in MLS at Columbus . . . Alan Aitken netted a double for Rosyth Recreation against St Andrews last week . . . Anton Nugent has signed up with Petershill Juniors . . . Alan McDermott, the former Manchester United, Hamilton, Arbroath and Partick defender who played in several of our pre-season matches, has signed for Cumnock . . . Pat Clark is reported to be on the brink of a move from Shotts Bon Accord to Stonehouse Violet . . . Kevin McCallion has rejoined Stonehouse this season and scored one of their goals in a 2-1 win over Royal Albert . . . Paul McAneny scored one of Auchinleck Talbot’s goals in their recent 6-1 win over Muirkirk . . . Another of our pre-season trialists, Stuart Cringean, scored for Camelon recently but while playing for Linlithgow Rose . . . Our contacts tell us that Craig Feroz has been desperately disappointing for Bathgate Thistle in their early East Super League fixtures this season . . . Steve Laidlaw and Lee Bailey netted Bonnyrigg’s goals as they went down 3-2 to Fauldhouse in the Quarter Final of the East League Cup . . .

AUGUST 2003

Ex-Binos in action on the opening day of season 2003/4 around the country were as follows : Ross County - Les Fridge; Brechin - Paul Deas, Chris Templeman; QOS - Joe McAlpine; St Mirren - Mark Crilly, Robert Dunn; Dumbarton - Mark Bradley; Arbroath - Steve Kerrigan; Berwick - Neil Bennett; East Fife - Paul Mortimer; Stennie - Kevin Gaughan; Hamilton - Todd Lumsden, Andy Whiteford; Forfar - Hugh Davidson; Morton - Alex Williams; Airdrie - Mark McGeown; Albion Rovers - Peter Cormack, Andy Paterson; Shire - Dougie Polwart, Scott Livingstone; Queen’s Park - Steven Reilly, Ally Graham; Peterhead - Robbie Raeside, Kevin Bain; Cowdenbeath - Ian Morris. Meanwhile Ray McKinnon has joined East Super League side Lochee United . . . Jamie Dunbar, our pre-season trialist, has been playing with Cumnock since then . . . Craig Feroz has joined East Superleage side Bathgate Thistle . . . Two more of our pre-season trialists, Gregg Watson and Stuart Cringean, have signed for Linlithgow Rose . . . Another ex-Albion trialist from a couple of years ago, central defender Ian Davies, has returned to Kilsyth Rangers from Camelon Juniors . . . Gary McCutcheon and Colin Waldie, who featured as trialists in recent Albion friendlies, were both in good form for Berwick last week. Waldie has signed for the Shielfield side and McCutcheon did his prospects no harm with two goals in their 3-1 win over Hamilton Accies . . .

Stevie Nicholas spent a week training with Swansea City last month. He played part of a friendly match away to Port Talbot, which the Swans won 6-0. However, it seemed unlikely that The Swans would pursue their interest in the player. Stevie was subsequently training with Falkirk, but also turned out for Sauchie Juniors in their recent friendly against Dunipace . . . Kenny McLellan has now signed up for Linlithgow Rose. He hopes to go the USA on a soccer scholarship at the end of next season. He got his Linlithgow career off to a great start with 2 goals on his debut against Tayport in the Super Cup . . . Davie Flynn is now the Coach of Linlithgow Rose . . .

Gareth Munro was training with Premier League Partick Thistle during the Summer. However, a week past Sunday he was trialing for Dumbarton Reserves in their friendly at Sauchie. Also playing for Dumbarton that day was Brendan Crozier who has returned from a spell in Thailand . . . Former club physio George Cameron, who resigned at the end of last season, has joined East Superleague side Bathgate Thistle in a similar capacity . .

Scott Bennett, sub goalkeeper for us at the end of 2001/2, has now moved from East Fife to Arniston Rangers . . .Former trialist defender Ged Gardner, sent off on his one Albion appearance, has switched from Cumnock to Cumbernauld United . . . Former ‘S’ form goalkeeper Gary Hamilton was released by Sauchie Juniors at the end of the season and has moved to Fauldhouse United. Gary was due to play in Sauchie’s championship decider against Bo’ness but failed to appear - apparently he was in Seville watching Celtic . . . Davie Bell was on target for Stonehouse Violet in their pre-season win over Lugar Boswell Thistle . . .

Andy Whiteford has signed up for Hamilton Accies after a year in the juniors with Neilston . . . George Allison, a free agent following the demise of Bonnybridge Juniors, has signed up for Pumpherston Juniors . . . Alex Williams has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Morton . . . Dougie Polwart, a member of our mid 1990s youth team, appeared for East Stirlingshire in their recent Stirlingshire Cup defeat at Alloa . . . Paul Roberts has been on target pre-season for Lanark United. We hear that he is hoping to move into the pub trade . . . Bo’ness United have put David Wood on the transfer list after he refused a new deal . . .

JULY  2003

Tom Spence has taken over as manager of Dunipace Juniors. His predecessor, Larry Haggart, was appointed as a youth coach with Celtic FC, where Robert Docherty continues as Youth Development Officer and Tom O’Neill is chief scout .

Davie Flynn has retired from playing to take on a coaching role at Linlithgow Rose. The clubs have filled the striking gap by signing Chris Wood from Sauchie. Linlithgow have also snapped up Kevin Milne who was released by Forfar Athletic . . . Paul Jack is now a Coach with Bathgate Thistle . . .Brian Martin has switched from Shotts to Cambuslang where he will be player-coach . . . Goalkeeper Kevin McKeown has moved to East Fife after a spell with Linlithgow Rose . .

Goalkeeper Tom Dudgeon has left Tulliallan Thistle and signed for Lochgelly Albert . . . Todd Lumsden left Albion Rovers to sign for Hamilton Accies where Denis McDaid is the new Assistant Manager . . . Eddie Forrest’s well-publicised problems have ended up with him signing for Partick Thistle. Arbroath will be less than pleased with the outcome to the saga . . . Mark Bradley has moved from Berwick Rangers to Dumbarton.  Gregor McKechnie, freed by Brechin City, is another Sauchie signing . . . Brechin rejected a £70,000 transfer bid from Morton for striker Chris Templeman . . . Jim Clark is currently negotiating a new deal as Assistant Manager with Hibernian . . . Ally Graham has signed for Queen’s Park for the coming season . . .

Mark Crilly set up one of St Mirren’s goals at Alloa last Saturday . . . Alex Bone netted a double as Elgin City defeated Rangers Under 21 side 3-0 in front of a crowd of 1500 . . . Juhoi Rantala, a Stirlingshire Cup trialist for Albion back in 1997, appeared for Billericay Town last season. He has also turned out for Cambridge City, Dagenham and Redbridge and had a brief trial with Leyton Orient. . . Claude Cauvy, another Stirlingshire Cup trialist of that era, is now a licensed FIFA agent based in Agde in the south of France . . .

MAY  2003

Robert Docherty, aka the Pacey Winger, is Celtic’s new football development officer. Robert has worked as an SFA Community Coach for the past 7 years . . . Tom Van Der Ham was sacked as manager of Carnoustie Panmure recently as the Gowfers struggle against relegation from the East Superleague . . .

MARCH  2003

Danny Cunning continues to fill the role of Kitman at Livingston FC . . . Eddie Forrest’s Arbroath side look consigned to relegation after a run of 9 successive defeats . . . Joe McAlpine is a regular in the first team for Queen of the South this season . . .Les Fridge is regular back-up goalkeeper for Ross County. Alex Smith’s side now find themselves in deep relegation trouble following Alloa’s recent rejuvenation . . . Stephen Cosgrove has established himself in the Clyde side after a long spell out through injury . . . Brechin’s ex Albion clan of Paul Deas, Charlie King, Chris Jackson and Chris Templeman look set to make the step up to Division One. This will mean promotion in two successive years for the Glebe Park side . .. . Kevin Gaughan has been a virtual ever-present for Stranraer this season . . . Former Albion youth team player Dougie Blackley has been in the Berwick side for recent games . . . Ray Stewart has appointed former Albion Assistant Ian Miller as his new ‘number two’ at Forfar Athletic . . . Kevin Milne is in and out of the Station Park line-up . . . Larry Haggart’s Dunipace side have had a great season and are favourites to step up from the Second Division of the Central League . . . Well done to Bo’ness United (who include Graeme Donald, Brian Kemp, Martin Mooney and David Wood) on defeating Arthurlie to reach the Semi Finals of the Scottish Cup. Local rivals Linlithgow Rose are also into the last four with a team that contains Davie Flynn and Gary Higgins . . . Tom Spence’s Cumnock side face a Quarter Final replay away to Tayport today . . . Neil Watt’s Maryhill team, captained by Paul Watson, also face a replay against Kilbirnie Ladeside . . . Well done to Willie Irvine who guided his team to a Streamline Taxis Cup win over Camelon last week. The tie was Sauchie’s home game but due to flooding problems at Beechwood it had to be switched to Camelon Juniors’ ground . . .

 

Andy Paterson was dropped from the Albion Rovers side for their visit to Forthbank recently and has not regained his place in the team since then . . . Brendan Crozier has joined a club in Thailand until the end of the season after being freed by Queen’s Park . . . Eddie Forrest scored a spectacular goal for Arbroath against Ayr recently but it still looks as if the Lichties are on their way down . . . Neil Bennett has been a long-term injury victim at Berwick . . . Ex Binos Chris Templeman and Charlie King have been in great form for Brechin recently. Dick Campbell has moved them into a strong position to challenge for promotion . . . Paul Mortimer has missed the last few East Fife games with an ankle injury but he is now close to making a comeback . . . Ray Stewart has made a less than auspicious start to his managerial appointment at Forfar - a 5-1 home defeat by local rivals Brechin did not go down well with the punters . . . Gregor McKechnie was ordered off playing for Montrose last week - his second dismissal in just a few weeks . . . Alex Williams has now served his suspension and will be back in action for Morton . . . Former Albion trialist Garry Middleton hit a double as Dundee Violet scored an excellent 3-0 away win over Kelty hearts in the Redwood Leisure Cup . . . Player boss Gary Paterson hit one of the goals as Lochore Welfare won away to Kirrie Thistle in the same competition . . . Sauchie continue to have a good chance of promotion to the East Super League with Chris Wood scoring regularly for them. Willie Irvine has done enough as manager to show that he deserves a chance at senior level . . .

Chris Edwards, released by Albion last season, is the latest ex-Bino to try his luck in US College soccer. He is playing for Oakland University . . . Last season’s reserve goalkeeper Henry Heighton has now signed for Bamber Bridge of the Unibond League . . . Chris ‘Stretch’ Ewing who played in pre-season games for us a few years ago has been released by Pollok Juniors and signed for Neilston . . . ExAlbion boss Alex Smith has settled in at Ross County and has unloaded  former Binos.

Paul Deas has signed a two-and-a half year deal with Brechin City while Alex Bone has moved to Peterhead until the end of the season . . . The post of Head Teacher at Musselburgh Grammar School has been advertised with a starting date of August 2003, suggesting that Alloa boss Terry Christie is retiring from his day job . . . Jimmy Gardner has finally quit Arbroath after a year out of the picture - he has joined Shettleston Juniors . . . Eddie Forrest has left Berwick Rangers and signed for Arbroath . . . Tony Docherty has moved from Falkirk to Dundee United as first team Coach, along with Ian McCall and Gordon Chisholm . . . Scott Bennett, our substitute goalkeeper from the end of last season, has been farmed out from East Fife to Crossgates Primrose . . . Ray Stewart has been installed as Manager of Forfar Athletic where his squad includes ex-Bino Kevin Milne . . . Gregor McKechnie has joined Montrose on loan from Brechin City. He was ordered off here at Forthbank while making his Montrose debut . . . Queen’s Park have freed ex Albion and St Johnstone midfielder Brendan Crozier . . . Former Albion trialist Michael Stone has moved from Stenhousemuir to Sauchie Juniors . . . Paul McGrillen’s proposed move from Bellshill to Albion Rovers fell through at the last minute . . . Ex Albion goalkeeper Kevin McKeown (one game in the late 80s) has moved from Brechin City to Linlithgow Rose . . . Paul Roberts was expected to move from Larkhall to Petershill but the move fell through at the last moment. Instead, he has joined up with Lanark United . . .

JANUARY  2003

Adrian McKenna has been put up for transfer by Bellshill Athletic, along with fellow-striker Graham Higgins, a former Albion trialist. He played against Buchlyvie in a friendly in 1993 . . . Another former Albion trialist Ryan Lever has been listed by Cambuslang Rangers . . . Ian McInnes has been released by East Kilbride Thistle . . . Steve Jack has been transferred from Dumbarton to Pollok Juniors . . .former youth team defender Kieran Wilkinson has moved from Camelon Juniors to Lochgelly Albert . . . Another former youth team player, David Nairn, has joined up with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy . . . Davie Flynn has been linked with a move from Linlithgow to Bo’ness although nothing has happened yet . . . Alex Bone has been informed that he is free to leave Ross County. Elgin City and Peterhead were both reported to be interested in signing the prolific frontman . . . Graeme Armstrong has been sacked as Assistant Manager of Alloa in a cost-cutting exercise. Crowds at The Recs have plummeted this season with Division 1 proving less popular than might have been expected . . . Darren Goldie is out in the USA trying his luck in College soccer with Reinhardt College of Georgia . . . Pat Clark, who played for Shire as a trialist against us recently, has now signed for the Firs Park side

DECEMBER  2002

Alfreton Town are running away with the Unibond League Division One title this season - the League that Gretna played in last season. Maager of the Derbyshire side is none other than ex-Albion legend Davie Lloyd. Lloyd moved to England in 1992 and played with Altrincham and Gainsborough trinity before moving into management with Denaby United. He was Assistant Manager at Alfreton last season as they romped to the Northern Counties League (East) title and took over in his own right when their Manager was appointed to the Halifax Town job in August . . . Other items from the English scene include Mike McKechnie’s transfer from Barrow to Kendal Town, and the resignation of former Albion youth player Adam Crozier as Chief Executive of the Football Association . . .

Landry Zahana-Oni was sent off in Hastings Towns FA Cup First Round tie against Stevenage Borough . . . After a season in the juniors with Broxburn Athletic, ex Albion and Dunfermline defender Craig Martin has signed up with Stenhousemuir . . . Two former Binos have been chosen for the Scotland Amateur International team. Davie Ross (Bannocburn Amateurs) and Lee Wilson (Aberforth Rangers) are the men in question - Ross had two spells with us while Wilson played as a trialist against Morton this season . . .Steve Laidlaw, who played for us as a trialist pre-season, was the cause of a protested Scottish Junior Cup tie. Bonnyrigg Rose fielded him against Forth Wanderers whilst he was under suspension. The match was replayed with Bonnyrigg winning 6-0 . . . Former youth team winger of the mid 90s Dougie Polwart is now with Bonnybridge Juniors . . . Trialist from last season Gary Middleton has been doing well for East Super League side Dundee Violet . . .

Davie Pew joined up with Irvine Meadow this season but has not made much of an impact . . . Former Albion player and boss Alex Smith has taken over as manager of Ross County. His two-and-a-half year contract will see him in charge of the Dingwall side until after his 65th birthday . . . Graeme Jaffa, who played one game for us ni 1998/9, is now with Lochgelly Albert . . . David Wood scored one of the Bo’ness goals against Musselburgh two weeks ago . . . Paul McAneny has been on target recently for Auchinleck Talbot who also feature John Gibson and Martin O’Neill in their line-up. Talbot were thrashed 6-1 in the Scottish Cup by Linlithgow Rose last weekend . . . Gary McGrotty notched a double for Petershill in their recent 4-1 victory over Troon . . . Ian Joy of Kidderminster Harriers has beenc alled up to the USA Under 23 squad . . .

NOVEMBER  2002

Good luck to ex-Albion boss John Brogan who leads his East Kilbride Thistle team into action in the Beaton’s League Cup Final on Tuesday night. Firhill is the venue for the match againsteither Bellshill Athletic or Neilston. Regardless there will be ex-Albion men on view in both teams. Brogan includes Colin Mitchell and Vinnie Conway in his side, along with his son Steven Brogan. Bellshill include Paul McGrillen and Neilston’s defence features the incomparable Andy Whiteford . . . Ray Stewart is back in Scotland after a spell coaching in Spain. He has been linked with the vacant manager’s job at Darlington . . .

OCTOBER  2002

Mark McGeown was Airdrie United’s hero in their penalty shoot-out win over Kilmarnock in the CIS Cup. Kenny Brannigan is also turning in useful performances for the newly-formed club . . . Andy Paterson has missed just one game for Albion Rovers this season. Todd Lumsden is earning good reviews for his performances in the heart of their defence . . . Terry Christie’s Alloa side look to have a tough job on their hands to avoid relegation from Division One . . . Craig Feroz netted Arbroath’s second goal in their recent win over Falkirk . . . Neil Bennett was sent off in the last minute of their match against Airdrie United two weeks ago. 

Eddie Forrest has been out through injury for the past month . . . Charlie King netted Brechin’s winner against Stenhousemuir a couple of weeks ago. Chris Jackson, Gregor McKechnie and Chris Templeman are also with the Glebe Park side . . . Steven Cosgrove has been missing from the Clyde team through injury in recent weeks . . . Alex Smith got the heave from Dundee United a couple of weeks ago - see elsewhere in today’s programme for a feature on the ex-Albion boss . . . Jim Moffat has kept his East Fife side to the fore in the promotion race so far this season . . . Kevin Milne has returned to the Forfar side after a spell on the sidelines . . . Ally Graham is finding goals hard to come by with Hamilton Accies . . . Jim Clark, Assistant to Bobby Williamson at Hibernian, will be relieved that his team seem to have turned things around recently . . . Paul Deas is now back to full fitness and featured in the Ross County team again two weeks ago . . . Landry Zahana-Oni starred for Hastings United as they defeated Hendon 2-1 in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round last week. They are now just one game away from the First Round proper of the competition. Landry has scored 4 goals in 15 games so far this season . . .

Duncan George scored for Glenafton in their recent Ayrshire League Cup Quarter Final win over Maybole . . . Vinnie Conway was on target for a Colin Mitchell inspired East Kilride side who marched into the Semi Finals of the Central League Cup. Manager John Brogan has worked wonders at East Kilbride in recent years . . . Paul McGrillen scored both goals for Bellshill in their 2-0 Quarter Final win over Benburb . . . Paul Watson, captain of Maryhill, leads his team out against Sauchie in the Scottish Junior Cup this afternoon. The Sauchie side includes ex-Albion players Willie Irvine, Chris Wood and Scott Sinclair . . . David Wood scored for Bo’ness in their recent 3-3 draw with Whitburn . . . Lee Bailey notched a double for Bonnyrigg in their recent Cup win over Stonyeburn . . . Alex Smith’s Dundee United side have slipped to 11th place in the premier Division. The arrival of a new Chairman will only increase the pressure on him to get results . . .

SEPTEMBER 2002

Former Hibernian and Albion midfielder of the early 80s Carlo Crolla is currently manager of Fife Junior side Kirkcaldy YM. Perennial whipping boys of the Fife League, the YM have got off to a great start this season - they have already gained more points than they did during the whole of last season. They also won two consecutive games for the first time in more than five years . . . Alan Aitken scored on his debut for Rosyth Recreation against Crossgates Primrose . . . Davie Kirkham has been transferred from Camelon Juniors to Bo’ness United . . . Trialist Lee Wilson who appeared at the start of this season has been scoring regularly for Aberforth Rangers. Aberforth are an amateur side based in Grangemouth . . . Tom Aitchison is still going strong with Newtongrange Star of the East juniors. He was on the bench for their recent visit to Sauchie . . . Landry Zahana-Oni has been on target twice for Hastings United this month, scoring in 3-0 wins over Ilkeston Town and Welling United . . . Michael McKechnie has been transferred from Barrow to Kendal Town of the Unibond League. Kendal should have been relegated to the North West Counties league at the end of last season but kept their place in the Unibond following Gretna’s election to the SFL . . . Gordon Hunter was spotted on Sky television taking part in the Masters Tournament in Manchester. Hibs lost to Manchester United in the First Round . . .

--Young striker Alan Aitken is on the move again. After brief spells at Bo’ness United and Sauchie Juniors he has now signed for Rosyth Recreation of the Fife Juniors . . . Former Albion youth team striker Scott Livingstone made a scoring debut for East Stirlnigshire against Morton recently. Scott wasn’t even supposed to get a game but when another trialist failed to show up he was given his chance. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. . . Tony Docherty was the man in the dug out for Falkirk in their recent Stirlingshire Cup victory over Albion at Forthbank . . . Davie Ross is back with Bannockburn Amateurs and scored his 100th goal for the club earlier in the month . . .

Goalkeeper Jim Chalmers has been transferred from Petershill to Kilsyth Rangers . . . Brendan Crozier, who was on loan to Albion from St Johnstone last season, has signed for Queen’s Park . . . Colin Mitchell is back from a stint as a soccer coach in the USA and has re-signed for East Kilbride Thistle . . . Gary ‘Peanut’ McGrotty made a transfer deadline day move from Linlithgow Rose to Petershill . . . Ronnie McQuilter signed up for Gretna last weekend although his registration was delayed awaiting international clearance. Globetrotting Ronnie spent last season with Brisbane Strikers of the Australian National League . . .

Tadg Moriarty has signed on for East of Scotland League side Edinburgh City. He was outstanding as they defeated Spartans in the Qualifying Cup recently and was on target during their league match with Coldstream. . . Ex Bino and Bairn Craig Taggart has signed on for Queen’s Park. Craig was with Ross County until midway through last season. During the Summer he trained with Airdrie United but they did not sign him . . . Kenny Black, the ex-Airdrie player who played FOR us against Airdrie during the Summer, has taken up a new post as Coach of Edinburgh University FC of the East of Scotland League . . . 

Auchinleck Talbot have added ex Albion midfielder Martin O’Neill to their colony of ex-Binos. The player had been linked with a return to Forthbank but he has now joined up with Paul McAneny and John Gibson at Beechwood Park . . . Not strictly an ex-Bino, but Steven Whiteford, grandson of ex-Albion captain Jock Whiteford, is back with Blackburn united of the East Juniors this season . . . Kevin ‘Bubbles’ McCallion has signed up for Stonehouse Violet of the Central Juniors . . . He scored for them in their recent 4-1 defeat at the hands of Larkhall Thistle, for whom Paul Roberts was on target . . . Graeme Love has been outstanding in the heart of the defence for Bathgate Thistle in their early East Super League fixtures . . . Also playing in the East Super League are Mark Buist (at centre half for Glenrothes) and Lee Bailey (up front for Bonnyrigg Rose) . . . Bailey is partnered by Steve Laidlaw who played as a trialist for us against St Johnstone at the start of this season . . . 

--Davie Muirhead, who was with both Falkirk and Albion (briefly) as a youngster, is with Bo’ness United alongside the likes of Brian Kemp and Martin Mooney (both ex Bairns and Binos) and Graeme Donald . . . Stuart Davidson, another of our pre-season trialists against St Johnstone, has signed for Troon Juniors . . . Kevin McPhee has switched from Cumbernauld United to Kilsyth Rangers . . . Andy Whiteford, who spent last season with Clydebank, is now with Neilston Juniors . . . Vincent Conway scored in East Kilbride’s recent 1-1 draw with Cambuslang. . . .John Hendry is still at Pollok Juniors . . . Chris Wood (a former YTS player at Brockville) hit all 4 goals for Sauchie in their 4-2 win at Camelon . . . Ex Albion trialist Ian McMurray, top scorer in the East juniors last season with Fauldhouse, is already banging them in again this season. The former Carse Thistle and Riverside player turned down a move to Shotts Bon Accord . . . 

Steve Brogan, son of John, and a former Albion youth squad player of the early 90s, hit a double for his Dad’s East Kilbride Thistle team against Blantyre Vics . . . Tom Spence is the man in charge at Cumnock this season . . . Former Albion youth team keeper Martin Hubbocks is now the back-up custodian at Fauldhouse United . . . Anthony McStea, who spent last season with Northern League side Brandon United has signed for Wolves . . . Steven Cosgrove, our on-loan midfielder who came from Motherwell last season, has now signed for Clyde . . .

AUGUST 2002

As well as the various other ex-Albion players at Sauchie, former youth team defender Scott Sinclair has also signed on with Willie Irvine’s side . . .Ian Joy was on the bench for Kidderminster Harriers on the opening day of their season. He had a successful first season with them and is expected to make big progress this year . . . Tom Bennett, former reserve team trialist and brother of Neil, has moved from Walsall to Football League newcomers Boston United . . . Todd Lumsden was on target for Albion Rovers in their 3-0 win at Shire last week . . . Alex Bone received a bizarre booking in Ross County’s recent Challenge Cup win at Alloa. Coming on as substitute, he was booked for entering the field of play without having his studs checked. Steve McGarry was booked for leaving without permission . . . Chris Templeman scored Brechin’s winner against previously unbeaten Hamilton last week . . . Davie Flynn was again on target for Linlithgow in their 5-0 Carlsberg Cup win over West Calder United . . . Paul Roberts netted for Larkhall Thistle as they beat town rivals Royal Albert 3-1 in the League Cup, and again in a 4-1 win at Stonehouse . . . Paul McGrillen netted a double for Bellshill in their 6-2 win at Thorniewood. . . Jonathan Kelly, who played as a trialist for us last pre-season and then joined Elgin City, is now with Carnoustie Panmure

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Neil Bennett scored the winner for Berwick in the Challenge Cup tie against Inverness CT recently . . . Ally Graham has signed a one-year deal with Hamilton Accies. He scored twice on his debut against Cowdenbeath . . . Paul McGrillen has signed up for Bellshill Athletic and has already been on target in their League Cup sectional matches . . . Wishaw Juniors (more of whom below) have snapped up central defender Brian Martin from Lanark United . . . John Gibson has signed for Auchinleck Talbot. Gibby was with Morton last season . . . One of last season’s youth team, Kieran Wilkinson, has signed for Camelon Juniors . . . Graeme Love has joined Paul Jack in the defence at Bathgate Thistle . . . Bonnyrigg Rose’s challenge for the East Super League will be spearheaded by Lee Bailey who has signed for them after a season with East Fife . . . Davie Flynn has signed a new two-year contract with Scottish Junior Cup holders Linlithgow Rose. He was on target for them in their opening day Super League win over Violet . . . Willie Irvine got off to a great start as boss of Sauchie Juniors with a 6-1 win over Bonnybridge last weekend . . .

Cowdenbeath have appointed Joe Tortolano as their new Under 18 Coach. Tortolano played alongside manager Keith Wright at Easter Road . . . Gavin Price, who spent last season with Dutch Third Division side Excelsior Maasluis, has been transferred to another club at the same level - FC Katwijk . . . Colin Mitchell is the new Coach of Clyde’s Under 14 side but he will continue to play for East Kilbride Thistle . . . Davie Pew finished the season playing for Ayrshire Junior side Lugar Boswall Thistle . . . Robert Reilly turned down the chance to take over as manager of Dumbarton, preferring instead to remain with Irvine Meadow . . . 

Eddie Forrest has joined up at Berwick Rangers after speculation that he might sign for Stirling Albion. Eddie was sacked by Motherwell just 2 weeks before his wedding. They offered him a ‘pay off’ of £250. Airdrieonians also owed Eddie £9800 when they went to the wall - he has little chance of recovering that money . . . Alan Provan was part of the successful Fauldhouse United side that won the East Juniors Division B last season . . . he will be joined there this season by Andy Storrar who has been released by Stenhousemuir . . . 

Graeme Donald has signed up for Bo’ness United after being freed by Stenhousemuir . . . Willie Irvine is the new manager of Sauchie Juniors ending a 19-year senior career. One of his first signings for the club was Allan Aitken who had finished the season with Bo’ness United . . . Also joining Sauchie is Chris ‘Kicky’ Wood . . .Gretar Hjartarson is back in Iceland with FC Grindavik. Since leaving Albion he ha splayed for Landskrona BOIS of Sweden and Lillestrom of Norway, as well as a couple of clubs in his native Iceland . . . Mark McGeown was freed by Stranraer at the end of last season as part of a cost-cutting exercise. He had been expected to sign for Clydebank but that will obviously not be happening now. He played for Airdrie United against us recently, along with Craig Taggart, Kenny Brannigan and Paul McGrillen . . . 

Kevin Thomas appeared for East of Scotland League side Edinburgh Athletic in their pre-season friendly against Brechin City . . . Chris Jackson and Gregor McKechnie have teamed up with Charlie King and Chris Templeman at Glebe Park . . . Jimmy Gardner, currently half way through a two-year contract with Arbroath, refused to accept a free transfer when he was offered one at the end of the season . . . Jim’s brother Ged Gardner, who appeared as a trialist for us (and was sent off) has moved from Arthurlie to Cumnock . . .Gary Gow and Craig Feroz have both signed on for Arbroath this season . . . 

Gary Paterson is the new Player-Manager of Fife Junior side Lochore Welfare. He has played for them for a couple of seasons now since quitting Montrose . . . Tadg Moriarty was a substitute for Cowdenbeath for their recent pre-season Friendly against East of Scotland League side Craigroyston . . . former Albion Coach Tom Van Der Ham has left Jeanfield Swifts to take over as manager of Carnoustie Panmure . . . Gary Higgins, who left us late last season, has moved from Bo’ness United to Linlithgow Rose . . . Duncan George has left Stranraer and signed up for Glenafton Athletic . . . Davie Bell has quit Lanark United after two years and signed on for Stonehouse Violet . . . 

Gary Carberry has switched from Maryhill Juniors to Kilsyth Rangers . . . After being freed by Stenhousmeuir, Peter Cormack was training with Camelon Juniors but has signed for Albion Rovers . . . Gary McGrotty has been transfer-listed by Linlithgow Rose . . . Rafaelle De Gregorio turned out for the New Zealand international team for their recent match against the touring Dunfermline Athletic party . . . Dino Maamria, the Tunisian internationalist who appeared as a trialist in our reserves during the Kevin Drinkell era, is now Community Officer and Player for Leigh RMI of the Conference . . . Jim Dempsey (the early 90s version) is the new Assistant Manager of Kilwinning Rangers . . . Steven Cosgrove played trials for Royal Antwerp of Belgium at the end of last season and last week was on trial with Ayr United . . .

March 2002

Denis McDaid was one of the members of the management team at Clyde who resigned their posts over a dispute recently. Denis was Assistant to First Team Coach Alan Maitland. Taking over as caretaker boss is Billy Reid, another ex-Bino who joined us in March 1994. Albion paid almost £30,000 for the mdifielder who played only a few games for the club before walking out . . . 

Larry Haggart has been appointed manager of Dunipace Juniors in succession to Denis Newall. Amongst his playing staff he will find an ex-Bino in the shape of striker Ally Farquhar . . . Meanwhile Tom McLeod has been appointed as the new boss of Dunbar United . . . Tom Tait made his comeback for Albion Rovers as an unused substitute against us two weeks ago—he has been out injured since September . . . 

Arbroath have put Jimmy Gardner up for sale—they would also accept any loan bids for him . . . Berwick Rangers have rewarded Neil Bennett with a new two-year contract. Bennett joined them for a nominal fee at the start of the season. Rangers have also got the best out of Craig Feroz who has been in prolific scoring form recently . . . Last weekend it seemed that Jim Clark would be on his way from Kilmarnock to Easter Road with manager Bobby Williamson . . .

January 2002

Landry Zahana-Oni, one of our stars of 1997/8, has been sacked by Ryman League side Dulwich Hamlet after failing to turn up for a recent game. Landry played 14 games for Dulwich and scored three goals.

November 2001

Michael Monaghan recently popped in to McKenzie Trailers to say hello. Michael is working with GAP a plant hire firm. Sadly due to a very bad back injury he is unable to play football or indeed any other sport. He recalled his time at Stirling with great affection and how much he enjoyed the back 4 at that time – namely Andy P, Deasy, Ronnie and Big Gary. He sends his regards to the fans.

Another former player is doing his bit for the club. Andy Kennedy, Town Centre Manager has included the Albion fixtures in the excellent Stirling Christmas Brochure 2001. The brochure will be circulated to 97,000 homes and as Andy says hopefully some readers will pick up the advert and boost the home crowd over the festive period. Thanks Andy for this kind gesture.

September 2001

Steve McCormick is back with Welsh non-league side Newtown after failing to earn himself a contract at Second Division Colchester United where he was playing on trial . . . Joe McAlpine, former Albion trialist from 1999/2000, has moved from Airdrie to Queen of the South. He is joined at Palmerston by Craig Feroz who has moved to Dumfries from Livingston. Feroz scored a hat trick against East Stirlingshire in a recent Leaguer Cup tie . . . The ex-Albion contingent of Terry Christie, Graeme Armstrong and Willie Irvine (as well as former trialist Derek Clark) will be looking forward to Alloa’s Challenge Cup Final date with Airdrie . . . Jimmy Gardner seems to have dropped out of the first team picture at Arbroath following some heavy defeats . . . Neil Bennett is now back to full fitness for Berwick following broken ribs . . . Ally Graham and Paul McGrillen have dropped out of the Clydebank side in recent weeks as the ambitious Bankies bring in other players . . . Two ex-Binos obviously enjoyed Dumbarton’s 5-4 win here recently—Stevie Jack and Martin O’Neill were delighted with the result . . . Alex Smith’s Dundee United have yet to recapture the form that saved them from relegation last season . . . Lee Bailey has still to find the net for East Fife . . . Alan Aitken is back to full fitness with The Shire, but David Lorimer has sustained a back injury . . . Kevin Milne seems to be getting a regular game in the Forfar first team so far this season . . . Paul Deas played just one Premier Division game for Livingston before dropping out of the side again . . . John Gibson also appears to have slipped out of the scene at Morton, but Paul McAneny remains on first team duty . . . John Philliben took over temporary charge of Motherwell following the resignation of Billy Davies—it remains to be seen if the ex-Albion man will be given an extended chance to run the Fir Park side . . . Partick’s David McCallum’s season could be over due to a cruciate ligament injury . . . Graeme Donald has badly twisted knee ligaments and will be missing from the Stenhousemuir side for quite some time . . .

-

Stevie McCormick played pre-season trials for Nationwide League Division Two side Colchester United, but did not sign . . . Gary McGrotty has switched from Benburb to Linlithgow Rose . . . Another ex Bino striker Paul Roberts continue to do well with Larkhall Thistle . . .Chris Wood has now completed his 5-game suspension and can make his league debut for Stenhousemuir . . .John McQuade has been put on the transfer list by Ross County . . . David McCallum of Partick Thistle is likely to miss most of the season through injury . . . Neil Bennett’s Berwick career has been disrupted already due to broken ribs . . . Paul Deas played his first premier Division game of the season against Motherwell 2 weeks ago, replacing the suspended Gary Bollan

August 2001

The fifteen players released by the club in May have had varying fortunes in looking for new clubs.

Striker ALAN AITKEN is reported to have signed on for East Stirlingshire, although this has yet to be confirmed. If it is true he will be anxious to prove us wrong when we meet the Firs Park side on league business. Two of our other youngsters have both signed for Alloa and will play for their Under 18 side this season. Central defender SCOTT SINCLAIR and goalkeeper ANDY BUCHANAN are the lads in question. Both are still young enough to play Under 18 football for another season.

GRAEME DONALD has earned himself a contract with Stenhousemuir. He had been full-time since leaving Stirling High School more than ten years ago. Stenhousemuir hope that his experience will help their Second Division campaign this season. Another former full-timer JIMMY GARDNER has moved to First Division Arbroath and made his debut on their recent Highland tour. Manager John Brownlie sees him as a key player as they embark on First Division football for the first time since the late 1970s. Our third full-timer ANDY WHITEFORD was training with Clydebank but had not signed for them at the time of writing.

CRAIG FEROZ has returned to Livingston to see out the remaining year of his contract. However he was promptly put up for sale by the Almondvale side. Meanwhile he scored a number of goals for their reserve side in pre-season friendlies around the country. No word on what has happened to ALLY GRAHAM although a number of junior sides were known to be interested in securing his services. GORDON HUNTER has disappeared from the scene and last season may well turn out to be his last in the senior game. No sign either of another ex-Hibs player GRAHAM LOVE.

IAN MCAULAY hoped to sort himself out with a move to Australian football but that has not worked out. Irvine Meadow, managed by ex Albion man and his former team mate Rab Reilly, were also reported to be interested.

CRAIG MARTIN was reported to be on his way to Brechin City along with CHRIS TEMPLEMAN. Both will be out to prove a point when we meet City in the Challenge Cup a week on Tuesday.

JOHN MILLAR may have retied from senior football—we have not heard of him signing for anyone yet. Young defender KEVIN MILNE has signed on with Forfar Athletic for another year of Second Division football.

March 2001

Airdrie’s only signed player throughout their recent ‘coma’ has been Eddie Forrest. The young defender has been playing with a double hernia since November, and he has now undergone an operation to sort the problem. Eddie hopes to be back in action before too long . . . Tommy Tait conceded the foul that gave Shire a late penalty to equalise against Albion Rovers a week past Tuesday evening . . . Todd Lumsden was on target for Rovers with a headed goal against Dumbarton recently . . . Ray McKinnon, who played one game as a trialist for Albion earlier this season, has now joined Torquay United from East Fife . . . Brechin striker Steve Kerrigan was recently asked by The Sub to pick his all-time best team from his current and former team-mates. He included current Brechin defender Kevin Bain because of his ability to read the game and spray accurate passes around the pitch. He also had a few things to say about Craig Feroz, who also featured in his team . . . Mark Bradley is a fixture in the Cowdenbeath team these days—they seem to be heading for promotion to Division Two . . . Alex Smith’s turnaround of Dundee United would be complete if he could lead them to Scottish Cup glory. Celtic stand between them and a place in the final—Alex is bidding to become the first manager to win the trophy with three different sides . . . Paul Mortimer was on target for East Fife against Montrose recently, but the Fifers promotion hopes seem to have been blown away . . . Gregor McKechnie has hit a run of scoring form for Shire . . . Paul Deas is back in the Livingston side on a regulkar basis. Defeat from Ayr has cast slight doubts on their promotion credentials, but they should make it in the end . . . Ex Albion Reserve trialist Mark Holmes has been outstanding for Clachnacuddin of the Highland League in recent weeks . . . Ian Joy’s displays for Montrose have earned him very positive reviews in recent weeks . . . Stevie Nicholas will surely get more of a chance after the player exodus from Motherwell. He came on as a substitute against Rangers recently and almost grabbed a late equaliser when his 20-yard volley brought a magnificent save from Stefan Klos . . . Davie McCallum has earned himself a regular starting berth with Thistle in recent weeks, with Paul McGrillen back on the bench after a spell out of the side . . . Big Ronnie McQuilter is a key man in the promotion bid from Queen of the South . . . Alex Bone continues to score goals for fun up at Ross County, with speculation that he was about to join Motherwell dying down. Other ex-Binos at Dingwall seem to be out of the picture—Craig Taggart, Landry Zahana-Oni and John McQuade have not featured for a while . . . Davie Wood has been freed by Stenhousemuir . . . Andy Paterson returned to the Stranraer line-up recently after a long spell out through injury . . . Big Steve McCormick scored for Newtown a few weeks ago in a 3-0 win.Newtown are now joint third—4 points off second place and pushing for a UEFA cup spot. Could Steve be heading for European football next season?

February 2001

Alex Bone is back in the Ross County team after his lengthy suspension, and celebrated with two goals in their 4-0 win at Raith Rovers two weeks ago. Bone has been linked in transfer speculation with a move to Premier Division Motherwell. There is now a large group of ex-Binos at Victoria Park—John McQuade, Craig Taggart and Landry Zahana-Oni completing a quartet. Good luck to them all in twomorrow’s televised Cup tie against Rangers . . . Alex Smith has taken Dundee United into a much more respectable position in the league. His signings have been pragmatic and effective. Most money now seems to be on St Mirren for the drop. One further point—if Smithy could take United to the Scottish Cup this season, he would be the first manager to win the competition with three different teams . . . Martin O’Neill joined Dumbarton in a swap deal that took Willie Wilson to East Fife . . . Steve McCormick has scored 4 goals since joining League of Wales side Newtown . .

December 2000

News of more ex-Binos from the Junior ranks . . . Goalie Stuart McIntosh, who featured in the 1993 Stirlingshire Cup, is with Auchinleck Talbot . . .David Pew is the only one of the ex-Albion brigade left at Cumnock Juniors . . . Robert Reilly was sent off playing for Irvine Meadow a couple of weeks ago—apparently it was for dissent, which will come as no surprise to Albion fans . . .Barry Ross, a legend in his own lunchtime during 1992/3, is currently with Troon Juniors , , , Joe Reid is a team-mate of Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan at Baillieston Juniors . . . Bernie Grant has moved on to Bellshill Athletic . . . Gary McGrotty continues to score the occasional goal in Benburb’s colours . . . Former Grimsby apprentice Kevin ‘Shooter’ McPhee, from 1995/6, is with Cumbernauld United after a move from Camelon . . . John Brogan has recruited Ian McInnes, Colin Mitchell and Vinnie Conway to his squad at East Kilbride, along with his own son Steven Brogan . . . Big Adrian McKenna still strikes fear into the hears of defenders, this time in the colours of Kilsyth Rangers . . . Michael Conway stars in defence for Kirkintilloch Rob Roy . . . Brian Martin and Davie Bell have teamed up at Lanark United . . . Paul Roberts has been signed up by Manager Jim Dempsey for Larkshall Thistle . . . As mentioned before, the ex-Albion clan at Maryhill in impressive—Neil Watt, Jim Denny, Jim Chalmers, Jimmy Hamilton, Paul Watson, Gary Carberry and Willie Watters . . . Charlie Gibson continues to play up front for Petershill . . . And at Pollok John Hendry fills a forward berth . . . Ex trialist Graham Higgins has moved from Blantyre to Shotts Bon Accord . . . Tom Spence is the man in charge of Thorniewood United . . . Former trialist Hugh McCormick, brother of Stevie, is playing up front for Yoker Athletic . . . Stevie, of course, is now with Newtown of the League of Wales

-Jim ‘Pooder’ Dunlop, who was with Albion in the early 80s, is the new manager of Fife Junior League whipping boys Steelend Victoria. However, he did help them to only their second non-defeat of the season 2 weeks ago, when they drew 1-1 with Kirkcaldy YM . . . Eddie Forrest was a member of the Airdrie side that lifted the Challenge Cup two weeks ago . . . The new Broomfield team have reportedly released Joe McAlpine, an Albion trialist last season, and he is now with Dumbarton . . . Todd Lumsden and Tom Tait are permanent fixtures in the Albion Rovers line-up at present . . . Chris Wood was back in the Alloa side recently, although he missed their 3-2 win over Falkirk. Ex Albion and Berwick man Willie Irvine remains the inspiration for the Recreation Park side . . . Terry Christie continues to work mirsacles, assisted by another ex-Albion (and Berwick) man Graeme Armstrong . . .Brian Martin is not with Larkhall Thistle as previously reported, but with Lanark United. Rumour has it that Davie Bell may also be there . . . Kevin Bain has been in inspirational form for Brechin this season, and scored a vital goal against Albion Rovers two weeks ago . . . Mark Bradley is attracting the attention of bigger clubs due to his form with Cowdenbeath these days. Mark did not make a big impression during his brief spell at Forthbank two years ago . . . Stevie Jack continues to turn out with Dumbarton, who hope to move into their new stadium today . . . Ray McKinnon, our trialist at Hampden recently, seems set to sign a month’s contract with East Fife after an impressive display against Elgin City as a trialist . . . Mark McGraw has not missed a game for Forfar since moving to the Station Park side from Albion. He has yet to score for them . . . Ex Albion Physio Norrie Gray is still involved behind the scenes with Hearts, despite recent changes . . . Paul Deas was back in the Livingston side for the Challenge Cup Final . . . Stevie Nicholas has been a regular on the bench for Motherwell recently. He came on to set up the equaliser against Dunfermline at east End Park a couple of weeks ago . . . Big Ronnie McQuilter has settled in well with Queen of the South, helping them climb the league table . . . Davie Lorimer has switched from Stenhousemuir to East Stirling, where he teams up with Joe Tortolano, Gregor McKechnie et al . . . Stennie have also transfer-listed David Wood . . . Alex Bone faces a five game suspension following huis triple sending-off in the game against Inverness CT two weeks ago. Bone has a tremendous scoring record for County, with almost a goal every game—but he has had a poor disciplinary record up there. Craig Taggart was pictured trying to restrain him in the Inverness game, but to no avail . . . County have also featured Landry Zahana-Oni as a trialist in the games against Falkirk and Inverness, while John McQuade still gets a regular game for them . . . Kevin Drinkell has been reporting on matches for the national press recently, and he was also linked with a management post overseas . . . Did you know that Raith boss Peter Hetherston was a reserve team trialist for Albion in the mid 1980s? . . . First Division management teams have a few Albion connections—Denis McDaid (Clyde) and Tony Docherty (Falkirk) are both ex-Albion men . . . Tommy Callaghan is now in charge of the Under 18 side at Partick Thistle . . . Jimmy Lindsay is still Youth Development Officer at Albion Rovers . . . Tommy O’Neill is still heavily involved in the youth development section at Celtic . . . On the junior front veteran administrator Jim Cousin is back in charge of the Sauchie side following the resignation of manager Jim Moran . . . Davie Kirkham is on good form for Camelon, and also for the Central Scotland Police side . . .

October 2000

Landry Zahana-Oni made his Montrose debut in the same game as Ian Joy, against Cowdenbeath 2 weeks ago. Landry was released by Luton Town due to injury problems and called in on his old gaffers Kevin and Ray when he was up in Scotland. His future is now a lot less certain following the departure of Kevin Drinkell from the Links Park manager’s job . . . Eddie Forrest continues to hold down a regular place in Airdrie’s team amidst the Spanish legions . . . The Maryhill Juniors ex-Bino brigade now numbers no fewer than seven. Apart from Director of Football (!) Neil Watt, the Lochburn Park side feature Willie Watters, Paul Watson, Graham Hay, Jim Hamilton, Jim Chalmers and Gary Carberry . . . Mike Mckechnie is back with his home town team Barrow after a few years plying his trade in the lower divisions of Iceland and Norway . . . Steve McCormick was released by Clydebank last month and was due to appear as a trialist for Barrow of the Unibond League . . .

September 2000

Steve McCormick made a scoring debut for Clydebank against Peterhead in the Challenge Cup. He had a brief spell with Telford United during August....a former Albion youth team player from the 1980/81 season is making his name in a different way. Adam Cozier is the new Chief Executive of the Football Association. the former Director of Saatchi and Saatchi is arguably the most important and powerful person in English football.... Chris Wood continued his good Alloa form as he netted in the last minute to rescue a point for the Wasps against Airdrie. Alex Bone scored Ross County's only goal in their 1-0 win at Morton, while Ronnie McQuilter continues to turn out for Clydebank. Gary Gow, Paul McAneny, Peter Cormack, David Lorimer & David Wood all played against the Albion at Ochilview as their Stenhousemuir team lost 2-0 to the Binos. John Gibson failed to make it into the Stenny squad that day. While in the Third Division Kevin Drinkell's Montrose team lost 6-1 at Brechin City in their derby match.

AUGUST 2000

Ronnie McQuilter has signed up with Clydebank after a successful trial with them. Hopefully the big man has left his injury nightmare behind him . . . Gretar Hjartarson is now playing in Norway with Lillestrom. Last season he was top scorer with Grindavik in Iceland, and earned 2 Under 21 caps . . .Keith Walker left Swansea last season to become player-manager of Southern League outfir Merthyr Tydfil . . . Brian Martin has signed for Larkhall Thistle of the Central Juniors . . . Bobby McCulley is installed as Coach with Airdrie, alongside his old pal from their days at St Rochs Juniors, Steve Archibald . . .

JULY 2000

George Allison has moved from Camelon to Lochore Welfare as Assistant Manager... one player he will team up with is ex-Albion defender Gary Paterson, who has rejoined Welfare from Montrose. Big Gary was fed up with suspensions and alleged victimistation from senior referees.... moving in the opposite direction was former Albion and Alloa defender David Kirkham, now at Camelon.... Willie Watters has brought his senior career to and end and signed for Maryhill Juniors, where his manager will be another former Albion centre forward Neil Watt.... Paul McAnemy, freed by Alloa at the end of last season, has made the short journey to Stenhousemuir.... another of Alloa's frees Gregor McKechnie has joined up with East Stirlingshire.... Carlo Crolla has taken over as manager of Lochgelly Albert - he was previously in charge at Rosyth Recreation.... Alex Bone has made his move to Ross County from Ayr United a permanent one - he was an instant hit at Victoria Park, scoring five goals in their promotion run-in.... Colin Mitchell and Ian McInnes are amongst the players put up for sale by Cumnock Juniors. Eddie Forrest has enjoyed considerable publicity this summer as one of only two players retained by Airdrie. Airdrie had a transfer embargo placed on them due to their failure to pay Albion for Eddie.... big things are predicted for Todd Lumsden at Albion Rovers this season.... Peter Cormack, released by Ross County has signed up for Stenhousemuir.... Jim Denny has been sacked as Assistant Manager of Stranraer....congratulations are due to Steven Nicholas, who was called up to the Scotland Under 21 squad for an end of season tournament Ireland.... David Pew has been released by Cumnock Juniors and was training with East Kilbride Thistle, who are managed by John Brogan.... Chris Wood got his Alloa career off to a good start with two goals in their Stirlingshire Cup tie against Stenhousemuir.... Garry Gow will not be happy as he sold one of Stenhousemuir's goals in that match.... And it is good to see Ronnie McQuilter back on the St Mirren team sheet after more than a year out injured. Ronnie was on the bench for their recent friendly against Blackpool.

Former Albion favourite and Captain Tommy Tait has re-signed for another season with Third Division Albion Rovers

News of where the players who  were released at the end of season 1999/2000 are now playing their football is as follows:-

Stranraer - Andy Paterson, Alloa -  Chris Wood, Ross County - Craig Taggart, Alex Bone, John McQuade, Stenhousemuir - Gary Gow, Partick Thistle - David McCallum, Paul McGrillen, Motherwell Youth Coach - John Philliben, East Stirling - Joe Tortolano

29th April

Eddie Forrest's poor disciplinary record has continued - he has now been ordered off on 4 occasions this season...Paul McAneny has been recalled to Alloa's team in time for their promotion surge...Alex Bone scored his first goal for Ross County in their 3-0 win against Dumfries...Mark Bradley was on target for Cowdenbeath againtt Albion Rovers recently ....Steve McCormick has been in decent form for East Fife - he hoped to put himself int he shop window for next season....Andy Storrar has been earning excellent reviews for his performances with East Stirlingshire

19th February 

A few names from the past have been prominent amongst the juniors recently. Bernie Grant, erstwhile midfield genius of the mid 1980s, currently performs in the colours of Bellshill Athletic . . . Gary McGrotty has been on target regularly for Benburb, who are still going strong in the Scottish Junior Cup . . . Forth Wanderers are managed by Jim Dempsey - the less well-known Albion one - who featured briefly under John Brogan’s stewardship in the early 90s . . . Adrian McKenna, an Albion player of the same era, is currently with Kilsyth Rangers . . . just down the road at Adamslie Park both Mick Conway and Stevie Tennent play for Kirkintilloch Rob Roy . . . former Albion midfielder Stuart Robertson is co-manager of Lesmahagow . . . while crack Glasgow side Maryhill are managed by Neil Watt, and feature Graham Hay in their line-up . . Tom Spence at Thorniewood, John Brogan at East Kilbride and Frank McAleer at Bellshill take the ex-Albion management contingent in the Central juniors to six . . ..Charlie Gibson is still banging nit he goals for Peterhsill Juniors . . . the team with the largest ex-Albion contingent amongst the juniors is Ayrshire side Cumnock. Robert Reilly is their Coach, and their squad includes Colin Mitchell, David Walker, Ian McInnes and Davie Pew . . . other ex-Binos in Ayrshire junior football include Stuart McIntosh (one Stirlingshire Cup appearance in 93/4) at Auchinleck Talbot, Paul Roberts (Kilbirnie Ladeside) and goalkeeper Stuart Robertson at Junior Cup holders Kilwinning Rangers . . .

Elsewhere former youth team goalie Martin Hubbocks suffered a horrific leg break playing for Dunipace Juniors recently. He was detained in hospital overnight and will be out of action for the rest of the year . . . Kevin Drinkell finally got his man when he signed Neil Bennett from Livingston a couple of weeks ago. He lined up alongside trialist Chris Jackson in the Montrose midfield. Jackson has been out with a few clubs this season, including Cowdenbeath, Clydebank, Montrose and East Fife . . football agent John Colquhoun made his third visit of the season to South America to watch the Olympic Qualifying tournament, looking for talent to add to his portfolio . . ..

12th February 

East Fife have swooped to capture two former Albion players in their fight to win promotion from the Third Division. Striker Steve McCormick who was a spectator at the Albion v Partick match on 5th February joins on for one month from Airdrie, while Chris Jackson who played against the Binos for Clydebank in our Scottish Cup tie last month has signed for the Fifers until the end of this season.

5th February 2000

A number of ex-Albion players have been making the news in the junior ranks recently. Tom Spence was a stalwart Albion defender in the mid 1980s, and was later manager of Albion Rovers. he is now in charge of Lanarkshire junior outfit Thorniewood United, who were last week involved in a Scottish Cup replay against the better-known Whitburn Juniors . . .

Tom Mcleod, who was an Albion and Falkirk player of the 1970s, is now in charge of Tranent Juniors in the East League . . . Many people were surprised when ex-Albion forward Davie Pew was freed by Alloa at the end of last season. Pew joined Cumnock Juniors, who were another side to be involved in a Scottish Cup replay last week - this time away to last season’s finalists Kelty Hearts . . .

Diminutive striker Gary McGrotty, a fringe player in out 1995/6 championship winning season, now leads the forward line for Glasgow Junior side Benburb, who are still involved in the Scottish Cup . . . former Albion boss Alex Smith made the 3rd Round Scottish Cup draw, bringing up the tie between Clydebank and Stirling Albion . . .

Eddie Forrest has been highlighted as one of Airdrie’s best players in recent weeks, although the Diamonds are struggling badly both on and off the field . . . Todd Lumsden is earning good reviews for hi displays in the heart of the Albion Rovers defence this season . . .

Peter Cormack has moved on from Clydebank to join Ross County, making his debut in their 4-2 defeat at Partick Thistle two weeks ago . .

Stevie Nicholas was in the starting lione-up for Motherwell in the abandoned match at Arbroath last week . . . Andy Gibson scored Peterhead’s goal in their 3-1 defeat against Falkirk at Brockville . . .

Partick ‘spy’ Bobby McCulley was amongst the crowd at Cappielow last week . . . Todd Lumsden and Tom Tait were both in outstanding form for Albion Rovers last week in their Cup tie against Partick . . . Micky Lawson’s Whitehill Welfare failed to make it to the Third Round, losing 2-0 to Alloa . . .

Chris Jackson appeared as a late substitute for Clydebank against Albion last week - his winner against Hibs from last season featured on Sportsound last Saturday . . .