A quick update on what’s been happening over the last week or two…

New Manager
We had a significant number of applicants for our First Team Manager post and have identified four candidates for our short list. These candidates will be interviewed by the selection panel this week and we would hope to move to appointment swiftly thereafter. The appointment of the First Team Manager is a reserved matter under the Working Together Agreement so any recommendation on appointment needs to be ratified by both the Club Board and Supporters’ Trust Board.

Squad
With having to have a lower playing budget this year, the make-up of the squad will need to be different.

We currently have 7 players under contract for next season. They are Ross Davidson, Lewis Milne, Dale Carrick, Dale Hilson, Callum Crane, Cameron McKinlay (whom we signed from Stirling University on a pre-contract agreement a few months ago) and Derek Gaston who joined us recently.

Blair Currie was also under contract for next season but requested to leave after interest was shown by Cumnock Juniors and we agreed to his sale and release. We wish Blair every success and thank him for his skill and dedication to the cause over the years.

When Blair moved on, we were alerted, through our football contacts, of an opportunity to engage the services of goalkeeper Derek Gaston who recently left Arbroath. We discussed as a Board, sought views from external contacts, and with our advisor Jimmy Bone concluded that a player of Derek’s calibre and experience would be a great asset to us next season regardless of who our new manager would be. As Derek had been considering his options from a number of clubs we decided to move quickly and sign him up for next season.

The rest of the squad are contracted until mid-June this year. Led by Andy Kennedy with support from Tony McMinn, we met with the players last week and explained that a new manager would be appointed as soon as possible but advised that, due to the process in place, it would not be an immediate appointment. We issued them with closed season training schedules and the preseason training calendar. A couple of players who will be out of contract in June, indicated that they wanted to leave. Others were advised that due to the lack of certainty regarding contract renewal, they were free to seek interest from other clubs. Some are on holiday at the moment – along with a lot of the football community – and are waiting until they return before looking at options for their future. Individual communications and discussions have taken place with a number of the players since the initial group meeting. The new manager, once in post, will be in a position to discuss future options with each player individually.

Paul McLean ‘Pabs’ was offered and has accepted a player/coaching position at Cowdenbeath. We are all sorry to see Paul leave as he has been an inspirational figure on the field for us. But he felt the time was right to start a new chapter in his career and we wish him every success. We will be following his fledgling coaching/managerial career with more than a little interest.

Greig Spence ‘Spenny’ is considering options to continue his career elsewhere. The ex-Alloa, Hamilton and Raith Rovers frontman scored some memorable goals for us but is aware we have three forwards already signed for next season. ‘Spenny’ is a great character and if he does sign for another club we wish him all the best. However, you never know, we might see him next season.

Kyle Banner ‘Banner’, having come through the Youth Development framework back in 2017/8 (the last one to make an impact in the first team) has decided that it is time to look to pastures new and we wish him every success in the next phase of his football playing career. Kyle has adapted his game over the years, been a great ambassador for Stirling Albion playing staff, doing all that was asked of him and was a real fans favourite. He will be sorely missed.

Adam Cummins, better known as ‘Scouse’ has decided to leave the club. He has been a fantastic member of the squad and played in several positions within the back four. He was also a big voice on the pitch, encouraging team-mates and holding them to account as well. Always committed, he was a great asset.

Jack Leitch, has decided to move on. ‘Leitchy’ has a great left foot and could never be accused of not giving his all for Stirling Albion. He has given us some great individual memories and moments of exceptional skill in a Stirling Albion jersey. We wish Jack and his young family all the best for the future.

We will update on other player movements following the appointment of a new manager.

Backroom staff
Following 10 years of service, we had to say goodbye to Kenny Crichton as a change in SFA football licensing requirements meant that we were unable to renew his contract when it expired at the end of May. Kenny has been a committed stalwart at the Albion for many years, supporting a massive number of players over his tenure.

Kenny’s voluntary young protégé and data analyst, Cammy Logan, has also decided to move on. We thank the young student for his hard work, dedication and enthusiasm and wish him every success as he continues his studies and football adventure.

Our club doctor, Bjarni Eyvindsson has also decided that following three years of commitment, the time is right for him to move on from the club. Bjarni’s knowledge of football injuries, dedication, professionalism and commitment to Stirling Albion will be sorely missed.

Back to Business
Some football dates for your diary

The draw for the Premier Cup took place today. The format is similar to last season. We were in Pot 4 and were drawn in a group that contains Ross County (Pot 1), Raith Rovers (Pot 2), Hamilton Academical (Pot 3) and Stranraer (Pot 5). We’ll announce fixture dates and prices soon.

The Stirlingshire Cup is returning. The format will be two groups of three with a home and away tie for each team. Group winners will meet in the final. Clubs competing are Stirling Albion, Alloa, Dumbarton, East Stirlingshire, Falkirk and Stenhousemuir. The draw will be held today (29 May) at the Association AGM.

Pre-season training starts on 13 June.

The group stages of the Premier Cup start on the weekend of 13/14 July.

The SPFL Trust Trophy (Challenge Cup) draw will take place in early July (no date published yet). We enter the competition at Round 3 with ties due to take place on the weekend of 7/8 September.

The new league season starts on 3 August.

Stirling Albion FC Board
Alasdair Dunn, Chairman
Jim McAllister, Director
Robert Clubb, Director