CLUB UPDATE
We hope everyone associated with Albion Rovers has had an enjoyable summer despite the distinct lack of sunshine. The close season has seen everyone pull together for the benefit of the club. There are a few things we’d like to provide an update on in this article.
ON THE PARK
Over the close season, Sandy and George were incredibly busy assembling a squad that we’re confident will be competitive in the Lowland League and cup competitions.
Despite our exit from the Viaplay Cup, our showings against various levels of SPFL opposition were hugely encouraging and bode well for the campaign ahead.
In the SPFL Trust Trophy, we’ve eliminated two strong sides (in the shape of St Mirren B and Tranent) and look forward to our trip to Methil.
Saturday’s trip to Newburgh in Fife was a success, too, and our win in that competition means we’ll face West Park United in the next round. New opposition means new challenges and, as ever, we’ll face these head on.
Our Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Football League campaign started with a defeat at the hands of Hearts B followed by a relatively comfortable victory at Raydale Park versus Gretna 2008. This week, we face a tough trip to table-toppers Bo’ness United followed by the visit of our old friends East Stirlingshire to the Reigart Stadium. A huge few days lie ahead, but we’re in a good position to build on recent successes.
The progress we’ve seen on the park is down to the hard work of Sandy, George, and all their backroom staff. Their professionalism, knowledge, and determination are second to none and we look forward to a successful 2023/2024 on the park.
PIXELLOT
We’ve decided to end our relationship with Pixellot. The cost of continuing our subscription was too much for the club to bear at this moment in time. We’d like to put on record our thanks to Mark Millar for funding the installation of the system and for supporting the cost of streaming over a few campaigns.
PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
Once again, we’ve been blown away by player sponsorship uptake for this campaign. This scheme provides much-needed income for the club – Ben and Jordan were inundated with requests within the first few hours of the link going live! Sorry if you missed out on your favourite player – there may still be a few more opportunities to come as Sandy looks to bolster his squad in the weeks ahead.
OUR FANS
We are so, so lucky to have such a loyal fanbase. The support the boys have received over the opening weeks of this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. To see full supporters’ buses travelling the length and breadth of the country has spurred the boys on to some fantastic performances and results so far. Special mention to those who helped work on the pitch before the Tranent clash last week – to get the game on showed real spirit and togetherness. A huge thanks in general to all of our supporters for their unwavering backing of the team. We hope Sandy and the squad will give you something to cheer about this season.
DONATED SEASON TICKETS
In recent weeks, the cost of three season tickets has been covered by Prof Windy Dryden (a ‘Vers fan from London) and an anonymous donor. This incredible gesture has been gratefully received and claimed by three Rovers fans who will, as a result, be able to attend home games without having to worry about the cost of doing so. Thanks to Prof Dryden and the other donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At the time of writing, the Board of Directors is as follows:
· Ian Benton
· Mark Hunter
· Jordan Campbell
· Liam Nugent
Following a period of reflection, Alan Benton has decided not to join the BOD. Alan works for another Lowland League club and feels this represents a conflict of interest.
David Hancock has also intimated that he does not intend to join the Board. David’s work commitments have changed and he will be away from home most of the time.
As you’ll recall, Eddie Hagerty intimated at the last AGM he would step down and he has in effect resigned and the relevant paperwork will be filed in due course.
Robert (Bobby) Cameron very much intends to join the BOD and this will be rubber-stamped in the coming weeks.
He is now acting as a director and the paperwork to update the record will be filed in due course. There may also be a further addition to BOD soon – watch this space!
THANKS…
Thanks for taking the time to read over this update. We hope it answers any questions you may have and trust we can count on your support over the season.
The Albion Rovers FC Board of Directors.
You can contact us on information@albionroversfc.com
