Albion Rovers are delighted to announce that manager Sandy Clark and his assistant George Paterson have signed contract extensions until the end of season 2024/25.
Sandy and George were appointed in March after the departure of Brian Reid’s management team, during what was a difficult period for the club, with the team sitting bottom of League 2 bereft of confidence and identity on the pitch.
In the summer, after our subsequent relegation to the Park’s Scottish Lowland Football League via the pyramid play-off, Sandy and George were tasked with not only rebuilding our first-team playing squad – but also with the immediate goal of transforming the atmosphere and general running of our football department.
It is fair to say that being in position 14 out of 18 isn’t anywhere near where we want to be at the end of the campaign, but we fully believe in the work that Sandy and George are undertaking, and that having a full season building into the summer transfer window will allow them to implement a medium to long term strategy that allows us to challenge for promotion to the SPFL through intelligent recruitment and a new-look to how we operate.
Working under a restricted budget, they have recruited talented young players who are giving their all for the Albion Rovers badge. We have been encouraged by how the management team have also engaged with supporters and volunteers – they have truly bought into Albion Rovers and its ethos as a community-first club.
They have also created a culture that has seen the playing squad interact with our supporters and build a rapport with our loyal fanbase. At our recent open meeting and Supporters’ Trust quiz night, we saw first-hand Sandy’s strong leadership and willingness to involve himself in all matters related to Albion Rovers.
In terms of our football department, we have seen a complete restructuring in how the playing squad go about their business as top part-time professionals, and thanks to Sandy and George’s standing within the game, we have been able to call upon many different opportunities. They have created an excellent working relationship with Michael Paton acting as a first-team coach alongside the brilliant Gary Johnstone and Jade Shiels (kit manager and physiotherapist).
“We are delighted to have Sandy and George tied down for next season,” a spokesperson for the Board of Directors said. “We believe stability, structure and ambition are key moving into 2024 and we are unanimous in our agreement that the management team are key pillars in how the club moves forward.
“They have both worked incredibly hard for Albion Rovers and have bought into everything the club represents. We have been impressed by Sandy and George’s knowledge and know-how. The job at hand is much more than just putting a team on the park on Saturday and we are excited with the work that Sandy and George have already been carrying out to transform our football department.
“Extending their contracts now, heading into January, allows them ample time to plan and prepare for the upcoming summer window.”
We’ll have further content and reaction from the management team over the festive period – for now, we would like to wish all of our supporters a merry Christmas and a happy New Year when it comes.
As you will have seen in recent weeks, the Board of Directors are now bolstered by the additions of Hugh Morrison and Margaret Rizza, and we are excited to be able to call upon extra hands and vital know-how moving forward.
Let’s get behind the team this afternoon as we take on Cowdenbeath at the Reigart Stadium on league duty (kick-off 3pm).
