Home Contact
Us Club Information Fixtures
League Table
Supporters Trust
Chappies Chat Archived News
Chappie's Chat
2005 Archive
(29/12/05)
Edition 23
As promised, this week’s column falls into two distinct sections : the first being a retrospective look at the period of my tenure at the club in 2005; the second being my three wishes for the club in 2006.
It is traditional at this time of year to focus on the highs and lows of the year drawing to a close. To be honest, there have not been too many lows and I do not want to dwell on negativity. The difficult times we have faced – periods of poor results – were all anticipated at the beginning of the season and we were therefore not surprised when they arrived. On the whole, however, any disappointing results were tempered by various encouraging aspects of our performance on the park. I have to say that, for the majority of these tough times, you were right there behind us. Lew has paid tribute to you in his magnanimous gesture with the buses and I would also like to thank you for your support of the team thus far. They are a very young side and many of them are cutting their teeth in the professional game, patience and understanding such as you have shown play an important part in the development of players. As I said back in July, they don’t need you (or me) to tell them when they have made a mistake – although I’m sure you’ve all heard me issue a gentle reminder…
The highest point of 2005 certainly came in the middle of June when I was asked to take over at the club. As I said earlier, there was no doubting the magnitude of the task but it was a blank canvas and my opportunity to stamp the Chapman name over the first team. I know there were some of you who might have doubted me, some who might have preferred a more experienced manager. I had, nevertheless, been involved in football for many years, educating coaches on behalf of the SFA and have gained a wealth of knowledge from many of the senior tutors with whom I have had the opportunity to work. I hope that some of the doubters may be beginning to understand my methods, I have made great personal sacrifices for the club and I do not regret any of them. I am thoroughly enjoying the challenges and rewards of professional football management.
One of my personal highlights has been the development of and interaction with the players. I have sometimes been criticised for the lack of experience in the side but I have always stated that any senior players coming to the club must be better than the players we already have and must also have something to add to the club. If and when such a player becomes available at an appropriate wage, I will consider him. Cliftonhill will not be a retirement home for seasoned professionals in the twilight of their career. The youngsters have shown a fantastic attitude and determination to improve this season both in matches and in training. This desire is, I’m afraid, often sadly lacking in senior players.
I don’t want to highlight individual matches as high points of 2005 because it is important not to lose sight of the fact that we are still in the early stages of a long-term development programme at the club. There will be victories over teams in the upper echelons of Division Three and defeats to clubs at the bottom of the league, these cannot detract from the pathway I have set out with the Chairman and my team.
Looking back on the past six months, I am pleased with the progress we have made to date and I hope that we can continue to develop and improve in the second half of the season.
It would be easy to cast an eye into 2006 and hope for a silent millionaire investor at the club but I’m not sure that there are too many of those around. My three wishes for 2006 are therefore as follows.
Firstly I would like to realise my goal for this season : stability at the club. We have always intimated that league position is not overly important this season. The club must establish firm foundations on which to build in the future. The days of living beyond our means are well behind us now and I feel confident that we have the infrastructure in place to begin development. It is essential that we continue to work to the five-year plan we set out at the start of the season.
Secondly I have made no secret of the fact that I would love the Coatbridge community to return to Cliftonhill. The club needs local support and you can rest assured that we are all doing our utmost to give Coatbridge a team it can be proud of. Over the coming twelve months a number of initiatives will get under way to bring the local community to the club, to make it a welcoming place for families and to bring youngsters to a club they can support for life.
My final wish is a personal wish : I would like everyone associated with Albion Rovers to be rewarded for their dedication and efforts. There are so many people working hard to secure a bright future for the club : from the drive of the new and enthusiastic Board to the amazing work of the Supporters’ Trust in their inaugural year, from the positive support of the fans to the unstinting efforts of the players on the park. This collective spirit deserves just reward and I hope for such recompense in 2006.
This seems an apt point in the season to have the second “Ask the Manager” session through the website. Please send me your questions by e-mail to
[deleted] and I will endeavour to answer as many as possible. I will place a deadline of 7pm Thursday 5 January for these questions so that I can get my responses online before Saturday.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of myself and the players, to thank you for all your support in 2005 and wish you all a healthy and prosperous New
Year.
Jim
(22/12/05)
Edition 22
I can hardly believe that this is the penultimate “Chappie’s Chat” of 2005. It has been quite a year for everyone involved with Albion Rovers : both employees and fans. Next week’s offering will cast a retrospective eye over my tenure at the club in 2005, then I will outline my wishes for 2006. I think it is judicious to have “wishes” for 2006 rather than “resolutions” as you will all be familiar with the following: “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” These words certainly ring true in football. For this week, however, I am handing the column over to our goalkeeper, Jamie Ewings. Jamie has been in outstanding form this season and I am sure that the minor foot injury he has sustained will not deter him from making further progress.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Cliftonhill on Monday for the visit of Arbroath. We will be doing our best to gain that elusive first home victory and give you an extra Christmas gift of three points!
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of myself and the players, to wish you all a very merry Christmas.
Jim
Hello! I am Jamie Ewings and I am 21 years old. I signed for Albion Rovers in the summer from Motherwell Football Club. During my time there I had loan deals with Thorniewood United, Shotts Bon Accord and Cumbernauld United. I joined Motherwell at the age of sixteen and my time at the club gave me the opportunity to train with my boyhood hero, Andy Goram. Stevie Woods was also influential but my Dad had by far the biggest impact on my career.
As a boy, I played at Westwood Rovers Boys’ Club and East Kilbride Burgh Boys’ Club before signing S-Forms at Hibernian. Then, as I said, I moved to Motherwell at the age of 16.
Moving from full-time to part-time football has been a huge change for me. Aside from the fact that I was training all day, I now have to do things for myself. I grew accustomed to having my boots cleaned and training gear washed by the YTS boys!
I have been quite pleased both with my own form and with the form of the team thus far and I am really hoping that we can maintain this good form until the end of the season and that, personally, I too can keep improving.
It is still my goal to move back into full-time football and I would certainly hope to do that within the next five years. I got used to it and thoroughly enjoyed training on a daily basis. I currently work as a Leisure Attendant at Vital Spa and Leisure Club. In the longer term, in 2020 for example, I am still hoping to be involved in full-time football and also to be doing some coaching so that I can put a little back into football as it has given me so much.
If I could make one change to things at Albion Rovers, that would without a doubt be to provide better training facilities. It is a problem many clubs face and it’s something that should be rectified.
Finally, if I were to win the lottery I would treat myself to a brand-new Porsche and buy a house for my Mum and Dad.
Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2006!
Jamie
(16/12/05)
Edition 21
This week I’m delighted to hand the column over to Stephen “Stef” Donachy. Stef is 22 years of age and has been a great asset to the side since signing for the club this season. He has scored a few goals for the side but will be recognised by most of you for his strike in the Scottish Cup tie against Partick Thistle at Firhill.
Jim
Hello! I’m Stephen Donachy and I’m grateful for this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself and about my hopes for the future. I’m 22 years old and was born on 8th July 1983.
I’ve been involved in football for as long as I can remember, starting out with Celtic North Boys’ Club, before spells with Queen’s Park Boys’ Club, Kingscroft Boys’ Club and St. Johnstone Boys’ Club. I then joined the Under-16s at Harmony Row and worked my way through to the Under-21s there before joining Rovers earlier this season.
By day I am a fitter with Auto Windscreens and train with Rovers twice a week. I find training with a senior club more grown-up and professional; it’s very enjoyable and I love it!
This season, I hope to hold down a regular place in the team and also to gain experience. It would also be nice to win the lottery…
I’m an ambitious player and in five years time I would like to be playing professional football with a big club and earning lots of money for the sport I enjoy. I’d also like to have won the lottery…
Beyond that, I would still like to play top-level football for a number of years and perhaps move into coaching, maybe even management.
I would not change much about the current Rovers set-up. It all comes down to finances and that applies to the majority of clubs. The lads and management are working very hard and that’s all anyone can do. If I had unlimited finance, I would build some training facilities.
Like most of you, I’d love to win the lottery. I’d cash the cheque and change it into pennies and pay off all my debt. There’d be a “Ruby Murray” for everyone with whatever would be left over!
Stef
(9/12/05)
Edition 20
There may be some of you out there who saw us play Cowdenbeath at Cliftonhill in October and being comprehensively defeated three-nil. We were beaten by a side that, I still believe, is one of the strongest in the Third Division. Perhaps some of the 322 fans that came along that day were not at the return match last Saturday. If not, I can assure you that we put up a stuffy fight, matched them on the park and were unfortunate not to secure at least a point. There can be no doubt that our performances have improved markedly but the results are not yet following. We have deserved more points for the level of performances we have been showing of late but, as the old football cliché says, these things balance themselves out over the course of a season. We will play worse and win matches.
We now have a more settled side both in formation and in team selection. The challenge to the players in the current starting eleven is to make the most of it and cement their place in the side. Those currently on the sidelines have to strive to earn a place in the team. This month I will be carrying out player assessments and these will help inform some decisions I have to make about players’ futures. I’ve already mentioned that some of these decisions will be difficult and that some players will be moving on from the club. Conversely, however, I will also be looking to offer some members of the side extended contracts for season 2006-7. I would hope to secure the continued services of the nucleus of the team.
On this note, I would like to welcome two new signings to the club. Jamie Doyle (20) has played for Leicester City and Ayr United. He is a good quality midfield player who will add a bit of strength to that area. The second, Mansaré Abou Beaker (22), is better known to many of you as “Big Abou”! He comes in to our defence after overcoming some passport problems. Both these players will contribute to and strengthen the team.
This week I was heartened by a bounce game between our reserve side and the Under-19s. The reserves won 3-1 but the most important thing was the encouraging performance of the reserves and some of under-19s.
The festive period is almost upon us and we all know that it’s a crucial time for the club. This season we have a particularly tough run of matches and it will be difficult for the players to have so many games in such a short period of time. For a large proportion of the squad, this is their first Christmas as a professional player and it will be strange for them to delay their normal festivities to focus on matches. This, however, is invariably part of life as a professional player, whether you’re at Albion Rovers or Chelsea! Over that period we have a match at Cliftonhill on Boxing Day against Arbroath with Stenhousemuir away at Hogmanay. These are followed by Queen’s Park at Hampden on 2 January. No doubt some of you will be keen to get out of the house for a while at that time of year, so bring your friends and relatives along to the games and support the team. We have had magnificent backing from you to date.
Tomorrow we visit Berwick where we hope to continue our good run of form. This time, we’re looking for results to go our way too!
Thanks again for your support.
Jim.
Edition 19
I have often spoken about the challenges facing us in our new regime at the club. This week I met with another group of people facing the same sort of challenges when I was invited to be interviewed on the new local radio station
L107. The station is trying to focus on local events and sport so I was invited in to give the Albion Rovers story at 5pm on Thursday. In addition, L107 Albion Rovers car stickers will soon be available from John Reynolds at the club. We will continue to work closely with L107 as we endeavour to raise the profile of the club and attempt to become an integral part of the Coatbridge community.
For those of you who missed the interview, I reiterated the exciting challenge that we have before us at Cliftonhill at the dawn of this new era. The move from full-time to part-time football in the summer allowed me to take on the job, whilst remaining in my permanent post with South Lanarkshire Leisure. I also outlined that we have decided to go down the youth route to give young players the opportunity to achieve their potential in the game and move up on to the bigger stage. We have also given a number of youngsters a second chance in the game, when they have been released by top-flight clubs.
My short-term goal remains to bring about stability at the club, in the longer term I aim to put the club in a more stable position to start climbing the league and also to improve the youth situation at the club. To do this, however, will require the backing of North Lanarkshire Council to assist with training facilities. We are trying to get everybody in the Coatbridge community to come back and, rather than make us their second favourite team, make us their favourite team. I recognise that they’ll only come back if the product on the park is good – and that’s my job! I want to generate attractive, enjoyable football that people can come along and watch. but if they come along now they’ll see young players here full of enthusiasm and commitment.
I also have great support at the club from a number of people. You all know Jimmy Lawson who has been around the club for many years. He needs no introduction and is involved in every area of the club – even advising me on team selection! He is now assisted by Jimmy McLaughlin who helps out with the kit and training equipment. Eric Stallard assists me in the dugout, providing a sounding board for my ideas and attempting to keep me under control (not an easy task)! I have known Eric for many years and trust his judgement implicitly – this level of support cannot be replicated or bought. On the physio front, Derek Kelly works hard to keep the team fit and aids their recovery from injury. He is assisted by Ann MacLeod who is a sports therapist; this enables her to practise basic therapy techniques under the supervision of Derek. The hard work of these, my true supporters, cannot be underestimated. I have my backroom team at the club and we are all striving to get the product right on the park. Let’s hope things continue to improve tomorrow at Cowdenbeath.
Thanks again for your support.
Jim.
(25/11/05)
Edition 18
As a result of Scottish Cup ties taking priority, we find ourselves without a fixture this weekend. This will give some of the players a well-earned rest after their excellent efforts and displays in the two games against Partick Thistle. We have organised a ‘closed door’ game but, with the weather worsening as I write, it looks like this will be cancelled and we will all begin again on Tuesday. When reflecting and analysing the Cup games against Partick Thistle, I now believe that the players are maturing with every training session and game, and this has given me a greater sense of belief that we are heading in the right direction. The only down side to these performances, although we must view it as a positive, is that players have highlighted their potential and it will come as no surprise that we may receive calls, indications of interest and offers for some of the players.
We now must look forward and I have now issued new challenges to the players. They have demonstrated that they have the ability and desire to compete and they will now need to show the same levels and attitude throughout the rest of the season. Although I can accept that, because of their youth, inconsistency will creep in and performances will drop at some stage, the players know that I expect them to approach every game they play with the same mentality shown in the Scottish Cup ties. The players deserved all the praise they got and I also feel I must give you the same plaudits since your support in both games was fantastic and I hope that you can give the same for the rest of the season as well.
Thanks again for your support.
Jim
(18/11/05)
Edition 17
Although Saturday’s result was very disappointing, we have taken a lot of positives from the match and also from your support and understanding. It’s a mark of the progress we have made to date that we are creating numerous chances from good open play. We must now focus harder on converting these chances.
I now feel that both the staff and the players have a greater understanding of each other. I know I came in for a little criticism early on for constantly changing players and systems of play, but I hope that you can now appreciate that I was trying to find out the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and collective groups of players, as well as team shapes. A method behind my madness, as usual!
Tomorrow’s Scottish Cup tie brings about another excellent challenge and opportunity for my young team to demonstrate their capabilities at another level. We have probably been fortunate to draw the biggest club in the competition at this stage, Partick Thistle, as there is none of the expectations and added pressure that facing a smaller side inevitably brings. Partick will find themselves in a no-win situation, whereas we have everything to gain and we will be setting out very positively to achieve a positive result.
I hope you will join me in recognising two fantastic gestures from the Board. Firstly, to the supporters in the provision of free transport. I hope that this will encourage many of you to make the short journey to Firhill for the match to lend your support to the team. Secondly, I would personally like to thank the Board on behalf of the team for recognising that tomorrow is a special day for all of the squad. For some, it will be their first experience of the Scottish Cup. The Board have organised a pre-match lunch and get-together to ensure that the best preparations are in place for the players.
I now feel we have set high standards at the Club and, rest assured, we are all striving to maintain and raise these as the season progresses.
Thanks again for your support,
Jim
(11/10/05)
Edition 16
This week’s offering comes from Lee Wilson. It’s an indication of the youth of the squad that Lee is now one of our older players! Lee had a bad injury over summer but I have been impressed by his attitude and focus in the rehabilitation period; it has been heartening to see him return to first-team action.
Tomorrow’s fixture with Elgin looks like being a close encounter and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Cliftonhill.
Jim
Hello, I’m Lee Wilson. I’m 24 years old and, by day, I work as an SFA Football Community Coach.
I started my football career with ICI Juveniles at age 11. When I was 16, I signed Youth Forms at Alloa, then moved on to Aberforth Rangers and Dunipace Rangers. I spent six months with Dunipace before signing for Albion Rovers. My Dad has been a huge influence on my career : from a young age he has always believed in me and encouraged me. He has also been a taxi service, driving me to and from training and matches!
Since coming here my football routine has changed quite a bit. I find training a lot more technically focused and the games are a lot faster than I was accustomed to.
This season, we are a brand-new young team that is improving all the time, both collectively and individually. I would hope to improve on last season’s league position. On a personal note, I want to attain double figures in my personal goal tally.
I would like to think that in 5 years time I would be playing in a higher division, preferably with the Rovers. Beyond that, I would like to move into a managerial or coaching rôle within a club.
The only thing I would change at the club is the pitch : it is not the best surface for attractive, passing football.
If I were to win the lottery I would still play football. I would sort my family out with enough cash to live comfortably for a long time. I would obviously buy a house and a car then offer Cheryl Tweedy, Jessica Simpson and Kelly Brook one million pounds each for a date! Obviously I’d ‘phone Camelot first to ensure I got my hands on all that money.
Thanks for reading my column!
Lee
(4/10/05)
Edition 15
I think we all feel buoyed by Thursday’s AGM. The people looking after Albion Rovers off the pitch are doing their best to ensure that the club moves forward in the next five years. It is my task to mirror these efforts on the pitch.
To be honest, things have improved markedly of late. We have put together a run of three games without defeat. We have moved forward and might even have gathered more points from these last couple of matches.
I have to say, however, that last weekend was one of the most uncomfortable experiences I have had. Football can be a cruel sport when you are trying to do the right thing. I have been brought up with the SFA “Fair Play” philosophy but I reacted wrongly when watching East Fife taking advantage – not for the first time – of this unwritten rule. I have apologised to their player for my inappropriate comments and, to be fair, both the player and the East Fife management offered their apologies for their rôle in the incident after the match. I accept I was wrong and I accept my punishment. I will not be appealing the decision. Indeed, I am embarrassed that I have the unenviable notoriety of being the first manager to incur the new automatic two-match suspension.
The positive aspect of the whole incident was the unstinting support I received both from my players and from the Board. I feel as if I let everyone down on the day and am grateful for their backing.
My transgression must not, however, detract from our performance at Methil and the disappointment we felt with one point bears testimony to the progress we have made of late. We must now keep the momentum going and tomorrow’s match against Queen’s Park will be a tough ask of the team. We are now better equipped, however, and we have a clearer understanding of what is required to compete with every team in the league.
Thanks again for your support,
Jim
(28/10/05)
Edition 14
On the injury front, some players are showing good progress under the watchful eye of Derek Kelly. Only Phil Creaney and Tommy Franch are long-term absentees, while the rest are working hard to return to full fitness.
On the playing front, I have been delighted with the response to the challenges given to the players. We have now shown a greater competitive edge to our game and this has brought about better all-round performances and positive results. We must, however, now strive to maintain this level of play, as we know that anything less will result in a return to the bottom of the league.
The players are now adapting very well to the position-specific running patterns we are using at training. As a result, you should start to notice an improvement in their running off the ball and their positional awareness.
I would like to thank those of you who attended the “Meet the Manager” session after the Montrose game. I really appreciated the ovation the players received after the match and also the positive comments from the supporters. To those of you unable to attend, my message was clear and simple : we need “supporters” in the true definition of the word. My understanding of the word “support” is “backing in times of need”, not just when things are going well. Although the last week has seen great improvements in both performances and results, might I remind you that there will be more tough times ahead and that is when we will need your “support”.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the East Fife game and also at the Reserve League Cup tie against Hamilton Academical here at Cliftonhill on Tuesday 1 November with a 7.30pm kick-off.
Thanks again,
Jim
(21/10/05)
Edition 13
The club has a number of players currently recovering from injury and I am hopeful at least one of them might make the bench tomorrow in Arbroath.
Tommy Lennox is still feeling the effects of the tackle at Elgin but he is not too far away from a return. Kevin O’Neill is also close to a return after a bang to the knee. Tommy Franch, unfortunately, has sustained damage to a tendon in his knee and may well be out for six to eight weeks. This is disappointing for Tommy. Lee Sichi should be back from his groin injury in the near future. Lee Wilson’s hamstring injury is less severe than first feared and he will be back in a couple of weeks. Close-season signing Phil Creaney has undergone successful surgery on his Anterior Cruciate ligament and is now making remarkable progress under Jim Fallon at the Sports Medicine Centre at Hampden.
On the playing front, I expected inconsistencies across the season but not during one match! Those of you who came to the Cowdenbeath game at Cliftonhill last Saturday will know exactly what I am talking about! The first half was a very positive display by Rovers. We showed desire, commitment and a hunger to win. We were unfortunate to go in one goal down against a side that, I believe, is the strongest we have played to date.
Conversely the second half was poor. We showed a lack of belief when the second goal went in. Heads went down and our lack of experience and leadership on the park was evident. We endured a tough time.
I am looking for us to sustain the standards of the first half. You will agree that we matched Cowdenbeath and might well have gone in ahead on the night.
I’m confident we are progressing down the right road and we now need a positive result to install belief back into the side.
I would also like to invite you all to attend a “Meet the Manager” session in the club at 9.30pm on Tuesday after the Montrose fixture. I look forward to talking to you then.
Jim
(14/10/05)
Edition 12
This week’s offering comes from Iain Chisholm. Iain is a young talent with a huge desire to succeed in the game. In addition to this burning ambition is a commitment to physical conditioning and a growing realisation that the crossover to senior football is a significant step.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at tomorrow’s match.
Jim
Hello, I’m Iain Chisholm. I’m 20 years old and enjoying my time at Albion Rovers. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences at the club with you.
The first team I played for was Westwood, and when I was 13 I joined Bosco. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and won my first league title with them. At the age of 17 I joined Harmony Row where I played in the Under-19s. I believe that my experience at Harmony Row got me where I am today. I then moved to Tower of Hearts Under-21s and they were a great side, in fact they were the best team I had played with and we won the league and promotion. I moved to Cliftonhill in the summer.
Since coming here my football routine has changed for the better. I was certainly not used to doing so much training but I’m really enjoying every minute of it. I love keeping fit.
This season, I would hope to finish near the top of the league. I think we can do it with the players we’ve got! I believe it’s important to be ambitious rather than settling for second-best. In 2010 I would hope to be playing in the First Division, maybe with Albion Rovers or maybe with another club. I will just do my best in every match and training session and see what happens.
Beyond that I would like to have played against the top teams in Scotland by the age of 35. I would like to have played in the top flight but I will always look back and remember where I started : the club that gave me the chance at senior level and the fans that supported me in those early days.
I’m really happy with everything at the club, but I do think the grass could do with a cut more often!
If I were to win the lottery I would still play football. I would put a bit of money back into football to support the youngsters coming through. After that I’d buy cars, a house and take care of my mother.
Thanks for reading my column!
Iain
(8/10/05)
Edition 11
I’m as disappointed and dejected as you all after last week’s performance. We have sat down as a team and discussed what went wrong. We have analysed and we will move forward. Let me at this stage, however, set the record straight : I did not call the players “cheats” – I accused them of cheating the fans by failing to achieve the standards expected of them, and I accused them of cheating me for the same reason. They have, to a man, apologised and accepted that they fell below standards. Let’s not wallow in this : it has happened let’s move forward together.
We need you with us now more than ever. Supporters need to be alongside the team, you are part of what we are trying to achieve here. Most teams in Scottish football are battling against the odds to survive, to move forward and to develop. Thank you to those of you who recall the message we put out at the start of the season about “patience” and “long-term planning”. I am disappointed in the short-term view of some of the others. Let’s not dwell on the past. “Moving forward” is my message this week.
I believe this club is moving forward; I believe this team is moving forward. Yes, there will be disappointing results round the corner; yes, we will need to stand up and be counted but I am confident that good times will follow. I do find some of the retrospective negativity disappointing, in particular our own fans guessing which former player might score against us. How do you think the players felt when they read that? Defenders whose confidence was a bit low after the previous couple of games didn’t need to read that.
We owe you more than we gave you on Saturday. That is not up for debate : but let’s forget the players that have left the club and expend our energies on the players that are here now.
In that vein, I will organise another “Meet the Manager” session at a later date. You can then come and have your say face-to-face rather than hiding behind anonymous pseudonyms and we can have a healthy debate.
In the interim, Iain Chisholm will be providing the player’s angle next week. So, let’s move forward together from this, and we’ll start tomorrow when we share the common goal of cheering on the National Team in their match against Belarus.
Jim
(30/9/05)
Edition 10
I know it has been a few weeks since my last contribution to this column. I hope you enjoyed the input from both Scott and Tommy, and that you got a good feeling of not only the standard and ambition of the players here but also of the type of people we have at the club. As much as I would love to develop and maximise each player’s potential on the field, I also think it’s important to give as much support and education about how they conduct themselves away from the club, so that they become better people for their involvement in professional football at Albion Rovers.
Regarding my own chat, you would have seen from the Berwick programme (if you were at the match and bought one) that I have now issued specific challenges to every player. Everyone knows that the honeymoon period is officially over. We have now come to the end of stage one of this long and necessary rebuilding process at the club and are now looking to improve in every aspect.
On the playing front, I feel very satisfied with the players I have brought to the club and also with the commitment and attitude they have shown. This, however, is only the beginning and as much as they have set a decent benchmark, I am now using my extensive contacts in the game to begin to look for players who can strengthen the team and build on these foundations. Yes, there will be changes; yes, there will be some tough decisions but everyone will be given the best opportunity and afforded the greatest respect. Any decision will be made in the best interest of the club.
Up until now I have had no input to other areas of the Club and was disappointed to read suggestions to the contrary on this website. The Youth Development Initiative is now underway and Jimmy Lindsay has full responsibility for how this operates. I am looking to spend some time appraising the progress made to date and also analysing the future plans of this crucial area. Like all aspects of the club, however, the Youth Development Initiative has to be of great benefit, be very productive and increase awareness of and enthusiasm for the club in the local community. I will lend my expertise and support to Jimmy and his staff, but again I reiterate that all aspects and personnel are now accountable. If standards and expectations are not met, some tough and hard decisions will need to be made.
Another area I am working hard on, is bringing Albion Rovers back into the community. With a number of colleagues, I am preparing a proposal for the Board to consider which would create a four-year “Albion Rovers in the Community” programme. A number of factors, both internal and external, will influence the outcome of this proposal. The bottom line is that the sparse resources of the club must be spent wisely and priority must be given to the areas of the first team and ground redevelopment.
On the pitch the last few games have shown that we can give a good account of ourselves against quality opposition. Now the time has come to turn performances into points. I have already made a new addition to the squad in Scott Chaplain. Although he is just about to turn 22, Scott has a great pedigree having come through the Rangers Youth Development programme before moving to Ayr United. I previously tried to sign Scott in the summer but he has only just become available.
The rebuilding process is now in stage two and demands on the playing front have now increased. This will hopefully start to bring the desired results.
It would be great to see a larger crowd at our home fixtures. While I appreciate that results bring crowds, paradoxically crowds also influence things on the park. Can I also remind you that we want positivity from the terracing, by all means dissect the match afterwards in the bar!
I have been reminded this week by the Board of where we have come from. Like you, I was beginning to expect more than the situation I inherited was capable of achieving. Cast your minds back a mere 10 weeks when our team list for the Airdrie match read “Ewings, Friel, then 14 trialists.” I now have 24 signed players and, after chopping and changing systems to get a feel for the players and their capabilities, I am now confident this squad will make Albion Rovers a competitive team at both first and reserve team level.
On that note, we have a rearranged reserve fixture this coming Tuesday (4 October) at Cliftonhill against Ayr United with a 7.30pm kick off. Your continued support will be most welcome that evening.
Jim
(23/9/05)
Edition 9
You were probably expecting to be dazzled by my wit and charm this week, but we have decided to rejig the order. When there is a home fixture and I have to write a programme article, I will hand over my column here to a guest writer (player or member of the backroom staff). That way you won’t get the same story twice (and you’ll have to come to Cliftonhill and buy a programme to hear my matchday words of wisdom)! This shouldn’t inconvenience our remote supporters as I’ll still be writing here on alternate weeks.
Last week’s column by Scott Friel seemed to be quite well received, so this week Tommy Lennox takes up the bâton.
Jim
Hello, I’m Tommy Lennox and, like most of the players at this club, this is my first season with Albion Rovers. I am pleased to be given this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself and to share with you some of my hopes for the future.
I take great enjoyment from football and have done so from an early age. I started out playing with the school football team and then went on to play for my local boys’ club. At the age of 13, I joined Queen of the South FC and progressed through their youth development system before signing professional forms at 17. At this time I left school to begin studying a B.Ed (Hons) degree in Physical Education at Edinburgh University. This commitment to full-time education, along with a string of injuries, restricted my involvement with the first team for the next 2 ½ years. This became frustrating and I started to lose interest at Queens. I asked to be released and moved on to play for Edinburgh University. I owe a lot to the coaches and players at Edinburgh University for helping to restore my enthusiasm for the game. We finished well in the East of Scotland League and also won the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup. During my time there I also played for the Scottish Universities’ Football Select at two British University Games, winning the Home Nations’ Tournament in 2005.
Since graduating in the summer, I am now enjoying life as a PE teacher at Biggar High School. Now that I am in a settled job, I am more focused towards developing as a footballer and am therefore delighted to have an opportunity at another senior club. Since signing for Albion Rovers, it has become apparent to me that a higher level of fitness is required in order to compete in the Scottish Third Division. In light of this, my football routine has changed to include extra training on my days away from the club.
This season, I would hope to finish in the top six. Although I do believe that any kind of improvement on last year’s placing would be a step forward. I’d also like a good run in the Scottish Cup with, hopefully, a tie against Premier League opposition (if possible against Hibs)!
In 5 years time, I can only hope to be enjoying my football, playing regularly at a professional level. In the long term, I have a desire to move into coaching and therefore hope to gain more experience through having a successful playing career in the senior game.
Since joining Albion Rovers, there have been many changes at the club. One further change that I’d welcome would be the re-development of Cliftonhill. I’d therefore be happy if any Russian Billionaires out there with an interest in Albion Rovers injected some cash into the club! Personally, if I were to make a million I would secure financial stability for my family and then spend the rest on cars, houses and holidays. I would still continue to play football and keep trying to better myself as a player, which would hopefully lead to a successful career as a professional footballer.
Tommy
(16/9/05)
Edition 8
This week I’m delighted to hand the column over to Club Captain, Scott Friel. Despite being a mere 20 years of age, Scott has the ambition, enthusiasm and level-headedness required to drive the side forward on the park. It is therefore apt that the Club Captain be the first player in this new fortnightly feature.
Jim
Hello! I’m Scott Friel, the newly-appointed Club Captain at Albion Rovers. I’m delighted to have this chance to tell you a little bit about myself and about my hopes for the future.
I’ve always been keen on football and played with the school football team from the age of 12; at 14 I was signed up by Celtic and played in their youth development system until I was 16. I signed a full-time contract there at 16 and played there regularly until I was released at the age of 19. After that I signed for Dublin City for 4 months then came to the Rovers.
You might think that moving to part-time football has had a big impact on me, but not much has changed in terms of training. I have always looked after myself physically and now the onus is on me to manage the training on days off rather than the club. The one comparison I would make is the fact that football in Scotland is a lot more physical and a lot faster than the Irish game!
This season, I would hope to finish in the top-half of the table. I think that’s something this team is well capable of achieving. I’d also love a good run in the Scottish Cup, having been put out in the first round of the Bells and CIS Cups.
I have ambitions like anyone else and in 5 years time I would hope to be playing at the highest level, testing myself against the top players in the country. Beyond that, I would like to move into some sort of coaching position with the hindsight and experience of a successful football career to help me.
The only change I would like to see in the current set-up at Rovers is a move to full-time football for the first team. I don’t currently have a day job and I really enjoy training every day and playing on a Saturday.
My final dream would come about if I were to win the lottery : I would secure financial stability for my family so they didn’t have to work or worry about anything. Personally, however, I would continue playing football and keep trying to better myself as a player and, hopefully, one day play against the top players in the country.
Scott
(9/9/05)
Edition 7
First of all : thank you for your positive feedback on this column following last week’s request. It’s great to hear that you appreciate my chat! As a result of your comments, I can confirm that next week’s chat will be written by one of the players; I will write the following one; then another player, etc. You have made it clear that you want a weekly contribution and we’ll endeavour to ensure that’s the case.
We’re all really looking forward to the East Fife game and getting back into action. Last weekend allowed us to take stock and now I will focus on establishing a comprehensive scouting network across the country to recruit quality players for the club. The aim of the network will be to identify players and to improve on what we have here already. We now have a benchmark at the club : anyone that comes in must be better than what is here already. The squad we have here now is only the start. I have signed twenty players since coming in to post but the players know that if they don’t develop and improve as expected then they will be moved on. We will focus specifically on strengthening the areas we have identified as the weaker links on the park. Don’t misread this as a criticism of my squad : I am very pleased with the players I have brought in. It is just a fact that not all of them will make the anticipated progress and that brings the difficult part of my job : I have to let players go if they do not reach the level required in the new regime at the club.
This is a shorter than usual “Chappie’s Chat” because of the international break but I’ll be back to my eloquent self in a fortnight! Next week, as I said, one of the players will entertain you with his wit and insight into life at the club…
Hope to see as many of you as possible at the stadium for the East Fife game, you can rest assured that we will be giving you a positive performance and striving for three points. I think the National Squad has shown in the past few days that a positive mindset can do wonders on the pitch and I’m a great believer in motivation and mental toughness. We’ll be doing our best for you : thank you for your continued support.
Jim
(2/9/05)
Edition 6
The break for international matches has given me a chance to reflect on my first couple of months in the job. I’m not going to chirp away about how difficult things are : that’s a situation that’s pertinent across Scottish football, Albion Rovers is not exceptional. Let’s stop putting ourselves down as the poor relation : every club is now facing up to the stark financial realities and operating within an agreed budget. The halcyon days of “buy now pay later” are long gone. Every club has had to adopt a businesslike approach to the game, we are part of that climate.
Once I arrived, I started evaluating what was in place at the club. A quick analysis showed the magnitude of the task before me, but I was starting with a blank canvas and the opportunity to stamp my identity on the style of play from the outset. So the building process began with a series of trial matches and friendlies that enabled me to sign a skeleton first-team squad. You know yourself there was, and still is, a lot of room for improvement but I believe I have a squad that really wants to play for the club. Many of my players are making the step up to senior football for the first time and we have seen evidence of their lack of experience in games like the Stenhousemuir fixture where the physicality of Third Division football was a sharp lesson to them. But we are learning and that’s all I can ask for. I now have a little more time to have a closer look at the work at all levels at the club : the start of the Reserve League and Pro-Youth Initiative allows me to observe current practice and see where we need to provide support, expertise and focus on the best way forward. I watch players involved in these games as often as I can and they have the opportunity to impress me and force their way into my first-team squad. I also observe opponents a couple of times before each fixture so that we are properly prepared, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given of their time when asked to go and prepare an analysis of opponents. I harp on about improving our professionalism and I am determined that Albion Rovers will be ready for any opposition.
I am constantly reviewing everything we do : my own management style, my own preparation, our fitness, our tactics, the quality of players, etc. The main challenge for me has been optimising the resources available to me. As I said, the club is rightly operating within a tight budget and the constraints on Scottish Football at this level are well documented. That, however, is not an excuse for poor performance on the park : it is a reason for making the best of what we have. I have signed players who demonstrate a “want-to-play” attitude, and you have seen that in their willingness to give of their all, right to the final whistle. The verification of what we are doing comes from my network of “eyes and ears”. I have people in every corner of Scotland observing us, listening to what fans are saying, watching our matches. These people are crucial to the long-term success of my squad. Let’s not forget the enjoyment factor! I love every minute of my job as Head Coach : it is a difficult job but I don’t resent a second of the time spent on it. When first appointed I joked that I spent 23 hours working, with an hour for lunch : you have no idea how close to the truth that is! If we continue like this, results will turn. We have not done too badly thus far : we competed well with first-division opposition and have had a win, draw and two defeats in the league. We always knew that this was to be a season of consolidation, which is why it can be disappointing to read posts on the site saying that fans will only come to matches if we start winning (especially since they were posted straight after we beat Montrose!). We need to be realistic and I think that you, the fans, have been magnificent so far. The enjoyment thread also extends to you : rest assured we are working exceptionally hard to make your visits to Cliftonhill and beyond a pleasurable experience. It all takes time, but we do aim for success!
I think you may be starting to tire of my chat on a weekly basis, so I am proposing that one of my players gives you the view from the dressing room every second week. In line with the new open policy at Cliftonhill I would, however, welcome comments on this.
Hope you enjoyed that retrospective look at my first couple of months and I look forward to seeing you all back at Cliftonhill on the 10th for the East Fife game! Thanks again for all your support thus far!
Jim
(25/8/05)
Edition 5
Last Saturday was the first time I have truly felt disappointed in our performance this season. I thought we were disjointed in the first half and did not perform to the standards we have set ourselves thus far. Yes, we might question some of the decisions but ultimately the thing that let us down was a lack of self-belief. We allowed ourselves to be bullied out of the game by a stronger, more physical and more experienced side. We were better in the second half, but you can’t turn up at 4pm for a 3pm kick-off and expect to get a result.
This may sound controversial but that’s not the worst thing that could have happened at this stage. It’s a reality check. Remember where we have come from. The fans got a reminder on Saturday that we’re still at the very beginning of a long and difficult building process, but we were heartened by the first-rate support you provided. No-one got on our backs, no-one jeered our mistakes. Thank you. You don’t know how important that positive support is. Believe me, my boys were hurting after the defeat. It was also a reality check for my players – they know that only their best will get results in this competitive league. So, while we were upset and disappointed, we have to learn from it. I believe that the reaction in training this week showed the boys are doing just that.
Behind the scenes plans are well afoot for community involvement. There is a lot of planning, thinking and taking stock going on. Initially there was a lot of movement as I raced the clock to get a decent team on the park for the start of the season. Now we need to take stock, assess the club and its operations as a whole. I will be meeting with Jimmy Lindsay to evaluate our youth programmes and discuss our priorities both long and short term. Things are starting to take shape here and thank you to everyone who has helped thus far.
The most important thing is the performance on the park. That’s my job. But who has the ultimate responsibility for attracting more fans to the ground? Yes, silky, flowing soccer is a bait. It may be some way off but we aspire to it. Who can force people along, bring friends to the ground, encourage neighbours to join them in the stand? We all can. I read all the discussion threads on this site but we’re all looking too far down the line. Let’s start on our own doorsteps and numbers will start to pick up.
On the subject of discussion threads, there are a couple of you out there posting negative thought after negative thought. Why? Yes, you’re entitled to your opinions but if it’s really that bad why do you waste your time writing about it? It’s the easiest thing in the world to be negative; it’s much harder to find solutions.
I hope you enjoyed last week’s answers. I think we will run the Questions and Answers session on a quarterly rather than monthly basis. Those were my honest thoughts and opinions, that’s what you’ll get from me.
Jim
(19/8/05)
Edition 4 (Q&A)
How does the old Scots saying go? “A nod’s as guid as a wink tae a blind horse.” In other words, clarity of communication is essential. This week saw your questions arrive in the “Ask the Manager” feature. I have tried to answer them as honestly as I can.
Question 1 : “Our squad looks young and full of enthusiasm, but do you see the lack of experience as a possible problem when the going gets tough?” (David
Creswell)
JC : No, I want players with attitude, honesty and ambition at this club. You only get experience from playing and learning from mistakes. No player will be dropped because of one error on the park. Albion Rovers is no longer a dumping ground or retirement home for players who are only looking to pick up some extra income. If, however, the right experienced player, with the same attributes (of attitude, honesty and ambition), who can contribute to the development of my emerging players were to be available at an appropriate wage, then obviously I would be happy.
Question 2 : “Although this summer has brought new hope to our supporters with the formation of the trust and your appointment which has brought with it new ideas and new players who are all out to prove themselves. However one swallow does not a summer make. What is the long-term view, do the club intend to make themselves noticeable within Coatbridge like they have never done in the past?” (Sam Gemmell)
JC : The long-term view is to establish solid foundations on which to build. Such foundations will ensure the sustainability and security of Albion Rovers Football Club for the future. We are looking to improve on a daily basis at first-team level, as well as in the youth squad. Our league position will improve over time; success will come to the club when it’s appropriate. We don’t need a false dawn or to raise expectations too early : the club has suffered from this in the past. We’ll know when we’re ready to make a push : that’s why I’ve been very open with the supporters and asked for patience and understanding from the outset.
Question 3 : “Can you describe a typical day in your rôle as Manager?” (John Donnelly)
JC : My rôle involves being available 24/7 for club business. This includes organising facilities, planning training, organising trials, dealing with contracts, etc. Most of this work, which would easily fill a full-time post, is crammed into part-time hours. I also work full-time in Hamilton as an SFA Football Development Officer. It may sound clichéd, but football is my life. I joked, when first appointed, that I worked 23 hours a day, with an hour for lunch. That is not too far removed from reality. But I love working at this level; I am a football person and don’t resent a minute spent on my team.
Question 4 : “Have been at all the games so far and have been really impressed with the team’s spirit and organisation. Where would you like to see the club at the end of the season and say in 4 years – in terms of the football side of things?” (Ronnie Boyd)
JC : This season we have no targets. It’s a season of consolidation and establishing firm foundations for the future. It’s a season where we need to take stock and learn how to operate within our means again. I do, naturally, have the desire to see steady improvement on a daily/weekly basis. In the longer term, I intend to lead Albion Rovers to the desired level of success. That will see us operating at the top of the Third Division and then consolidating our place in the Second Division. Youth Development is therefore crucial so that when we do get up there, we will have the resources to stay there.
Question 5 : “When I ask why the Rovers never attract support, the answer I get is ‘everyone follows the Old Firm’ etc, etc… Which obviously is true as a whole… But there are, literally, thousands of armchair football fans, Old Firm ones especially in the Coatbridge area that never go to ANY form of live game at all. Do you think it could be possible that if the Club had a backer
(à la Livingstone) that the support/goodwill in the area would be there? (Especially if a decent PR / Marketing job were done).” (Mark Deveney)
JC : Rovers is everyone’s second favourite team. We have to earn the right to be their main source of football. We need to be more professional in all aspects of the club’s operations. Albion Rovers must cease to be a laughing stock. I am trying to improve the PR and communication, and I gather from this website that the majority of fans appreciate this. Cliftonhill is often criticised but, let me remind you, we have to live within our means just now. Cliftonhill is our ground and we have a sense of belonging there. Ultimately success on the park will lead to more supporters, businesses and sponsors getting involved. Conversely enhanced off-field work can enhance happenings on the pitch, as we would receive additional sponsorship and funding.
Question 6 : “We seem to be playing quite well at the moment, so what position are you aiming for in the league?” (No name)
JC : Again, no targets for this season. You can, however, rest assured that we will do our best to finish in as high a position as possible. You are guaranteed 100% effort and attitude from the players.
Question 7 : “I think it would be a good idea to have a mascot at the ground for match days. This could be a dog or other weird animal to help get the crowd in the mood for the game. Also the mascot could be used for kids’ parties and functions which would help with the revenue side of things.” (Colin Young)
JC : We are hoping to set up a community club programme and there is no doubt that it would be good to have a mascot to provide branding. I already have a mental picture of “Rover the Dog” or “Wee Rover the Little Dog”. I would, of course, need a suitable model to perform as Rover/Wee Rover on matchdays; any offers out there?
Question 8 : “Do you feel the lack of experience in our ranks will be a problem when things (inevitably) get tough in the weeks ahead – and, if so, would you (funds permitting) consider bringing in a couple of older players at a later stage?” (Bill Walker)
JC : I dealt with much of this in Question 1 but, just to reiterate, I will only sign an older player if he is right for the club and can benefit me, the coaching team and the players at the club.
Question 9 : “As a life-long Rovers fan, I am keen to know your TRUE thoughts on ground-sharing with Airdrie? This is a very sore point with most of the fans but, I truly believe that with your appointment and the backing of the Board, we will improve our financial predicament substantially, and ensure that we can prosper at Cliftonhill. What do you think? What if we NEED to ground share to save costs?” (Peter McClurg)
JC : This is a difficult one to answer. I am open to the concept of ground sharing in football. I believe that, just as we have to do on a micro scale at Cliftonhill, football needs to learn to live within its means. Whether this is by opening their stadium as a multi-sport facility or ground sharing with a near neighbour, individual circumstances will dictate. I have full confidence in the Board here and do not have enough knowledge of the situation to pass comment on the concept of ground sharing with Airdrie. I am here to coach football and, no matter where we play, I will give 100%. I hope such discussions continue to operate above my level so that I can concentrate on events on the park.
Question 10 : “I love to have fun with the players, management team and backroom staff and I enjoy telling the world about them. What funny stories do you have that I can share with the crowd? Would you be willing to supply me with up-to-the minute information for announcing over the tannoy to our fans on matchday?” (Peter McClurg)
JC : One major bugbear with me is the running commentary on the tannoy on matchdays. I am happy, through my PR people, to give you access to the information you require at my discretion. We are aiming to become more professional and move away from being a laughing stock. I am happy to co-operate with appropriate material.
Question 11 : “As a true marketer, I believe fundamentally in the principles of a SWOT analysis, can you tell me what you view as the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that face ARFC? (Not just the playing side). (Note – every weakness should be an opportunity!) (Peter McClurg)
JC : Our principle strength is attitude; as is knowing what our strengths are. We have many weaknesses and we admit to them and are working on them. Inasmuch as opportunities are concerned, I have a young squad and each one of them has a magnificent opportunity to carve out a career in the game. Albion Rovers is a development club and we will give these players the opportunity to learn and improve. The threats are well documented. Not just at Albion Rovers, but also in Scottish football in general, there is a precarious financial climate. Overall, if you’re frightened of failing you will.
Question 12 : “I have ranted on about getting the young school kids of Coatbridge involved as fans and we can catch them for life. How would you do this in your capacity as Manager?” (Peter McClurg)
JC : I have said that we would like to establish a community club programme because I believe the foundations we are building should stretch like roots into the Coatbridge community. Success of any community programme will be down to the people involved at all levels.
Question 13 : “Finally we used to have a brass band that played on home days and marched from the Fountain in Coatbridge up to the front gate of Cliftonhill at 2.45pm. What “gimmick” would you introduce every home game to alert the Coatbridge public about the match?” (Peter McClurg)
JC : Still harking back to professionalism and my dislike of gimmicky things. One idea about informing the public would be to erect a wooden notice board (like they have at rugby grounds) above the entrance with details of the next fixture on it. The A89 is a busy road and people would notice as they drove past. There may be a joiner in our midst that could do this. Word-of-mouth is the best PR you can get. You’re all Rovers fans and you can all influence friends, family and colleagues to come to Cliftonhill.
Thank you for your questions; I hope you have all received the answers you wanted. It was heartening to note that I didn’t have to reject any questions : they were all fair. It’s great to know you’re out there behind us, we really appreciate it and, when results don’t go our way, we’re still doing our best for you.
Jim
(12/8/05)
Edition 3
How often have you stood on the terracing and uttered, “Ooh,
unlucky”? Well, South African golfer Gary Player once said, “The more I
practise the luckier I get!” We have been practising hard at Cliftonhill of
late and I feel it’s starting to pay off. You might perhaps suggest that I
have been somewhat cautious in my approach to matches thus far, opting for a
rather defensive playing strategy. That was a tactical choice rather than a
negative philosophy and I took it because of the opposition : Stranraer, Airdrie
United and Queen of the South are all successful First Division clubs, Gretna
are a Second-Division side in name only and Arbroath are newly relegated and
favourites for the Third Division title.
I feel that my players have shown themselves to be quite strong defensively and
now that we are moving on to play more equitable opposition, you will witness a
more positive and adventurous approach. None of you can deny that we have pushed
forward right to the end of matches and I have found it encouraging that we have
scored in the dying moments. To be honest with you, fitness has not been
uppermost in my list of priorities for training sessions to date. Why? Because I
have needed to spend time shaping the side, helping them to play as a team.
Believe me when I tell you that there is a great sense of team spirit in the
dressing room and you have all witnessed the passion and desire to play for the
shirt on the pitch. As we catch up and I work on strength and conditioning, you
will see even greater stamina on the pitch.
Much has been made in the press of the poor display by Gretna, but I feel that
detracts considerably from the performance of Albion Rovers. I have to say that
I was a little disappointed too by some of the criticism on the Rovers site :
yes, there is some way to go but the patience we all spoke about a mere two
weeks ago seems to be running a little thin already…
Let’s put things into perspective. The appreciation shown to players by the
supporters after the Gretna game was fantastic, the players were heartened by
the reception and your acknowledgement of their efforts. They certainly value
your support and I sincerely hope it continues through good and bad times this
season. You need to acknowledge that there will be tough times ahead and my
young squad will need you more than ever when things are not going their way. I
am thick skinned and hear what you are saying, but let’s inject a sense of
realism. I have read the “Hopes and Aspirations” thread on the website and
think that the majority of you understand that this is a long-term project both
for the board and myself. I explained that the instability of being in the
top-half of the league one season followed by a season wallowing near the bottom
is not an acceptable level. We are looking for consistency, initially this will
be consolidation of the lowly position we achieved last season. We are building
slowly but we are building solid foundations. That is where we have erred in the
past : you can build a house on grass but it will soon fall down, the key is
digging deep and securing it for the long term.
Next week’s column will be “Ask the Manager” time. I should be grateful if
you could e-mail questions to
RoversPR@aol.com and these will be
passed to me for comment. A deadline of Wednesday 5pm will ensure that I answer
as many as I can. I will endeavour to answer all the questions submitted but be
aware that any questions that are negative or detrimental will not be included.
This is an opportunity for genuine Rovers fans to ask about life at Rovers, not
a forum to question decisions and criticise tactics. I know that the real fans
amongst you will play by the rules. I hope you do as I have always maintained
that I want open channels of communication.
I look forward (with a degree of trepidation) to your questions…
Jim
(4/8/05)
Edition 2
The cup game last Saturday was another step forward for the new side : they learned from the Airdrie United fixture the importance of focusing for the full ninety minutes and not losing heart after conceding a goal. I think some of the adjectives used by the press – “plucky”; “stuffy” – reflected that improvement in attitude. It’s a measure of how far we’ve come in a short time that every one of our players was hurting after that result. Expectations were not high, but my players always give of their best and were disappointed that this did not bring rewards on this occasion. That gives me optimism for the future : it shows that they are not prepared to settle for second best.
On the subject of the Queen of the South match, I would like to thank the Supporters’ Trust for stepping in to help out with the fans’ bus to Dumfries. The value of having a positive and enthusiastic away support cannot be overstated and I would also like to express my gratitude to all of you who travelled to Palmerston on Saturday.
This weekend sees our first match against Third-Division opposition. Arbroath will certainly be smarting from last season’s relegation and will be anxious to bounce straight back to the Second Division. They will provide a stern test of our progress to date and also be a good marker of how far we still have to go.
Saturday also offers you, the fans, the unique opportunity to meet the new squad and to chat informally to the players. I urge you to stay behind if you can spare the time. It is important that the players feel appreciated by you : the reality of the situation is that some of my squad are heading off after the “meet and greet” to work in bars and restaurants. It is not an easy life as a part-time player in the Third Division : work/life balance also includes the third dimension of professional football! I am also asking for you to be positive and supportive on Saturday evening, irrespective of the result on the pitch. We are all genuinely looking forward to meeting you.
Finally, can I broach the subject of sponsorship? The club relies on goodwill from the local community for match sponsorship, mascots, match ball sponsorship and player sponsorship. We will be handing out leaflets about this on Saturday and I urge you to think not only about how you can help out, but also about local business, your employers and relatives who can help out. Do you know anyone who can offer in-kind assistance in any area of the club?
It’s great to read your positive reaction to this column on the site. I really am trying to project a professional image of the club and to move things forward. I do listen to what you say and take it on board. This is a new dawn at Cliftonhill and by working together – club and supporters – we can progress to more stable and fruitful times.
Jim
(28/7/05)
Chappie's
Chat
In the first of a regular weekly column Jim Chapman
talks directly to Rovers fans. Not since Chas McLean's articles have we had such
direct input from the other side of the fence, I'm suspect Jim's columns will
not go off at a political tangent as Chas's did!
It's intended that once a month there will be an opportunity for fans to submit questions for Chappie to answer through the website.
Edition 1
Well, the pre-season matches are now behind us and the season begins in earnest this weekend.
This weekly column on the website is a new addition : I want to use it to keep you all up-to-date with what’s happening at Cliftonhill. Those of you who managed to stay behind after the Stranraer game indicated that you would appreciate a more open approach to communication, so this is my solution.
I’m going to start the season with my three wishes for the club, and that’s going to be the content of my first column.
Firstly, I’m asking for an upbeat and positive attitude from you all. I’ve heard all the negative shouts from the stand (believe me, you don’t miss a whisper!) and I’ve read some of the negative comments on this site. I know you pay your money and that you’re entitled to your opinions, but think of this : you don’t need to tell me if we’ve performed badly on the pitch; there’s not a player at Cliftonhill who doesn’t know if he’s misplaced a pass or mistimed a tackle. We are operating with a squad of young, developing players, the last thing they need is additional pressure from the stand. I’d rather you drew on the positives or, if you really have a genuine grievance, contact me (albeit not on match days) to talk things through. Many of you knew me as a player; those who remember me will recall that I gave 100% in every match for this club. My commitment to you, the paying fans, is that I will continue to give 100% as a manager. I also guarantee that I will only sign and field players who demonstrate that same attitude. This club will never be a pre-retirement home for seasoned players in their twilight years.
My second wish is for your patience. We start the season a couple of months behind many of our rivals in terms of preparation. We have a squad of young lads with raw talent and a desire to win. These two qualities cannot be taught – they are abilities that can be honed. It’s my job to channel that desire to win, to work on fitness, team shape, tactics, etc. We have all the ingredients, the cake just needs baked. So please, acknowledge progress as it’s made. I will be nothing if not honest with you and, rest assured, if players are not coming up to my level of expectation they will not be here for long!
My third and final wish directly involves you, the fans. We want to make this football club part of the community in Coatbridge again. We want people to come here and enjoy the football experience in its truest form. We all know we don’t have a stadium on a par with Parkhead or Ibrox; but we can offer a traditional football experience, where parents can still afford to take their children. We want the community to feel part of the club, so invite your friends, neighbours, workmates along and let’s fill the stadium and create an atmosphere. With this in mind, and because we have a new team, we intend to host a “Meet the Players” evening at Cliftonhill immediately after the first home game against Arbroath on Saturday 6 August 2005. There will be further details in my column next week.
I’d like to end my first column by thanking the Supporters’ Trust for their kind birthday gesture after the Airdrie game on Tuesday. I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for your support during my first four weeks in the
job.
Jim
Home Contact Us Club Information Supporters Trust Top of Page League Table