Latest April 2002

That is a headline in today's Herald. Although other applicants are obviously in the frame, the headline suggests that Hetherston, through his friendship with Rovers' Vice-Chairman David Shanks, might be the prime candidate. Could newly-fired Stirling Albion boss Ray Stewart also throw his hat into the ring?

Rovers' Board met last night to begin the process of appointing a new manager for the club. As always happens in such a case, there has already been a clutch of applicants - mostly verbal at this stage - but with one formal letter. While the majority of those who have expressed an interest might be termed as not being in the top echelon of names, we understand that there is one who, if appointed, would certainly cause a stir throughout the game. Although the Board is no desperate rush to confirm an appointment, they would obviously like to have someone in place sooner rather than later, and it could be that an announcement will be made next week.

Next Tuesday, 7th May, is the day when many Rovers' players will be informed of their fate. That's when the list of those being retained or freed will be announced and it is expected that a few well-known names will be among the latter. We'll bring you the news as soon as it is available.

Quidders' Payments

Although a fair number of sponsors under this scheme paid up on Saturday, taking the current total to around £1,400 received, there are still almost as many signatories who have still to cough up. We assume that they were waiting until the final match was over to ascertain just how much was due. So, with that now having taken place and another brace added, the total number of competitive goals scored during the season is 57. Those who have still to pay should therefore make arrangements to send the appropriate remittance to John Reynolds at Cliftonhill - sooner rather than later. Many thanks to all who agreed to contribute to the scheme.

Council Inspection

Contrary to what the player himself said and what was reported at the weekend, Colin Waldie's contract did not contain a clause which would allow him to leave Rovers if manager John McVeigh vacated his post. Nevertheless, we understand that under the circumstances, Rovers will not be attempting to retain the player.

Rovers' Board of Directors will tonight be meeting to begin discussions about replacing John McVeigh as manager of the club. We understand that initial talks will be whether to invite someone specific to take over or to advertise the post. We await the outcome with interest.

It was a dramatic afternoon at Cliftonhill today. Rovers missed out on promotion after failing to beat Elgin City. Dumbarton were promoted despite only drawing with Queen's Park. Rovers needed a win by three goals to take advantage of the draw. Queen's missed a penalty, had they scored it a Rovers win would have sufficed.

A hundred yards off his line keeper Chris Fahey had a good shot cleared off the line around the time Queen's were missing their second penalty. It could all have been so different! There is still a slight chance of promotion, if Airdrie go bust a third team (Rovers) would also be promoted.

After the game manager John McVeigh came to address Rovers fans in the bar. He stated that he'd resigned and went on to praise his assistant Andy Smith (he credited Rovers marked improvement earlier this season to his arrival). He also praised physio Dan Young and Kevin Brown who's involved (in an aboveboard way) with the youth teams. Notably he didn't mention youth development officer Jimmy Lindsay.

He went on to slate the board of directors saying that the only ones who'd speak to him were Eddie Hagerty and Robert Watt. He slammed chairman Andrew Dick for not mentioning the team at the recent Sportsman's Dinner while praising the youth setup. He stated that he hadn't been offered a new contract and that the people he worked with couldn't be trusted. He said that Stenhousemuir contacted him directly after receiving permission from Rovers but that the club hadn't bothered to advise him!

On receiving a player of the year award, voted by fans Colin Waldie said his agreement with the club allowed him to leave if the manager left and that he was off too.

Click HERE for a report and photos. Click HERE to post your comments on the match, resignation or anything else.

We invite any involved party to send us a statement they'd like to make to the fans. That's John McVeigh, Andrew Dick, Andy Smith, any player, director or club official. If posted on the message board we'd need verification that they're from the person they claim first!

Judgement day has arrived, whether we'll be playing in the 2nd or 3rd division next season will be decided today. A Rovers win is essential, so is Queen's Park preventing Dumbarton winning. If Queen's and Rovers win we're promoted, if Queen's manage a draw and Rovers win by three goals or more we're promoted.

We encourage all fans to get behind the team and leave any bickering about off the field matters till 4.45!

Please note this site may not be updated until a bit later than usual, celebrations (fingers crossed) will take a while.

Chairman Andrew Dick said: "The Motherwell situation proves that no club is bombproof. We have a £100,000 overdraft but this is comfortably offset against the value of the ground. Smaller clubs have committed financial suicide in the past, but we run a prudent ship and have no such financial worries at the moment."

It is reported that Scottish referees are moving closer to publicly explaining their decisions after matches. The SFA's Don McVicar believes having instant after-match interviews is a step too far, but says the prospect of referees explaining key decisions could be done through the official SFA website. Not a great advance, but nevertheless a step in the right direction.

In an article in today's Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, Bert James wonders aloud about the current situation "behind the scenes" at Cliftonhill. After quoting John McVeigh as not having been approached by the Board about an extension to his contract, Bert ends with, ". . .the Cliftonhill Board should be begging McVeigh to sign a new deal. It might seem, however, that those in charge at Rovers don't know a good thing when they have one".

Due to blatant fraud on the player of the year vote we have abandoned it. Obviously somebody (maybe even a few people) managed to get round the measures that prevented multiple voting. Votes for Waldie and Diack were piling up thick and very fast indeed (for example several votes within minutes after 10.30pm on a Monday night). We assume it was these players "groupies" that did the deed and don't suggest they were involved themselves.

Our apologies to the genuine voters and the players. All ten players in the poll received at least one vote which just shows what a team effort it has been this season.

In spite of asking the question, it is still unclear who scored Rovers' third goal in the destruction of Stirling Albion on Saturday. Although Iain Diack is undoubtedly claiming the strike as his own, it might just be that Stirling defender Paul Nugent got the last touch. As Iain and Paul were side by side at the vital moment, it really could have been either. Will video evidence settle the argument? Watch this space!

It is claimed that this scheme, due to be launched at Hampden tomorrow, will "give fans the chance to have a say in how their clubs are run", and will also allow them to buy shares. Sounds a great idea, but in any case is something which should always have been in operation. However, unless Boards of Directors throughout the country actually agree to the scheme - and, more importantly, implement it - nothing will change and the "them and us" mentality will prevail. Any bets on its success, or otherwise?

An excellent 3-0 win at Forthbank today which means Rovers have gone nine games unbeaten was spoiled when the news of Dumbarton's own 3-0 win over Peterhead was announced.

The promotion hunt goes down to the wire next Saturday. It's quite simple, Rovers must win at home to Elgin City. If Dumbarton lose at home to bottom dogs Queen's Park or draw and Rovers win by 3 clear goals Rovers would clinch that vital 2nd place.

Rovers had there largest travelling support for quite a while, hopefully a good turnout next week will spur the team on.

Click HERE for a report and photos. Click HERE to post your comments on the match - or anything else!

We have been told that one of today's papers is linking John McVeigh with the vacant manager's post at Stenhousemuir. This hardly seems much of a step-up for the Rovers' boss who, we understand, has not been offered any extension to his contract (although maybe only of the verbal variety) at Cliftonhill. If this turns out to be true - and given the importance of the weekend, the timing is appalling - it is confidently predicted that there will be a supporters' uprising on a scale never before seen at the Coatbridge club.

Although probably coming too late in the season, manager John McVeigh's horrendous injury list is now at its shortest for many a long day. Mark Booth (foot) and Chris Silvestro (knee) are now back in light training and Tom Tait - originally diagnosed as having a hamstring problem - has had successful chiropractic treated to cure a slight misalignment to his spine.

This week, Rovers' players have been enjoying (if, indeed, that's the word) some unusual exercises in the form of aerobics under the expert eye of Joanne Kelly, a neighbour of John McVeigh and a student in the area of sports training. It is reported that Joanne's methods have been at least partially successful in that she's much better looking than the gaffer!

Last night's regular meeting of Rovers' board members naturally included a discussion on the latest "groundsharing" speculation. We understand, however, that as no further contact has been made by those purporting to represent Airdrieonians, nothing concrete came out of the meeting.

Nominations for the Third Division Player of the Year are Kevin Bain and Chris Templeman (both Brechin City), Iain Stewart (Peterhead) and Paul McManus (East Fife). There's little argument about the Brechin lads, because their team's had some season, and Stewart has done well to help his side into third place. But McManus? His outfit's almost guaranteed to finish the season in second-bottom place! Surely if he was THAT good, he would have been able to hoist them higher?

In any case, just who makes these nominations, and on what basis? For instance, why shouldn't the likes of Rovers' Mark Booth or Gerry McKenna get a mention? And what about Alex Williams of Stirling Albion, the Division's top scorer, or even (although he's not our favourite by any manner of means) Dumbarton's Paddy Flannery?

You may have seen on the message board that we'll be running a poll for our own POTY. The voting system can only cope with 10 players. I've named 17 players which need to be whittled down to that figure, I'll decide after any suggestions on who the final 10 will be. So far hardly anybody has bothered.

Dick said, "Bill Barr approached us a while ago to discuss the possibility of ground-sharing at Airdrie's Shyberry Stadium. After our Scottish Cup tie against Livingston was moved to the stadium, it encouraged us to take things further. WE decided if terms were suitable we would sell up at Cliftonhill, but despite continual attempts to contact Barr, not one call or scribbled note has been returned."

Rovers beat East Fife 2-1 at Cliftonhill this afternoon to keep up their promotion push. Regrettably Dumbarton also won (1-0 at Brechin) to remain two points ahead. An Iain Diack penalty (hotly disputed by the Fifers) sealed the victory with just five minutes remaining, ever improving David Carr got the opener.

The good news for Rovers is that 4th placed Peterhead visit Dumbarton next Saturday. They know that a win is essential if they're to have any chance of beating Rovers and Dumbarton to that vital 2nd place. A Rovers win at Stirling next Saturday is just as important.

The club paid tribute to Bobby Dale who died this week (see 10/4/02 below) in an announcement before the game.

Click HERE for a report and photos. Click HERE to post your comments on the match - or anything else!

We understand that last night's Board meeting was largely concerned with the club's finances, particularly in relation to the uncertainty surrounding the SPL, Rangers, Celtic and whether the usually-expected finance will continue to filter down to the smaller outfits like ourselves. Added to that, of course, is the further uncertainty of the level at which we might be operating next season, and it's easy to see why there would be plenty to discuss.

Although East Fife are 16 points behind us in the table, Rovers will be taking nothing for granted in tomorrow's clash, Manager John McVeigh doesn't really have to say very much to his lads; they're very aware of the probable consequences, whatever the outcome. It appears that Paul Bonar and Chris Silvestro are the only two "regulars" to have no chance of making the squad for this vital match.

The death of Bobby Dale, a long-time Rovers' supporter and a frequent contributor to our message board, was announced today. Aged 50, he passed away quite suddenly after a brief period of illness. A painter and decorator to trade, Bobby - without recompense - was responsible for many of the improvements to Cliftonhill in recent years.

Karaoke & Ceilidh Night

Although none of the organisers have seen fit to advise us of the fact, today's Advertiser includes a snippet that there will be a karaoke and ceilidh night this Friday at 8 pm. It starts at 8 pm, admission is free and we assume that, as usual, it will be in the Rovers' Return Lounge.

If Things Were the Same . . .

Following East Stirlingshire's splendid win over Peterhead last night, Rovers' third place in the table - just a couple of points behind Dumbarton - looks even better. Just out of interest, if the old system of two points for a win were still in operation, Rovers would be level on points with the Sons.

Schools Matches

We are now able to give more details of the schools matches referred to yesterday. Monday 15th April at 3.30 pm will see the semi-final of the SSFA Cup at Under-18 level between local side St. Ambrose and visitors Larbert . Then, on Wednesday 17th, St. Ambrose will again feature as their Under-13s take on St. Joseph's from Kilmarnock, again in a semi-final.

Late News For the second week in a row East Stirlingshire have boosted Rovers promotion chances. Last week they beat Dumbarton 1-0 at Firs Park, this week it was Peterhead they beat by the same score at the same venue. Both teams lost their game in hand they had on Rovers in Falkirk. If Peterhead had won they would have leapfrogged Rovers into third place.

The Final Countdown

Dumbarton : Brechin 1st (away), Peterhead 4th (home), Queen's Park 10th (home)

Rovers : East Fife 8th (home), Stirling 7th (away), Elgin (home) 6th

Analysis : Rovers are two points behind Dumbarton and have a goal difference of two goals less. As you can see Dumbarton have a difficult end to the season and could easily drop a couple of points which could be enough. Rovers are unbeaten in seven. Peterhead are now all but out of the promotion race although a win at Dumbarton a week on Saturday would make them welcome in Coatbridge.

Updated League Table

Availability Update

Paul Bonar and Chris Silvestro remain on the sidelines, as does Mark Booth, the latest on what has been a horrendous list. Mark is suffering from torn ligaments which will rule him out of Saturday's vital clash with East Fife - and possibly also the remaining two matches. Better news is that Frenchman Samuel Leveneur could feature and that the suspended duo of Jamie McKenzie and Charlie McLean have now completed their respective sentences and are available for selection.

Striker Ian Rankin, unfortunately never able to command a regular place in Rovers' first team, has left Cliftonhill to return to the junior ranks with Lanark. Ian, who, unbeknown to the vast majority of supporters suffered from quite severe deafness, goes with our best wishes for his future.

Rovers had some difficulties getting to Peterhead today when their bus broke down about half an hour from Coatbridge. Luckily a replacement arrived quickly and Rovers arrived in time.

It took 86 minutes to get a goal (and that had a suspicion of offside) but the win which was essential to Rovers promotion hopes was achieved at Balmoor Stadium Peterhead today. A second goal was just icing on the cake. With the large travelling support celebrating with the players at the end you may have thought Rovers had been promoted already. Well worth the 360 mile round-trip we all agreed! Rovers are now third in the table, two points behind Dumbarton.

Click HERE for a report and photos. Click HERE to post your comments on the match - or anything else!

Bereavement
As you may know Mick Cooper (a.k.a. weerover) of www.albionroverfc.net has been absent lately tending for his Mother in Kingston Hospital, Surrey. Mick reports that she passed away today without suffering any pain. As the funeral isn't until the 16th he may not return home before the end of the month/season. Our condolences go to Mick and his family.

It's A Close Thing!

According to the bookies, tomorrow's crucial Peterhead v Rovers clash at Balmoor is almost too close to call. William Hill has Peterhead shading it at 13-10, with Rovers at 6-4 and the draw at 12-5. The average punter presumably thinks that the Grand National is the top sporting event of the day, but we know different!

It is reported that as well as being banned from playing, Airdrie manager Ian McCall has also been prevented from sitting in the dug-out. What is it with these bosses? Thank goodness we have a manager who is the perfect example of level-headedness, accepts decisions with perfect equanimity and is quick to praise the match officials. If it were not so, he might well have suffered the same fate as his counterpart up the road!

Click To Enlarge

John McVeigh, Samuel Leveneur and Didier Agathe

Remember the bus for Peterhead leaves Big Owens at 9am on Saturday. If Rovers win the game promotion will be a reasonable bet!

Under-18s Draw

Chris Silvestro and Paul Bonar remain firmly out of the picture. Although Iain Diack missed a couple of days' training at the beginning of the week, he is expected to be available for Saturday's trip to Peterhead. In addition, Steve McCormick and Ryan McMullan are now fighting fit and are vying for a place in the squad. Exciting Frenchman Samuel Leveneur - an impressive performer and scorer of the two goals against Stranraer on Tuesday night - is also likely to travel north in spite of a slight thigh strain.

It could be that Frenchman Samuel Leveneur will be pulling on Rovers' yellow jersey this weekend at Peterhead. He played in last night's bounce match against Stranraer and could find a place in the squad for the crucial promotion clash with the Blue Toon. Manager John McVeigh believes that his lads can still earn a place in the Second Division - especially after East Stirling denying Dumbarton the three points which would have gone a long way towards Sons' own aspirations. It's a long time since the end of a season was so interesting!

East Stirling (bottom before the game) boosted Rovers promotion hopes tonight when they beat second placed Dumbarton 1-0 at Firs Park. This leaves Rovers just two points from second place with The Sons having squandering their game in hand. This disappointing result may be partly due to the takeover bid for Dumbarton being withdrawn today. The bid, which was widely welcomed by the Sons fans was withdrawn apparently after the board of directors refused to let Ronnie MacDonald see the accounts before he continued with the offer.

Peterhead still have a game in hand and are one point ahead of Rovers in third place. This could all change on Saturday when Rovers visit the Balmoor Stadium.

Striker David Carr, led from the field in some distress last week-end with a suspected broken nose which was later diagnosed as just badly bruised, will be fit to take his place in the squad. However, Chris Silvestro and Paul Bonar will once more watch from the stand and are likely to have already made their final appearance of the season.

April Fool
You may have worked out (unless you support Airdrie) that the "Groundshare" article below was an April fool story.

We understand that from this week East Stirlingshire will be based permanently at Cliftonhill. They were planning to vacate Firs Park and move to Grangemouth but those plans were dismissed by their local council. A portakabin office will be delivered to Cliftonhill this morning for their use.

In the coming weeks the relatively new stand at Firs Park will be dismantled and reconstructed on the terracing side of Cliftonhill. This should be ready for the start of next season. Rovers will be paid a proportion of the cash raised by selling Firs Park to French discount supermarket chain Poisson D'Avril who insisted on taking possession of the site by May 31st. The amount is expected to be in the region of £500,000. 'Shire home games which clash with Rovers home games are being switched to the Sunday.

Rovers will spend their share of the cash on wiping out their debts and sprucing up the stadium.