Latest April 2003

Although reports in today's newspapers will undoubtedly prove to be correct, and Scott Shearer will join Coventry City, some are slightly premature in that the big fellow is at Highfield Road today for a medical and has not yet actually signed anything.

The official Coventry website has the following :

"Goalkeeper Scott Shearer will join Coventry City in the summer – subject to the results of a medical, which are expected on Friday.

The 22-year-old shot stopper arrived in Coventry this morning before agreeing personal terms with the Club and signing a pre-contract agreement, ensuring he will be a City player ahead of the 2003-04 season, should medical results show no problems.

The Albion Rovers custodian, who has also had trials with Everton, Celtic and Sunderland, impressed while training with goalkeeping coach Alan Hodgkinson and City’s three senior goalkeepers during the early part of the year.

His performances this season have helped Rovers challenge for promotion from the Scottish Third Division.

Athletically-built, Shearer has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Leicester City thanks to his confidence in the air and excellent handling.

He will link up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training on July1.

Bus(es) To Peterhead
A message from Peter McClurg : The total supporter count for the bus is approaching capacity for Saturday's trip to Peterhead. With the details being promoted in Wednesday's Advertiser, it seems likely that two or more buses will be required. Please ensure that you call Chick Young or reply to this email if you are going on Saturday - I will pass the details on to Chick on Friday night. If you put your name down on Saturday, please DO NOT inform me as this will confuse things!! ( and I'm confused enough ). Please get behind the team and go on Saturday if you can. Please also ensure that you all congregate together on Saturday in the ground to ensure the maximum noise and support for the Rovers. This is the BIGGEST game for the Rovers for many years and you can all play a very important part.

The bus(es) leave Big Owens at 9am.

Diack OK

Iain Diack, substituted shortly after half-time on Saturday, was suffering from a kick in the back. The good news is that the knock was not too severe and that he will almost certainly be fit to take his place in the potential cauldron of Balmoor Stadium this week. In addition, John Bradford may be in with a chance of recovering in time and, of course, Jim Dick will also be available for selection. This good news balances the fact that Jordan Smith's suspension will rule him out.

Crunchie Snubbed
Kevin "Crunchie" McAllister was beaten to Scottish Players' Player of the Year for the third division by Alex Williams of Morton. Williams has scored a good amount of goals this season, Crunchie hasn't scored any YET. Williams has picked up six yellow cards and a red card too so far, whereas Crunchie has been booked just the once.

Supporters' Player of the Year

More details have emerged about this honour. At yesterday's match, board member Eddie Hagerty distributed voting slips to supporters. They should obviously be returned as soon as possible. In addition, there was further information about the Sportsman's Dinner on 30th May. Running in tandem with the main (generally corporate) event is something described as a Disco/Karaoke/Buffet Dance, at which the Supporters' nomination will receive his trophy. Tickets for this upstairs "do" are priced at £10 and are available from John Reynolds or Chic Young. At the appropriate time, participants will be able to listen to the speakers performing at the main function downstairs.

Scarves
Rovers new supply of scarves went on sale yesterday. Priced at £7 they are of a very good quality and design. As you'll notice from the below photo (ends of scarf not in photo) the printers made a factual error, so buy them before they sell out. Like misprinted stamps etc. they could be worth a fortune, 1884 was the year the club joined the SFA.

Heart-Attacks All Round
They started well and with two first-half goals from that man Yardley (we'd be nowhere without his goals) we were cruising. The second 45 minutes weren't much fun and Stirling could easily have scored an equaliser in the last few minutes. Fans were left wondering where referee Somers found 3 minutes 15 seconds of injury time, even though a Stirling player was stretchered to the St. Andrews ambulance for transport to Monklands Hospital.

The number of possible scenarios for promotion are too complicated to go into here. Suffice to say that if Rovers win both of their remaining matches they'll be promoted, possibly even as champions! A big travelling support to spur on the team would help, the bus for Peterhead next Saturday leaves at 9am from Big Owens.

Chazz
Chazz McLean has written another edition of his column. Click HERE to see it.

Rovers' injury list is giving manager Peter Hetherston concern ahead of tomorrow's match against Stirling Albion. Definitely out are John Bradford and Chris Silvestro - with Silvio making arrangements to have a second-opinion on his injured knee to ascertain if an operation is necessary. Also doubtful is Andy Paterson, who will have a fitness test on Saturday morning. And, of course, bad boy Jim Dick is suspended for this one. We think he was kidding, but boss Peter was threatening to make a comeback to relieve the situation!

Youth coach Jimmy Lindsay was today visiting two SPL clubs to chat with them about which of their youngsters would be released at the end of the season. Such lads, in the 16 and 17 age range, may be deemed not to have the potential to make it in the top league, but could certainly do a job for teams in the lower echelons - like Rovers. This is an annual trip for the coach who in the past has acquired a good youngster or two.

Now that the dust has settled after Saturday's excitement, we can reveal that Chris Silvestro, substituted just before the interval, has cartilage problems and might well have to be discounted for the rest of the season. The news about John Bradford, also forced to leave the field, is better in that he has a hamstring "tweak" and might be fit for the match against Stirling Albion on Saturday. Andy Paterson, too, is feeling a knock and a decision on him will be taken later in the week.

Silky Net Amused

Today's Sun has the following article : Peter Hetherston says Rovers were fired up by abuse from Spiders fans on the internet. Silky said: "My players and Coatbridge were subjected to a great deal of nastiness on a Queen's website. We pinned the insults up in the dressing room to spur us on - and it worked."

Mark Yardley and Charlie McLean sealed it for Rovers who had Jim Dick sent off. Dave Menelaws replied for Queen's, who had Stuart Kettlewell red-carded.

Smith Over Limit

At Cliftonhill this afternoon, German visitors Memmingen 1907 were too strong in every department for Rovers lads, running out easy victors by 5-0. Four up at the interval, the tourists managed just a single goal in the second half against a home team which included several lads with ages much lower than the visitors. Against players who were significantly bigger and stronger, it was an uphill battle all the way for the homesters who nevertheless battled well and with luck might have scored a couple after the break.

Click to enlarge - action pic is a penalty (3rd goal)

Under 18s Late Loss

Rovers' Under 18s today travelled to Angus to take on Forfar Athletic and were unfortunate to lose 1-0, the Loons' goal coming three minutes into added-on time. No further details are available at present.

Spiders Squashed
It wasn't easy and for the most part wasn't pretty but Rovers beat Queen's 2-1 today to go thirteen matches unbeaten and keep our promotion bid on track. Mark "Boom Boom" Yardley put Rovers ahead in 35 mins with a well taken goal. Jim Dick (already booked for opening his mouth) got a second yellow and of course a red card for diving. This seemed to spur on the amateurs who scored shortly afterwards. In 68 minutes Chazz McLean (who had subbed Crunchie just 4 mins earlier) scored the goal of the season so far with a long run leading to the winning goal. Queen's then had Kettlewell sent off for a nasty challenge on Stirling. Several heart-stopping attacks in the dying seconds made Rovers fans sweat but the team held out.

The downside of today's match was John Bradford and Chris Silvestro limping down the tunnel after being subbed. Hopefully they'll have recovered by next Saturday.

Mark Yardley received an award from his fan club (St. Mirren folk we understand) at the end of the game.

Crunchie Nominated
Kevin "Crunchie" McAllister has been nominated for third division player of the year: The other nominees are James Allan (Queen's Park), Iain Stewart (Peterhead) and Alex Williams (Morton).

Scarves Success!

After long, weary and frustrating negotiations, we're going to have new Rovers' scarves! John Reynolds has at last persuaded a manufacturer to produce this item in accordance with specifications and it is hoped that the first batch will be available in time for the Stirling Albion match a week on Saturday. If not, they will be on sale within days of that match and should provide the extra impetus for the league run-in. We'll keep you up-to-date.

Fans' Forum

We now have confirmation that Rovers' 16/17 year-olds will be in action at Cliftonhill on Sunday afternoon, kick-off 2 pm. The opposition will be provided by the lads of German side Fussballclub Memmingen 1907 and it will undoubtedly be something of a unique occasion. We understand that the original plan was for the Germans to meet Celtic, but now they've moved up a notch to play us!

The Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, the "Voice of Monklands" if their blurb is to be believed, has come in for some criticism this week on at least two accounts. Firstly, they ignored the fact that Rovers' boss Peter Hetherston had been named Bell's Third Division Manager of the Month for March - the second time he's been honoured this season - while featuring the Second Division winner, Airdrie United's Sandy Stewart, complete with photograph, sub-standard though the picture was. Secondly, adjacent to the Montrose v Rovers match report, they printed a picture of former player James Coulter instead of Man of the Match Jordan Smith!

Rovers have received a letter from the SFA asking for their comments about the pitch "invasion" precipitated by Mark Yardley's late winning goal against Morton. As those who entered the field of play numbered no more than half a dozen, Rovers will be pleading that it was hardly a serious incursion. Technically however, it did happen and steps will be taken to minimise a repeat.

The End Is Nigh
There are only four games left until we find if Rovers are going to be playing in the 2nd division next season. On paper Rovers have the easier run-in of the four teams still in the hunt.

Under 18's Lose
Rovers under 18's lost 1-0 at New Douglas Park this afternoon. Craig Smillie scored a penalty for Accies in 64 minutes which was awarded on the advice of the assistant referee.

Shearer Latest

Today's Sunday mail reports that goalkeeper Scott Shearer "impressed" on a five-day trial at Leicester City and "could clinch a move next week." Scott is quoted as saying, "The whole place was on a high when I was there. It was a brilliant experience and I was made feel part of it." The English midlands side look odds-on certainties for promotion to the Premiership.

Draw
A large travelling support witnessed a largely disappointing display at Links park today. Rovers went behind in 12 mins to a Stevie Kerrigan goal, John Bradford equalised with a goal from nothing in 40 minutes which sparked an assault on the Montrose goal till half-time. Unfortunately Montrose keeper McGlynn was on top form. We all waited for Boom Boom Yardley to work his magic but it was too much to expect the big man to win us a 4th successive match. Luckily East Fife and Peterhead both drew so don't pull away, Morton however did win and are now ahead of Rovers on goal difference. Rovers have now gone 12 matches unbeaten.

Would you expect to be forced to pay to bring a baby (approx 13 month old) into a match in it's pram? No? well the Links Park jobsworths today insisted that a Rovers regular go through the "parent & child" gate costing him a few pounds for the infant. Whether the wean enjoyed the match we don't know!

Youth Fixtures
Rovers youngsters are playing two games tomorrow. The under 18 team are playing at New Douglas Park against Hamilton Accies with an 11am k-o, the under 16 team is playing Ross County at Cliftonhill with a 1pm k-o. Admission will be free at Cliftonhill and almost certainly free in Hamilton too.

Manager Of The Month
Manager Peter Hetherston has won Bell's manager of the month for March. Rovers played seven games in the month winning four and drawing the remaining three. This is of course his second such award this season. Well done Silky!

Chazz
Chazz McLean has penned another of his famous columns! Click HERE to see it.

Shearer Off To Leicester
According to today's Sunday Mail keeper Scott Shearer is going to Leicester City during the week for talks with Fox's boss Micky Adams. Leicester have largely overcome their financial problems thanks to the takeover spearheaded by Gary Lineker and are on the verge of promotion to the Premiership. Occasional England keeper Ian Walker, bought for £2,500,000 is their current number one choice. Tim Flowers also a former England keeper is on their books although he's out on loan at the moment to Manchester City. Scott would be joining a few other Scots at The Walkers Stadium, Paul Dickov, Callum Davidson, Billy McKinlay and Matt Elliott play there. It seems that previous favourites to sign Shearer, Coventry City were a bit short with their offer. Although Scott is out of contract at the end of the season Rovers are due a fee as he's under 23.

Win For Youths

Albion Rovers' Under 18s today recorded a good League Cup sectional 2-1 win against their East Fife counterparts at Cliftonhill. The lads recovered well from losing a goal to the Fifers in only 5 minutes. Paul Ross equalised in 34 minutes when his first attempt came off the crossbar and he was sufficiently alert to get his head to the rebound. Eight minutes later, Rovers were awarded a penalty-kick for hand ball and Chris Mackie confidently scored from the spot. With luck, the young Rovers might have won by an even greater margin.

Goal Times

Yesterday's late winner prompted us to have a look at when we've scored this season, and the results make interesting reading. Dividing games into six fifteen minute sections, the statistics are : 1-15 (10), 16-30 (8), 31-45 (4), 46-60 (8), 61-75 (10) and 76-90 (15). So, around 27% of our goals have been scored in the final fifteen minutes of matches. Apart from six goals which really didn't matter one way or another, the other nine gained us five wins and a draw (a total of sixteen points). The motto of keeping playing to the final whistle therefore appears to have been taken to heart by Rovers this season, and it might just be the catalyst which takes us to the Second Division. This may have something to do with Rovers being largely full-time.

Youth Cup
Rovers under 18 team play East Fife in the youth cup at Cliftonhill tomorrow (Sunday 6th) with a 1pm kick-off.

Victory!
It seemed written in the stars that Mark "Boom Boom" Yardley would extend his scoring against Morton to seven games in a row. It came true when the big man grabbed the winner in 90 minutes, and the stand side of Cliftonhill went mad with excitement. This is the 3rd match in a row that Yardley has scored the winning goals for Rovers.

Jim Mercer had put Rovers ahead in 24 minutes. Rovers leapfrog Morton to third place, two point clear of them and just one point behind Peterhead.

D-Day Cliftonhill
Although some of us thought otherwise Chazz McLean has confirmed that his red card in the midweek reserve cup match at Brechin does prevent him playing today. The largest league crowd at Cliftonhill since 1990 when we were in the 1st division will see the big showdown today, the terracing will be open for the 1st time since January 2000 when we played Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup. Cowboy John McCormack brings his Morton team to face Silky Peter Hetherston. Rovers are unbeaten in their last ten games, Morton being the last to defeat us. Morton are unbeaten in their last five games.

Manager Peter Hetherston says his lads are ready for the latest (and biggest) challenge in the quest for promotion. The game is massive, according to the Cliftonhill boss who once again will be able to choose from a full squad. Morton gaffer John McCormack has warned Morton to expect "a volatile and highly competitive cauldron" Cowboy said: "Our last meeting was excellent, and also very competitive. With around 1000 fans backing us - and so close to the pitch - the atmosphere should be superb. These are the games you want to be involved in."

This afternoon at Camelon Juniors' ground, Rovers' reserves lost 4-0 to Falkirk. Down by 3-0 at the interval, the Coatbridge lads conceded a second-half penalty to give the Bairns an easy win. Although the result looks bad on paper, Rovers fielded their Under 18's, with only Andy Paterson of the senior squad playing - probably unsurprising in view of this weekend's vital first-team match. On the other hand, the hosts had a number of experienced men in their line-up.

Reserve Cup Exit
Rovers exited the reserve cup after losing 2-0 at Brechin tonight. Chazz McLean was sent off but will be available for selection on Saturday.

April Fool
You may have realised that our story about Ally McCoist joining Rovers was an April fool but at least one Morton supporter took it seriously!

Ground NOT Sold

Further to rumours recently circulating on the Message Board, General Manager John Reynolds states categorically that Cliftonhill has not been sold. Although it's no secret that various parties (including Rovers) have been making enquiries about buying, selling, moving etc, things are still bubbling away behind the scenes and no deal of any kind has yet been struck.

Coisty For Rovers - Well Not Really (note the date)
We can exclusively reveal that Ally McCoist is coming out of retirement to play for Rovers. After playing in a recent "Masters" tournament Ally was approached by Peter Hetherston and will this morning sign a contract until the end of the season. As an unattached player he is unaffected by the transfer window ban. Last seen with Kilmarnock, Coisty won the golden boot award for the highest scorer in Europe while a Rangers player.

Silky sees Super Ally as a useful addition to the already strong Cliftonhill strike force. In an audacious move Rovers may well start against Morton on Saturday with McCoist, Yardley, Diack and McLean all on the field. After helping to get the team to three goals Coisty will take a seat on the bench.