(31/1/04)

Obituary
Although it's some time since he died we can now print this obituary for David Forrester which was written by former chairman Robin Marwick.

DAVID FORRESTER (15 February 1926 - 23 December 2003)

He first held a Rovers' season ticket prior to the Second World War. On being called up to National Service he served his time through in Fife as a 'Bevan Boy'. When he returned to civilian life he qualified as an accountant, working with W.M Jack & Co in Glasgow.

His first involvement with Rovers was as secretary in 1971, when he was brought in to assist Directors Tommy Fagan and Bobby Flavell in retrieving the club's finances. He immediately set about providing balance sheets - covering an amazing eleven years - for the approval of shareholders at the club's forty-third AGM, held on 20 July 1979.

David served the club well and faithfully until he resigned on 2 October 1995,  following the move by supporters for a new way forward. He had assumed the chairmanship following the death of Tommy Fagan in 1986, and during his time on the Board served as S.F.A. representative for both Rovers and the Lanarkshire F.A. for more than twelve years.

He clearly saw the need to relocate from Cliftonhill, which had been so underdeveloped for more than thirty years, and initiated the move to seek a new location - a process which the current board are continuing.

The high point of David's Rovers career was chairing the Board when Rovers won the old Second Division Championship at the conclusion of the 1988/89 season. Unfortunately, despite spending very considerable funds to upgrade Cliftonhill, the disasters of Hysel, Hillsborough and Bradford all conspired to ensure that Rovers were required to divide their limited finances between upgrading the ground and strengthening the squad - a task which ultimately proved beyond their means. Relegation was the result after a single season upstairs.

David continued to attend most home matches right up to his death. He is survived by his wife Betty and children Graeme and Gail, to whom we offer our deepest condolences.

(27/1/04)

Result
We understand that a very young Rovers side lost 5-1 against Airdrie United at Glasgow Green this lunchtime.

(26/1/04)

Bounce Match
Rovers are playing Airdrie United at Glasgow Green tomorrow (Tuesday) with a 12 noon kick-off. As many of our players will be at work it will presumably be mostly youngsters on the pitch.

Injury Update
Chris Fahey injured his ligaments in training and is expected to be sidelined for five or six weeks. Recent signing Chris Kerr also missed the Stirling game due to injury. There is no sign of injury victim David Farrell returning soon.

Discipline
The annual SFA discipline summaries have been issued to member clubs. Rovers escaped a warning which would likely lead to a fine at the end of the season. The clubs warned about their conduct were Cowdenbeath, Elgin City and Queen's Park.

Sportsman's Dinner
Rovers annual bash has been arranged for Friday 7th May at Drumpellier Golf Club. The speakers shall be broadcaster Tom Miller, former Scotland and Partick Thistle 'keeper Alan Rough and John McKelvie a former policeman and a regular on the after dinner speech circuit.

Tony Low
It has been confirmed that Tony is on loan at Cliftonhill until the end of the season from Inverness Caley Thistle.

(24/1/04)

Forthbank Defeat
A poor performance by Rovers and referee Brown spoiled the day for Rovers travelling support. Neil Bennett was once more between the sticks, Chris Fahey having picked up a groin strain and outfield player Jamie Valentine taking the substitute 'keeper spot on the bench.

Rovers could easily have lost many more goals but Stirling's David O'Brien wasn't content and decided to dive at every opportunity. At least otherwise inept referee Tom Brown wasn't taken in on most occasions. Why he didn't send off or at least book a Bino player for swinging punches at Jordan Smith (who did deserve the yellow he got for a foul on the player in the same incident) is a question only he can answer. New boy Tony Low came on with almost 20 minutes left and looked a fair prospect although he was very lucky not to have a penalty awarded against him after gently shoving a Stirling player in the back.

A full match report, possibly with pics will be on the site on Sunday.

Departure
We hear that Gordon Dishington has resigned from the board of directors. We also understand that he may be issuing a statement about his reasons for doing so, either directly to the site or posted on the message board.

(23/1/04)

Signing
Kevin McAllister has signed Tony Low from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the 20 year old is a wide right or left player. His deal lasts until the end of the Season, apparently his family have business interests in the Coatbridge area.

Former Managers In The News
Peter Hetherston has received a 12 match ban and a £200 fine which shall take effect if he ever returns to football for his comments about officials. John McVeigh and assistant Andy Smith have left Stenhousemuir "by mutual consent" when they had 18 months of their contract still to run.

(22/1/04)

Match Rescheduled
The match against Stranraer which was postponed last Saturday has been scheduled for Tuesday 17th of February.

(21/1/04)

Fresh Blood
Rovers have signed midfielders Mark Haddow and Gary Richardson from Raith Rovers and defender Jamie McCaig formerly of Gretna. It's expected they will be in Jimmy Lindsay's youth teams rather than the first team for the time being at least. Jamie is the younger brother of John McCaig.

We understand that Kevin McAllister may be close to signing a couple of first division players but have no more information at present.

(January 2004)

Back
As you're probably aware this site hasn't been updated for a few weeks due to my pc problems. These are still ongoing (and very annoying they are too). Just recapping the news we posted on the message board over the break in normal service.

Fans' Forum
John Reynolds advises us that the next meeting will be held on Thursday 12 February at 7.30pm in the lounge. Although relatively poorly attended in the past these meetings do provide supporters with a lot of information not normally available to them, and the chance to ask probing questions. Chic Young is laying on sandwiches and tea!

Match Off
The home match versus Stranraer on Saturday 17th January was postponed due to frost. The SFL don't automatically reschedule matches during January or February so the match may not be played until March, although it could be earlier if the two teams agree an earlier date.

Players Off
Marc Molloy and Kevin McBride have left the club, as far as we know they've not signed for others clubs.

Youth Cash
The latest round of payments from the SFA for youth development saw Rovers awarded the top amount for the first time. Although a small amount to the "big-boys" it represents a fair amount of cash to the folk at Cliftonhill.

Home  Contact Us  Club Information  Fixtures  League Table