(31/7/02)
Quiet End To Preparations
With no other formal pre-season friendly arranged, Rovers are now quietly
finalising preparations for Saturday's big kick-off at Stirling. Andy Paterson
and Jim Dick - both absent against United - could be fit for this match which
will give us some indication of how the season might pan out.
(27/7/02)
Draw
Rovers drew 0-0 at Airdrie today. It was
United's first public match and was watched by a crowd of 1748 which included
about 150 Rovers fans.
A report with pics will appear
HERE
(25/7/02)
More Recruits!
Rovers today announced that midfielder Colin McKinnon and 28 year-old
defender Peter Cormack have signed for the club. Both acquisitions are
experienced players, McKinnon having been with Dumbarton, Stenhousemuir and
Arbroath, and Cormack having played for Newcastle United, Morton and Raith
Rovers, among others. It is expected that these latest signings may well
complete manager Peter Hetherston's shopping list for the new season and
Rovers' fans will be able to see them in action against Airdrie United on
Saturday.
(24/7/02)
Friendlies Update
Manager Peter Hetherston hasn't been able
to arrange a friendly for tonight (Wednesday) so the lads will probably have a
kick about amongst themselves (although not at Cliftonhill).
Saturday's Prices
It has been announced that admission to Saturday's friendly with Airdrie
United at New Broomfield will cost £8.00. The parent and child price of £10.00
seems better value.
Youth Cup Draw
The draw for this season's SFA Youth Cup has given the young Rovers an
away match against St. Mirren. The game will presumably take place at the
Paisley side's Love Street ground on a date still to be arranged.
(23/7/02)
Volunteers Wanted
Your club needs you! On Thursday night
from 7pm Rovers are requesting help from volunteers to help spruce up
Cliftonhill. Amongst other things needing done is a bit of weeding on the
pitch (nothing too strenuous - weedkiller bottles will be provided).
Rovers Fined
Rovers' appalling disciplinary record last season has landed them with
a massive £2,000 fine. Following the penalty of half that amount the previous
season -and this time around the record was worse - it was a foregone
conclusion that the club would be hammered by the authorities. While a couple
of grand doesn't seem much in this era of mega-transfers, it's a
significant amount for Rovers to lose. Manager Peter Hetherston has
pledged severe action against any players who even look like contributing
to the new season's bad lads total.
Wednesday Friendly
As of this morning, manager Peter Hetherston was still trying to arrange
a friendly match for tomorrow (Wednesday) night. However, it could be tomorrow
morning before anything is confirmed. We'll try to let you know as soon as
possible.
Charles McLean Injury Update
Spoke to Charles McLean (not Charlie!) this morning about his knee
problems and the good news is that he is recovering well from his
close-season operation. For the last four weeks he has been doing light
training on his own and is now ready to resume full preparation with his
colleagues. Charles is reasonably confident that he will be fit for the
start of the campaign.
Rovers Miss the Boat!
Due to six players having an unauthorised long-lie, the Rovers'
party missed their scheduled sailing from Belfast when returning from their
weekend Dublin tour. The players, whose identities will be withheld to spare
their blushes, caused a four-hour additional wait for the next available
ferry to Stranraer. It is reported that the manager was somewhat less than
pleased!
(22/7/02)
Dublin
We have returned from Dublin after Rovers
completed their pre-season tour. The 1st team drew 0-0 with Belgrove on Friday
and beat Raheny United 4-1 on Saturday. The under 21's drew 1-1 with Dublin City
on Saturday and lost 1-0 to Raheny United on Sunday. Click HERE
for tour report and pics.
(18/7/02)
Gala Day Planned
We understand (from an Airdrie United
website) that the AUFC V Rovers game will be at Airdrie on 27th as expected.
They plan to have face painters, dancers, a clown, a beat the goalie stall and
lots of other things too in the car park to mark the occasion.
Dublin
Watch the message board this weekend for
results from the Emerald Isle (posted by the stay at home weerover).
(17/7/02)
Airdrie Friendly
Latest indications are that this match on Saturday 27th July will be played
at New Broomfield. Final confirmation is expected this week.
More Signing News
Today's Herald reports that Peter Hetherston has signed Jered Stirling
(latterly with Stranraer) and former Arbroath midfielder Colin McKinnon.
However, we understand that although both are almost certain to do so, neither
has actually yet signed a contract.
(16/7/02)
Latest On Friendlies
Rovers' friendly match against Stranraer, scheduled for Glasgow Green
tomorrow night, has been cancelled. However, the match against Airdrie United
on Saturday 27th will definitely take place with the venue - Cliftonhill or
New Broomfield - the only matter to be resolved. A decision on this should be
available in a couple of days. It is also possible that a match against
Motherwell is on the cards. More on this should it become a fact.
Signings Update
Ex-Stranraer defender Andy Paterson has become Peter Hetherston's
latest addition to the squad. Although former Cliftonhill favourite Jered
Stirling has not yet actually put pen to paper, he has been in talks with the
manager and the omens are good. With the pre-season trip to Dublin now
imminent, it is likely that further new faces will feature in the squad to
travel to the Republic.
(13/7/02)
Under-13s Off To Tournament
Rovers' Under-13s squad is taking part in the annual Whitley Bay tournament
which lasts for a week and starts on Monday 29th July.
(12/7/02)
McMullan Off!
Negotiations with striker Ryan McMullan have now broken down and the
youngster has left Cliftonhill, with the unsurprising news that he has
reportedly followed the yellow brick road - and a clutch of other former
Rovers - to Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir, where he renews his association
with erstwhile boss John McVeigh.
Mercer Signs
Of the three signings reported in the Advertiser, we can reveal
that ex-Arbroath midfielder Jim Mercer has now formally put his name on the
dotted line. The others, Colin McKinnon and Andy Paterson, have not yet done
so but hopes are high that they will within the next few days.
Goalkeeping Coach Appointed
Already at work with Rovers' 'keepers Chris Fahey and Scott Shearer is
specialist goalkeeping coach Darren Cross, formerly with Morton but who had to
retire from the playing side through injury. Darren, a qualified SFA coach,
has already made his mark with both Chris and Scott singing his praises.
Friendlies Update
Rovers will play Stranraer at the Glasgow Green complex next Wednesday
evening (17th) with a scheduled 8pm kick-off. Following the trip to
Dublin, it is likely that there will be a match (details to follow) on
Wednesday 24th, and pencilled in for Saturday 27th is a meeting with the new
Airdrie United - venue to be agreed. Rounding off the pre-season preparations
will be a match on Wednesday 31st (again, details to follow).
Diack Impressed
Rovers' striker Iain Diack has been impressed with level of work being
undertaken in preparation for the new season. Although to use his own words,
it is "very hard", he is confident that it will pay off during
the campaign.
New Youths
Coach Jimmy Lindsay reports that his new intake of Skillseekers is settling
down very well. As the lads hail from such diverse places as Lanark, Edinburgh
and Ayrshire, Jimmy is having to brush up on his language skills! Joining the
boys in the education part of their learning is new signing John Bradford.
(11/7/02)
Bell's Cup
The first round of the Bell's Cup was
drawn today. Rovers were drawn away to Montrose, match to be played Tuesday 6th
August.
(10/7/02)
Signings News
In spite of a report to the contrary in today's issue of the Airdrie
& Coatbridge Advertiser, Andy Paterson, James Mercer and Colin McKinnon
have not yet actually put pen to paper at Cliftonhill. We understand that
manager Peter Hetherston is nevertheless confident that all three will
eventually join James Dick and John Bradford as additions to the squad
before the start of the season.
Dublin Update
Further details of Rovers' forthcoming trip to Eire have now become clear.
The first team will play Belgrove at either Tolka Park or the AUL complex on
Friday 19th July at 7.30pm. On the Saturday, the youths will play
Dublin City Under-21s at the AUL venue with a 1pm kick-off, and the
"big team" will meet Raheny United on the main pitch at the same
location, kick-off 7pm. The formal part of the weekend terminates with the
youths playing their Raheny United counterparts at St Anne's Park on the
Sunday at 11am. We understand that both Belgrove and Raheny United operate in
one of the Republic's senior leagues. Jimmy Lindsay, in charge of
arrangements, is ascertaining the exact location of each of the venues and for
the benefit of those who intend to travel, we'll post detailed information as
soon as we can.
(09/7/02)
Life & Death
Clydebank were finally killed off today
when the Airdrie United bid was accepted by their administrator. AUFC will
play in the 2nd division next season at New Broomfield. In the meantime
Hamilton Accies took a step towards oblivion themselves today. All of their
employees (including players) walked out and vowed not to return until a
takeover bid headed by Jock Brown was accepted. The staff haven't been paid in
full since April.
Ne'erday Cheer
Subject to approval by the Scottish League, Rovers' fans will not have to
travel to new boys Gretna on 1st January, the borders club having agreed to
our request for a more appropriate date. The match will now take place on
Saturday 12th October, a hitherto blank day.
Dublin Update
Although coach Jimmy Lindsay is still awaiting final confirmation of the
teams Rovers will face during their weekend in Ireland, he advises us
that match scheduled for the Saturday afternoon will now take place at 7.30
that evening, probably at Shelbourne's ground. With time running short, Jimmy
is confident that the few missing links will be in place tomorrow.
(08/7/02)
Knee News
Chris Silvestro, who had a knee operation soon after the end of the season,
is now back in training while striker and top scorer Charles McLean has
recently been under the knife on the same part of his anatomy. Chris will
probably be ready for the big kick-off, but Charles is likely to be missing
for the first few matches.
Training Record!
As reported, 52 players were at Cliftonhill yesterday for the start of
official training. The number comprised signed players, most of Jimmy
Lindsay's youth squad and, possibly most importantly, a fair number of
potential additions to the playing staff. We understand that in this last
category there were a number of seasoned professionals on the lookout for a
club and some of them are more than likely to find a berth with Rovers.
We hope to be able to release some names later this week. Manager Peter
Hetherston was enthusiastic about the response from his lads who apparently
enjoyed much more work with the ball than under the previous regime.
Airdrie/Bankies Update
According to BBC Radio Scotland the
winner of the bid for Clydebank will be announced tomorrow.
(07/7/02)
52 In Training Session
Monday's Daily Record is reporting that an
incredible 52 players took part in Rovers first official training session for
the new season. The 52 included signed players, youth team players and potential
signings too.
Cup Draw
The Bell's Cup (they've dropped the
challenge part of the name) will be made on Thursday of this week.
Clydebank Deadline
The deadline set by the Bankies
administrator for bids is 5pm Monday 8th. A last minute rescue bid by a
Clydebank consortium (spearheaded by former Rovers player and manager Mick
Oliver) is given a decent chance of scuppering the Airdrie United bid to join
the 2nd division.
(06/7/02)
A Win To Finish
Rovers under 14's ended their trip to
Northern Ireland with a 2-1 win over Stockport County. The overall winner in
their age group was Blackburn Rovers.
(05/7/02)
Boys Win In Ireland
Rovers under 14's beat Shankhill Youth 3-2 in their
Foyle
cup match this afternoon. They play Stockport County in their final match
tomorrow.
(04/7/02)
Boys Draw With Tranmere
Rovers under 14's completed the
sectional stage of the Foyle cup with a
1-1 draw against Tranmere Rovers. Rovers go on to play Shankill Youth on
Friday.
Bankies May Yet Live
The BBC news tonight stated that a last
minute bid by Bankies supporters (with help from a benefactor) may yet save
Bankies and therefore scupper Airdrie United's league membership plans. The
deadline is next Monday, AUFC fans will be holding their breath in the
meantime.
Bradford And Stirling For Rovers!
No, they're not additional pre-season friendlies, but the names of Rovers'
most recent signing targets! Manager Peter Hetherston today announced that he
has signed 22 year-old Ayr United striker John Bradford and that former
Cliftonhill favourite Jered Stirling will be joining the club for training
when the tough stuff begins in earnest on Sunday, with the dead-ball
specialist almost certain to be with Rovers for the new season. Hetherston is
confident that Bradford - also formerly with Dumbarton, Stenhousemuir and
Stranraer - is the man to boost Rovers' goal-scoring tally, while Stirling's abilities
are well-known to the Cliftonhill regulars. As the manager is also speaking to
another three possible candidates this very day, those who have been
expressing concern on the Message Board should have had their worries lessened
by this news. Other formal details should be available within days and we'll
let you know as soon as they're announced.
(03/7/02)
Boys Beaten
In their second sectional match of the
Foyle Cup, Rovers' under 14's lost 3-1 to Donegal Schools League. Tomorrow
Rovers play Tranmere Rovers in the final sectional match. Whatever the result
Rovers will have more games.
www.foylecup.com
'Tizer Wrong!
Today's issue of our local paper gives the dates of Rovers'
forthcoming trip to Dublin as 16th/18th of this month (midweek), when the correct
dates are 19th/22nd (a weekend). We know it wouldn't affect too many potential
travellers, but it might as well be correct.
Fixture Clashes
A side-effect of the Airdrie/Clydebank deal which few may
have realised is that of their 36 league matches, no fewer than 24 are
scheduled on the same home and away dates as Rovers. That is, when Rovers
are playing 12 of their home fixtures, the new Airdrie will be in action at
New Broomfield, and when Rovers are on their travels for the other 12, Airdrie
will also be on the road.
While this situation shouldn't really have too much
effect on the gates of either, it does mean that the local neutral will have
no match to attend at either ground for a third of the season. No doubt
it's far too late to do anything about it now, but it is a disappointing state
of affairs.
(02/7/02)
Boys get a draw
In their first sectional match of the
Foyle Cup, Rovers' youngsters drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland team Institute.
Tomorrow Rovers play Donegal Schools League who were beaten by section leaders
Tranmere Rovers this afternoon.
(01/7/02)
Bankies Takeover Given OK
The SFL's league management committee
today gave the ok to Jim Ballantyne and his Airdrie United bid for Clydebank.
The takeover will give United (refused admission to the SFL a fortnight ago) a
place in the 2nd division. The news stated the club will be allowed to change
the name, strip and home ground immediately. It would seem likely that the
ground will be Shyberry/New Broomfield rather than Cliftonhill.
A Name - At Last!
Today's press speculates that Rovers have offered terms to experienced Ayr
United defender Craig McEwan, and although there is no confirmation from
Cliftonhill, we understand that the news is based on hard fact. Let's hope it
is the first of a number of such upbeat pieces of information this week.
Rovers' Boys In Ireland
Rovers' Under-14's today left for Ireland where they will play in the Foyle
Cup tournament. Accompanied by Jimmy Lindsay and John Bell, the lads will play
their opening match against Sion Swifts tomorrow, their second
against Donegal on Wednesday and complete their section fixtures when they
meet Tranmere Rovers on Thursday. We'll keep you up to date with regular
reports on their progress - hopefully all the way to Saturday's final! www.foylecup.com
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