Latest Archive June 2005

Painting Day Report
Albion Rovers Supporters' Trust have been painting the town (well Cliftonhill anyway) red. The purpose was of course to spruce up the old ground for what's hoped to be it's last season before redevelopment.

The first painting day took place yesterday when several volunteers turned up to help out. More volunteers are invited along this Thursday (23rd) from around 7pm and again next Saturday (25th) from 10am. Volunteers don't have to be trust members or have to stay all evening or day they can pop in for as long as they like! Paint has been provided by the trust and brushes are also available as are some snacks/refreshments!

Other projects include weeding and general tidying-up as well as doing up the toilets. The trust have paid for contractors to repair guttering at the enclosure and attend to painting and repairing roofing at the terracing side of the ground.

New Manager - Familiar Face
Jim Chapman, hero of Rovers 2nd division championship winning side in 1988-89 has been appointed as the new head coach at Cliftonhill, in overall charge of all football matters. It's understood Jim will continue in his other job as SFA Football Development Coordinator for South Lanarkshire, based in Hamilton.

Jim features in the September page of this years calendar, the photo shows him scoring the goal which clinched promotion in that season. As a midfielder he managed to bag 15 league goals that season from 33 starts. The club held interviews last night and we understand that there were around 6 applicants for the position. Jim has experience managing women's football where his team reached the European Champions League.

Jim Chapman was born is 39 years old, manager Tommy Gemmell signed "Chappie" from Thorniewood United in 1986 after he turned out for Rovers in a few reserve matches. He won a B&Q Skill Player of the 2nd Division Award in 1988 when he weighed in at a reported 11st (not that he looks heavier now), he has 1 son. Thanks to Robin Marwick's "Champion Albion" book for some of the background information.

Painting Day
As previously indicated the Cliftonhill painting day will be next Saturday (18th). We'll be starting at 10am although people are invited to turn up when they can make it.

Chic Young will be laying on some refreshments, a barbeque may be arranged if the weather is suitable. Even if the weather isn't conducive to painting in the open-air there are things that can be done under cover so still come along.

If you have any brushes/rollers (2 inches wide being preferred) that may not be worth using again after use on the day please bring them along!

Please remember that although it has been the trust committee that has been organising these activities we would like any and all fans to turn up an help out as this is your club!

Groundforce
Six turned out last Thursday (one non-trust committee member). Five members of the supporters' trust committee comprised the force today at Cliftonhill and were mostly occupied preparing some surfaces for painting next week.

Groundforce
Last Thursday saw 10 people turn up a Cliftonhill for some basic weeding/tidying up, this Thursday we shall be doing it again so come along! The Supporters Trust committee are arranging for contractors to repair the guttering at the front of the enclosure and paint and repair the front of the roof on the terracing side of the park.

They're also purchasing the necessary amount of paint needed to cover the parts of the ground that need it, the stairs and various walls and fences. The painting day is scheduled for Saturday 18th June and snacks and refreshments will be laid on (possibly even a barbeque if the weather is conducive).

Season Tickets
Season tickets should be available for purchase from the end of the month and the possibility of a premium ticket is a distinct possibility. This ticket would cost significantly more than the basic £120 one and would entitle the holder to pre-match food as well as other benefits.