Latest Archive May 2003

Last night's Sportsman's Dinner in Airdrie Town Hall was undoubtedly a success on two counts. Firstly as an evening of entertainment and companionship and secondly as a source of valuable income for Rovers. The main hall was well filled with the corporate tables whiled the parallel event in the lesser hall was also extremely well patronised.

During our brief visit, a few medicinal beverages were seen to be consumed, leading us to suspect that later in the evening the jollity would reach unprecedented levels.

Programme Cover

Here's a challenge for all you budding ideas people out there. We're looking for a new design for next season's Programme cover (especially as the current one features a picture of Todd Lumsden of Hamilton Accies!). So, get your thinking caps on and let us know what you think. You don't have to produce designs or drawings (although you could do) - just tell us in words what you'd like. Please don't suggest anything 1) too extreme or 2) too expensive! Email or post it on the message board.

Lumsden "Leaves"
Todd Lumsden has signed for Hamilton Accies. Although he picked up too many booking the big man was a fans favourite, many thinking he should be club captain. He was at Cliftonhill for four years.

Yards Signs!

To kick-off what is hoped is a spate of good news for Rovers' fans, we can reveal that experienced striker Mark Yardley has agreed a deal to remain at Cliftonhill for at least another season. Yards, scorer of eight goals since he arrived from St. Mirren, may not be the quickest man around the park, but his ability to hit the target makes him a potential match-winner every week.

We understand that Peter Cormack and Jim Mercer are also on the verge of putting pen to paper, with the rest of the first-team squad still to make up their minds.

Home Tie in Bell's Cup

Rovers have been given a home tie against East Fife in the first round of the new season's Bell's Cup. The draw gives the Cliftonhill club a quick chance to exact some revenge for the Fifers pipping them at the promotion post.

Chazz McLean
After being told he's surplus to requirements at Cliftonhill Chazz has signed for Elgin City. Elgin, then under a temporary manager, offered to sign him at the end of January but he decided to stay at Cliftonhill. Good luck Chazz (when not playing Rovers that is).

Big Name Coach?

According to today's Advertiser, there is a possibility of Rovers adding "a big name" to their coaching staff. Peter Hetherston naturally does not elaborate on the subject, nor does the newspaper speculate as to the mystery man's identity, but with a few senior players having been released by their clubs, there are a number of possibilities.

The draw for the first round of the new season's Bell's Cup (formerly known as the league challenge cup) will take place on Friday. Let's hope that it is favourable to Rovers.

Following the understandable lull after the last match of the season manager Peter Hetherston tonight begins the serious business of attempting to persuade players that their future (at least in the short term) lies with Albion Rovers. In a series of one-to-one talks, Silky will meet with those who have been offered terms in the hope that agreement can be reached. A few players, including Mark Yardley, are on holiday and their discussions will necessarily be delayed.

General Manager John Reynolds was today ensuring that all arrangements for this event were in place. Because it is being held in Airdrie Town Hall instead of a hotel, many more details are under Rovers' control and John has a checklist as long as his arm! Of the thirty corporate table available, twenty-five (over 80%) have been allocated, and the financial success of the evening is guaranteed. The parallel karaoke and disco in the Lesser Hall also looks set to be successful, with around sixty people with tickets.

Youth boss Jimmy Lindsay reports that from the details supplied last week, two of the lads who were in talks have now agreed to join the Cliftonhill scheme. This means that Kerr Potter (Hearts) and Colin Gillies (Kilmarnock) will be on the Skillseekers' course next season.

Although it's been confirmed that Chris Silvestro does have a cruciate ligament problem, we understand that there are two basic types of the injury. Following an operation, recuperation from the most serious does take the best part of a year, but there is apparently a less-serious condition which means only about four months out if action. Having said that, Chris - the man with the pain - feels that his suffering would indicate the former. However, let's all hope he's wrong, that he has the less-serious injury and that he's back training sooner rather than later.

General Manager John Reynolds reports that the information given to the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser about Peter Hetherston signing a contract led to the rather premature announcement in this week's paper. Although it's very likely that the boss will indeed put pen to paper, there is still a bit of talking to do before the deed is done.

Fans who might already be suffering from withdrawal symptoms are reminded that the annual Soccer Sevens are taking place at Cliftonhill this Saturday and Sunday. Several hundred youngsters in a variety of age groups will be out to impress and there might just be another Jordan Smith or Chris Silvestro on display. Could YOU spot the future star?

Pencilled-in for a week on Sunday is a charity match starring our own Peter Hetherston and other soccer luminaries. Although scheduled to take place at Cliftonhill, we understand that the arrangement was made before it was realised that renovation of the pitch will be starting this Monday. It is therefore unlikely that the chosen venue will host the event, but we'll let you know.

This Site
Please note that due to circumstances within our control this site will not be updated before Monday. If anything earth shattering happens it shall no doubt be discussed on the message board.

Chris Silvestro could be out of action for up to a year! That's the shocking news which has emerged following the midfield dynamo's MRI scan which seems to suggest that the wee man has cruciate ligament trouble. Although the diagnosis has still to be confirmed, the omens are not good and it's bad news all round. We'll keep you informed.

Within the next few days, manager Peter Hetherston is set to sign a contract which will tie him to Rovers "for the foreseeable future". Assuming he does so, somewhat surprisingly Hetherston will become the first boss to sign a written contract of employment with the club. Better use of the loan system and the acquisition of a new frontman are uppermost in the manager's mind as he makes initial plans for the new season.

It is understood that although a few factors, including the obvious potential amongst the playing staff, influenced Silky's decision, it seems that the news of a possible move to a new 3,000 seater stadium was the catalyst.

Although terms have been offered to the majority of last season's heroes, we hear that no deals have yet been finalised. It's understandable that players want to get the best possible terms for themselves, and one-to-one meetings with the manager will now be taking place on a regular basis. More positive news is that youngsters Chic Connolly, Graeme McCaul and Mark Richardson (the latter two having already featured in the "big" squad) have now moved out of the youth picture to become fully-fledged members of the manager's pool of players.

Youth boss Jimmy Lindsay reports that he has added a number of promising lads to his existing programme. Daniel Black, ex Hearts, Darren Cross, ex Kilmarnock and Bryan Wynn, ex Motherwell, have all signed two-year Skillseeker deals and will join those already on the full-time scheme. Jimmy is also talking to Kerr Potter, ex Hearts, Gary Semple, ex Hibs, and Colin Gillies, ex Kilmarnock, with a view to persuading them to join.

The busy youth chief has also given new two-year deals to existing players Andrew Selkirk, Steven Kerr, Jamie Valentine and Andrew McLeish, all of whom have impressed in the Under-18 team and who will complete their education programme during the remaining time.

For the third successive year, Rovers will be returning to the Republic of Ireland as part of their preparation for the assault on the Third Division championship of 2003/2004. Shelbourne, St. Patricks and Belgrave are likely opponents during the mini-tour which will take place at the end of July.

Don't panic, readers, we're not losing our midfield dynamo- at least, not yet! Tomorrow, Chris is off to Aberdeen for an MRI scan on his injured knee. Depending upon the result, he is hoping to have the necessary operation/treatment as soon as possible so that he will be fighting fit for the start of the season.

Eddie Hagerty reports that around 50 tickets have been sold for the fans' event taking place in the lesser hall of Airdrie Town Hall parallel to the main dinner in the big hall on Friday 30th May. This fans' "do", with disco, karaoke and buffet, will allow access to the main event to see the presentation of various trophies as well as listening to the speakers of the evening. Both events will kick-off at 7.30 pm, with the upstairs buffet commencing at 8 pm. Admission is by £10 ticket only and these can be obtained from our own Chic Young, telephone 431768.

The good news for supporters is that there will be no increase to the prices of Rovers' season tickets for the next campaign. At £90 for adults and £50 for concessions, they have got to be the best value in the league! Although youngsters of 12/16 will be admitted free of charge, they must apply in writing for tickets. Such letters - which should naturally include the applicant's date of birth - should be addressed to Eddie Hagerty at Cliftonhill. Children under 12 will also be admitted free, but only if they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Rovers' season, although ending in disappointment, was sufficiently successful to have the bigger teams paying attention and we should not be surprised if at least one of our stars was tempted to move up a division or two. For instance, the buzz is that the impressive Todd Lumsden might well be off to a seaside outfit in the near future, while others might be hoping that offers come along. We'll keep you posted. Incidentally, we also understand that the release of youngsters Chris Mackie and Paul Ross (subjects of a Message Board query) were not entirely related to their ability on the field. Recently released striker (and site columnist) Chazz McLean, the subject of interest from Elgin City during last season, might well again be mentioned in discussions in the Borough Briggs boardroom, especially as City have released former Rover Ryan McMullan.

We hear that a number of Rovers' players attended Hamilton races the other day, only to prove that their prowess on the field certainly exceeds their ability at picking winners. We also understand that while there, the Cliftonhill lads met up with a party from Stenhousemuir and that there was, shall we say, some lively banter!

The players who have been told that their services are no longer required are fiery midfielder Jim Dick, hot and cold striker Charles McLean and wayward winger Paul Bonar (yes, he WAS still on the books!).

The departure of Dick is no real surprise as his volatile nature was much more in evidence than his footballing ability, and McLean, although a regular in the squad and scorer of arguably the goal of the season, was on the bench just too often to be considered one of the first-choice front runners. Thanks Chazz for supplying your much talked of column - we shall miss it! Part-time firefighter Bonar, allowed to return to the club after joining the service, was allegedly much of a stranger at Cliftonhill, not doing any training and appearing on a regular basis only to pick up his wages.

With the remainder of the first-team squad, plus one or two of the more promising youngsters, having been offered terms, Manager Peter Hetherston will now be talking to them on an individual basis in an effort to persuade them that their future lies at Cliftonhill - at least in the short term.

As players have to be informed as to the club's intentions towards them by 15th May, Rovers' boss Peter Hetherston was today advising general manager John Reynolds which were to receive the "we'd like to keep you" letters and which would be seeking employment in pastures new. We shall not add to the current speculation which has been on the Message Board, but will post the information as soon as it is issued.

This annual festival of soccer fun will take place at Cliftonhill over the weekend of 24th/25th May. As usual, hundreds of youngsters of varying ages will take part, with coach Jimmy Lindsay keeping an eye out for any promising talent.

Arggggggggggggh!
Not again Rovers supporters shouted about 10 mins after the end of our game. Rovers finished their game 3-1 ahead with one Shire keeper subbed due to injury and two yes TWO sent off but didn't manage promotion to the 2nd division because East Fife scored a penalty in 89 minutes against Queen's Park.

Thanks to the few exiles at the match (and the one who wasn't) who gave donations for upkeep of the website.

Chris Silvestro receives his AlbionRovers.com/A&C Advertiser player of the year award from Peter McClurg on the left and your humble webmaster.

D-Day
Today is the day when we find out our fate, by 5pm it'll all be done and dusted. Some players will be playing their last game for Rovers, Scott Shearer of course, and some others although we'll not find out who for another week or so. It will also bring to an end to another season at Cliftonhill, next season may be our last at what must be one of the most unique stadia.

We do of course require Queen's Park to prevent East Fife winning to be promoted. Not to mention the requirement of a home win over East Stirlingshire. Whether we gain promotion or not it's been a good season with some impressive performances from players brought in by Silky and ones already here. The 15 (16 by 5pm) game unbeaten run is a fantastic achievement as evidenced by Silky being awarded three manager of the month awards.

Our player of the year award in conjunction (as they say on tv) with A & C Advertiser will be made at about 2.50pm. Although a few players have received the odd vote there were only two serious candidates for the award. See the result and a pic of the award here later.

Please note that due to after-match celebrations (whether we're promoted or not!) this site may not be updated as early as usual.

According to today's Herald, Rovers' current undefeated run of fifteen games beats the club record set in 1929. No doubt some "expert" may dispute the veracity of this statistic, but proving it might be another matter!

Fans' Forum Report
Click here

Cormack Misses Training
Defender Peter Cormack took a knock on Tuesday and as a precaution sat out tonight's training session. He is confident of being fit for Saturday's vital match against East Stirlingshire.

Crunchie Stays!
Peter Hetherston tonight revealed that veteran Kevin McAllister will still be at Cliftonhill next season in the dual role of player and First Team Coach. That's great news for the many fans of the midfield maestro.

Silky Hat-Trick!

The success of manager Peter Hetherston -and his players - has been rewarded by the boss gaining the Manager of the Month award for April, his third of the season. During the month, three wins and two draws formed part of the current 15-match unbeaten run.

The Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser has stepped in to sponsor the Player of the Year as voted by visitors to the this website. The webmaster will present a suitable trophy, plus a bottle of champagne, to the chosen player before Saturday's match against East Stirlingshire. Thanks are due to Peter McClurg for his efforts in making this award possible.

The second Fans' Forum will be held in the club lounge tomorrow night, Thursday 8th May, at 7.30 pm. In attendance will be General Manager John Reynolds and Manager Peter Hetherston (presumably after training). It is also expected that the Board of Directors will also be represented.

With the final match of an eventful season almost upon us and promotion matters out of our hands, Peter Hetherston remains optimistic that things will work out in our favour. Peter has praised his players for their efforts and asks for just one more big effort against East Stirlingshire on Saturday. He also requests that supporters turn out in substantial numbers to cheer the lads on.

Website Player of the Year
To try to prevent cheating (as happened last year) voting this year is via email. Send your email to voting now closed Please don't send it to any other address.

Please note that although we are in awe of Mark Yardley and his scoring feats he's not eligible because he hasn't been with Rovers for long enough!

If anyone wishes to donate a decent trophy and/or prize for the POTY I'd be grateful and they'll appear on the site.

The presentation will take place next Saturday - before the start of the game.

No Knocks

Rovers escaped injury-free from the taxing match at Peterhead. Although the result was obviously disappointing, the reality was that we more than matched the league leaders on their own patch - no mean feat. So, with Jordan Smith back from suspension this weekend, only Chris Silvestro is out of contention for a place.

We are happy to report that Jimmy Lindsay has passed the difficult third stage of the SFA's course and is now fully qualified as a youth coach. The fact that Jimmy had not completed the final stage in no way diminished his ability to teach the youngsters - it simply means that he now has a piece of paper to prove it!

The SFA, in their wisdom, have decided that from next season, clubs' top level youth teams will operate as Under-19s instead of the current Under-18s. It's difficult to see the logic behind this decision, apart from maybe giving promising youngsters an extra year to develop their potential.

Promotion Hopes Dented
A 0-0 draw at the Balmoor stadium, Peterhead seriously dented the promotion hopes of Rovers (and the Blue Toon for that matter). The match was held up for 15 minutes to let the crowd of 1693 in. A good sized travelling support (including a handful of St. Mirren/Yardley ones) although seriously outnumbered certainly out-sang and out-shouted the home support for most of the game. Both teams had chances, Rovers perhaps having the best of them. Everybody left the ground dejected knowing a draw may consign both teams to the 3rd division for another season. We shall (later) give you a note of the possible scenarios next week which will see us promoted.

The latest indications from the Cliftonhill camp are that the suspended Jordan Smith and injured Chris Silvestro will be the only regulars absent from the squad for tomorrow's crucial match at Peterhead. John Bradford and Andy Paterson trained last night, as did the unnamed player who was giving concern earlier in the week. So, with Jim Dick also in the frame, it looks as if we will be almost at full strength.

Well, the Scott Shearer saga is now officially over. The big fellow has signed a pre-contract agreement with Coventry City which takes effect from Tuesday 1st July. Although financial details have not been released, the initial fee will be supplemented by "bonus payments" after Scott has played a specified number of first-team matches etc etc.