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(12/5/08)

"Frees"
The following players have been released by the Club :

Richard Buckley
Ally Martin
Jamie McDougall
Jamie McKenzie
Graeme Watson
John McStay
Barry Donald
Iain Chisholm

Ciaran Donnelly has been offered terms for next season.

Season Tickets 2008/09
Season Ticket prices for the new season will be as follows:

Adult £120
Pensioner and Unemployed Concession : £60
Youth (Age 12 to 16) : £30
Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.

Please note that Season Tickets will not be valid for Cup Ties, a change to previous practice, but the Board believes that these prices
represent excellent value for money.

Pre-Season Matches
The Club will prepare for the new season in the Newcastle Upon Tyne area with matches as follows :

Friday 18th July - Tow Law Town (7.30 kick off)

Sunday 20th July - Spennymoor United (1.00 pm kick off)

In addition there will be matches at Cliftonhill against Hamilton Accies (Tuesday 15th July) and Clyde (Tuesday 22nd July) both with 7.30 kick offs.

The Club is hopeful that a suitable date will be found for the Jock Stein Cup match with Celtic.

(8/5/08)

Laurie Cameron
Former club director Laurie Cameron sadly died last week and his funeral was held on Tuesday. As your webmaster only heard of this on Monday while on his holidays it was not possible to update the website in time. Hopefully all who wished to attend the service found out via the message board or other means. We extend our condolences to his family.

More Signings
More players have put pen to paper for next season. They are Danny Ferry, Tony Mitchell and Brian Smith. The final list of players re-signed and departing Cliftonhill shall be with us soon.

New Strips
The board of directors have chosen the kit for next season and shall be submitting it soon to the SFL for approval. As expected the first choice kit reverts to red and yellow after the special 125th anniversary blue and yellow one worn last term.

We shall post photos of the top once approval is received from the authorities.

Pre-Season
Although the season finished less than a fortnight ago the planning for pre-season is well underway already. Final confirmation of a two match trip to County Durham is expected soon. Home matches against an SPL and an SFL team are being lined up too. The now almost traditional "Jock Stein" match against Celtic is also on the cards for Cliftonhill.

The first official match of the season shall be in the Challenge Cup on Saturday 26th July unless Rovers receive a bye.

(28/4/08)

East Fife Jamboree

Club chairman Frank Meade (right) reveals a plaque in memory of club stalwart Jimmy Lawson with the help of the Lawson family. 

Match sponsors Pats Pals!

Cliftonhill groundsman Hugh McBride (left) receives a thank you present from the Albion Rovers Supporters' Trust presented by trust secretary Eddie Hagerty (right) as club mascot Wee Rover looks on.

The assembled Fifers fans await the announcement of the prize best fancy dress.

The winner collects her award

A cornucopia of pics of the match (all courtesy and © of Paul Reilly) are accessible below!

Pics a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z, za, zb, zc, zd, ze, zf, zg, zh.

McGowan Signs On
20 year old defender Michael McGowan has committed his future to Albion Rovers by signing a new contract for the coming season. Other contracts are in the pipeline.

(26/4/08)

Unlucky Draw
Rovers drew a match against league leaders but should have won it not least as they failed to convert a penalty. They finish the season in 7th place although they couldn't manage a victory at Cliftonhill in 2008.

Before the match a plaque in memory of stalwart Jimmy Lawson was unveiled in presence of his family and a presentation to groundsman Hughie McBride was made in thanks of his sterling efforts throughout the season.

POTY
The player voted player of the year by fans was Pat Walker, second was Alan Benton and third was David Scott. The supporters trust put up the trophy and cash prize.

(12/4/08)

A Win At Last
Rovers today gained their first win today at Station Park, Forfar since February 16th in an identical scoreline at the home of Forfar's Angus rivals Arbroath. Willie Martin grabbed a hat-trick (surprisingly the fourth for a Rovers player this season). On-loan Bobby Barr got the other one in a match peppered with controversial decisions by whistler Thomas Robertson who sent off one Loons man and booked numerous others at the same time only booking a couple of men in red.

(9/4/08)

Ban
Rovers assistant manager Paul Martin has been given a two-game dug-put ban imposed for being sent to the stand at Firs Park on 29th March, he has until Monday 14th April to appeal against the decision which would see him watch the season end from the stand.

Pat Walker Clarification
The club have clarified the situation regarding the striker. As with all probationary teachers these appointments are made for one year only and Pat must now wait and hope that he receives a suitable job offer. If he receives a suitable job offer he will be available for selection throughout the season. If he does not receive a suitable job offer Pat has indicated that he will go abroad for a year, in which case the Club will release him from his contract.

Golf Day
The Albion Rovers Celebrity/Amateur will take place at Shotts Golf Club on June 12th. Team entry is £250 and anyone interested should contact Pat Rolink at the club on 01236 606334 or via email on pat at albionrovers dot com. Teams consist of three plus the club nominated celebrity!

Seattle Keeping An Eye On Vers
It's interesting to see what global effects a Pat Rolink led Albion Rovers initiative can have, take for example the American newspaper the Seattle Post-Intelligencer who wrote the following article despite their readers living almost 4500 miles from Coatbridge!

"REELING THEM IN: If you're a lower-division club in Scotland and based in or around Glasgow, the stronghold of domestic giants Rangers and Celtic, it can be hard to attract fans. Albion Rovers, in the bottom half of the fourth division, came up with a novel idea to get more to show up.

All Polish nationals were allowed to attend a recent game against Dumbarton free.

In the past few years, more and more Poles have emigrated to the U.K.

"The Poles in the area won't, we hope, have an affinity to any other club, which is more than can be said for the folk born and bred here," said Rovers director Pat Rolink. "So why shouldn't they support us? We've been trying all season to get more people in the community interested in Albion Rovers, but Old Firm fans are not for changing."

Note to Rolink: One of Celtic's most popular players, keeper Artur Boruc, is Polish."

(5/4/08)

Gemmell Off As Rovers Slump
John Gemmell was red carded for a tame head butt as Rovers lost 2 - 0 to Arbroath today.

POTY
If (and only if) you missed the opportunity to vote for the player of the year in person you can do it via email! Send your selection of 1st, 2nd and 3rd by midnight 18th April to poty@albionrovers.com . Please include you name if not obvious from your email address so we can verify you're not Robert Mugabe! The supporters' trust is putting up a valuable prize to be awarded to the lucky recipient and this website is supplying the bottle of champagne to accompany it.

Walker Signs Up
Pat Walker has put pen to paper on a new contract until the end of next season. Due to the nature of Pat's employment he could be abroad for much of the season and this has been taken into account.

(1/4/08)
April Fool
Yes as most of you realised eventually the story below was an April Fool!

Major Development
We have learned that the delay on the proposed club E.G.M. on share issues and ground redevelopment which was supposed to happen in late February to early March is down to the fact that the board of directors are in talks to sell the club. An approach was made recently by a consortium of West of Scotland based Polish businessmen with an offer to purchase a 51% stake in the club when the shares are reorganised.

The consortium comprises four or five men with disparate business backgrounds, details are sketchy but retail, manufacturing and distilling form their expertise thus far. We understand one of their number has lived in Scotland for at least 20 years whilst the others arrived in the last in the last four years when Poland joined the European Union.

Albion Rovers club chairman Frank Meade said that talks were at an advanced stage with a group of potential investors and that he could say no more until talks were concluded.

As the Monklands area has a large and expanding Polish community this move could benefit the local area dramatically, greatly increasing the integration of the Poles into the wider community. It's understood that the clubs recent drive to encourage Poles to come along to Cliftonhill prompted this unprecedented move.

Rumours abound about what changes new owners would make to the club but it seems certain that a name change is on the cards although Albion Rovers would almost certainly remain part of that. In Australia their version of Albion Rovers became Albion Turk Gucu for a while as the Turkish community took charge.

A feeder arrangement with an as yet unnamed Polish league club has been mooted, we believe it would be talent moving to Scotland rather than the other direction.

Planning of a new ground within a few kilometers of Coatbridge town centre is at a very early stage as you can see from the plans below.

The Albion Rovers Supporters' Trust committee has called an urgent meeting for Tuesday evening to discuss the situation and are likely to give the proposal a guarded welcome.

In an odd move Airdrie United chairman Jim Ballantyne wished Rovers every success but added he was standing by if the deal should fall through.

(30/3/08)

Firs Farewell
It was a match to forget with three sent off including assistant manager Paul Martin and three goal conceded to bottom side East Stirling. Not the best way to play in what could be Rovers final trip to Firs Park.

Next weeks team selection will be all the more difficult with Willie Martin and Alan Benton being suspended for being red carded. Referee Willie Hornby and his nearside assistant should but shall probably not be censured by referee supervisor John Fleming who attended the game.

(21/3/08)

Another Draw
Rovers one all draw with Elgin City was their fourth draw in five matches. John Gemmell got the equaliser from the penalty spot ten minutes after City went ahead.

More Extensions
Goalkeeper David Scott and defender Alan Benton have extended their contracts for another season.

(19/3/08)

Reid Signs On
Alan Reid has become the latest player to commit himself to Cliftonhill for next season by signing an extended contract. Robert Walker, Chris Hughes, Callan Adam and John Gemmell had previously signed up for next term.

(13/3/08)

Match Rearranged
The Stranraer match so controversially postponed on Tuesday shall now go ahead next Tuesday (18th March) at Cliftonhill with a 7.30 kick-off. One interesting thing to note is that the referee is not the same one who called off the previous attempt to play the tie.

(12/3/08)

Race Night Update
A reminder that the supporters' trust dog racing is being held in the lounge at Cliftonhill this Friday (14th March) commencing at 7.30pm. If you don't yet have a ticket don't worry as you can pay on arrival (£2 per head including pie & peas).

Things to remember - bring money to bet on the dogs, bring your own booze as there is no drinks licence! There shall be some soft drinks available but best bring your own to guarantee satisfaction.

(11/3/08)

"Ridiculous" Call Off
Referee Alan Boyd made what one fan who walked on the pitch was a ridiculous decision to call off tonight's match against Stranraer. The whistler judged the pitch was unplayable despite both sides apparently being happy to go ahead. The pitch was soft after rain in recent days but despite it cutting up would have been fine in seemingly everyone else's opinion.

To call off a match against such far travelled sides at around 6.30pm is the latest of several such decisions this season.

(8/3/08)

EF Game ON
Due to heavy rain in Fife this match is in doubt, the referee has asked for the pitch to be spiked and hopefully this shall drain away the excess water.

**Update**

Game is on!

(6/3/08)

(2/3/08)

Oh Dear
For the second time in four days Rovers lost to a side who climbed off the bottom of the table after beating them by a single goal. It was former manager Jim Chapman's first trip back to Cliftonhill since being sacked in the Summer and his new charges Dumbarton took all three points back with them.

McDougall Signs
Rovers have signed 18 year-old defender Jamie McDougall until the end of the season. Jamie was on the bench for the last couple of matches as a trialist. His last club was Alloa Athletic.

(26/2/08)

Rovers Blown Away
Rovers lost 1 - 0 at Station Park tonight in a result which propelled Forfar off the bottom of the league. Ironically the result put former Rovers manager Jim Chapman's new team Dumbarton at the foot of the table, they of course visit Cliftonhill this Saturday. The very windy conditions made play difficult.

Contract extensions
The club have tied up Robert Walker and Chris Hughes on contacts for next season. Callan Adam and John Gemmell had previously signed up for next term.

Match On
Tonight's match at Forfar is on after an afternoon pitch inspection and has been confirmed as a 7.45 kick-off.

(24/2/08)

Jimmy Conlin
If you know his name chances are you read this article in the programme a while back. If not, read about the one time Rovers player who had his share of success and failure ultimately ending on a foreign battlefield. Click HERE to read his story!

(20/2/08)

Dogs Return To Cliftonhill
The supporters' trust have arranged a race night for Friday 14th March to be held in the lounge at Cliftonhill. The ticket price has once more been set at £2 which includes pie and peas. If you'd like to play a more active part in the event dogs are available at £3 each for which you name the greyhound and win a decent prize (most likely booze) if your four legged friend romps home!

Each race has six greyhounds and each race requires a sponsor who will put up the prize for the owner of the dog which wins the race that bears their name. Prizes are expected to be of a decent standard and shall are generally a bottle of spirits or similar. Race cards showing the runners and their sponsors shall of course be issued free of charge. Due to onerous formalities the event shall not have drinks licence this year so bring your favourite tipple with you!

Last years event was a success financially and socially for the trust and indeed some of the lucky punters!

Contact the trust by email or in person at a match (you know who we are by now surely!) to buy tickets and sponsor a horse or race.

Wright Departure
Striker Kenny Wright has left the club by mutual consent. Wright netted 10 times this season, the last of which came on Boxing Day at Stranraer.

(16/2/08)

Delight In Angus
Striker John Gemmell grabbed a hat-trick at Gayfield today in Rovers 4 - 1 win over Arbroath. Danny Ferry capped a superb personal display with a goal of his own. Although under pressure from the Red Lichties for large chunks of the game they were pretty inept and it was Rovers who took their chances.

Referee Boyle did his best to confuse and infuriate both sets of fans.

(14/2/08)

Alteration
The kick-off time for the rearranged match at Elgin on Wednesday 5th March has been changed by the SFL to 7.30pm, it was originally set to be 8.00pm.

(10/2/08)

Sportsman's Dinner
This annual event is taking place on Friday May 16th at Drumpellier Golf Club, speakers are top whistler Kenny Clark, former Hibs and Celtic stalwart Pat Stanton and comedian/club director Pat Rolink. A table of 10 costs £350, space is very limited so contact the club as soon as possible!

(9/2/08)

Rovers Draw A Blank
Rovers and Forfar barely caused eachother any trouble as they both failed to score. It was Rovers first nil - nil match for almost exactly a year. Jamie McKenzie was taken to hospital in an ambulance after Stephen fouled him which only gained him a yellow card. Although a leg break was suspected Jamie returned to Cliftonhill shortly after the match and was able to stand and walk with difficulty. He is however likely to miss some matches as he heals.

Fotheringham of the visitors was red carded in 89 minutes for an outburst at referee Hornby who'd be best sticking to playing with his train set than refereeing if his performance today is anything to go by!

(5/2/08)

Matches Rearranged

The SFL have announced dates for Rovers three outstanding matches as follows :

Tuesday 26th February Forfar Athletic away 7.30 k-o (from 22/12) 

Wednesday 5th March Elgin City away 8.00pm k-o (from 12/1)

Tuesday 11th March Stranraer home 7.30 k-o (from 26/1) 

(2/2/08)

Match On
Today's match at Montrose is on following a 10.30 pitch inspection at Links Park.

(31/1/08)

Roddy Hunter Sold!
With just hours to go before the transfer window closes 23 year-old striker Roddy Hunter has been sold to Montrose. Ironically his first match in a blue jersey is likely to be against Rovers on Saturday when the teams meet at Links Park. Hunter scored 13 goals for Rovers in competitive match since signing from Clyde in August 2007, his first being the winner when Rovers last visited Links park on the opening day of the season. His high point was scoring four against Burntisland Shipyard in the Scottish Cup.

David Dimilta
Another player departing Cliftonhill is diminutive midfielder 19 year-old David Dimilta who joined in the Summer from Hamilton Accies.

Martin Arrives
Striker Willie Martin has joined Rovers from Elgin City. The 26 year-old was previously on the books at Arbroath, Stranraer, Montrose, Elgin again, Queen's Park and Kilmarnock.

Defender Signed
Although unconfirmed at present by the club, Radio Scotland announced on their closing of the transfer window programme that 18 year old Chris Hughes has joined from Brechin City. The 6 foot 1 lad joined the Glebe Park club from Cowdenbeath last February. One footnote is that Hughes was born the day before Rovers clinched the 2nd division championship back in April 1989!

The closing of the transfer window doesn't prevent unattached players putting pen to paper so there could be other new faces at Cliftonhill soon! 

(26/1/08)

Game Off
Not unexpectedly todays match at Cliftonhill against Stranraer has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. At least Rovers can be assured their next match is virtually guaranteed to be on as Montrose have an artificial surface which should survive just about any weather conditions.

(25/1/08)

Early Inspection Planned
Due to heavy rain over the last several days tomorrows match against Stranraer will be subject to a pitch inspection which is expected to take place before 10am.

We shall update this site as soon as possible but the most up to date information is likely to be on the message board.

(19/1/08)

'Shire game On
Despite heavy rain in recent days today' match at Cliftonhill against east Stirlingshire will definitely go ahead. Groundsman Hugh McBride assisted by other Rovers personnel has ensured that the pitch is playable after both sides failed to play last weekend as Elgin was frozen and Ibrox waterlogged.

Rovers Net 'Keeper
Goalkeeper Tony Mitchell who had recently ended a loan spell at Cliftonhill has been signed by gaffer John McCormack with a "small fee" going to Bellshill Athletic.

(12/1/08)

Late Call-Off
The decision by Elgin City today to get a pitch inspection at noon rather than much earlier in the day meant that the Rovers team bus had arrived before the match was called off. Fans too were forced to travel unnecessarily, some only discovering the postponement on arrival in the town and others turning back after travelling substantial distances.

A 10 metre section of the Borough Briggs pitch in front of their stand had not thawed. As not a single Highland League match went ahead today and indeed just 2 matches in the whole of Scotland at grounds without artificial surfaces or undersoil heating were played it seems odd that a precautionary inspection could not be seen necessary on Friday or at least around 9am today.

(10/1/08)

Gemmell Signs
John Gemmell has signed an 18 month contract at Cliftonhill. The striker joined Rovers on loan from Bellshill Athletic in October, a four figure transfer fee enabled his permanent transfer. Goalkeeper Tony Mitchell also on loan from the junior side has not joined Rovers as the asking fee was too high.

Supporters Trust
A reminder that all memberships expired on 31st December. Unless you've set up a standing order to pay your membership or have been quick off the mark please pay in the normal manner see trust page for details! A Paypal option is available although it does cost the trust significant charges.

A recruiting drive to encourage more fans to join up shall be instigated soon.

(1/1/08)

New Year
A new year has dawned and we wish you a happy and prosperous 2008. The new year has of course seen the transfer window open and it's certain that manager John McCormack will be changing his playing staff to some extent. Rumours abound as to who'll be leaving and it remains to be seen what if any truth is in them.

Dumbarton
This already interesting derby clash has taken on a new look since the news that Dumbarton's new manager is former Rovers  player and gaffer Jim Chapman.  

The S.F.L. has requested that member clubs observe either a minutes silence or a minutes applause before matches played on Wednesday 2nd January as a mark of respect for Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell who died last Saturday.

There is no bus to this match due to the direct train service - times of which are on the bus page.

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