Latest news with #StirlingAlbion
The Courier
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Josh Cooper singles out two key improvements he wants at Dunfermline Athletic next season after signing new deal
Josh Cooper has set his sights on holding down a regular starting berth with Dunfermline next season after agreeing a contract extension. The 22-year-old has penned a 12-month deal after signing on for just a year with the Pars last summer following two years rebuilding his career with Stirling Albion. The ex-Morton player worked under three different managers in a difficult first season back in full-time football, but still managed to score three goals and make 28 appearances across the campaign. However, with just six of those being from the start, Cooper wants to make a bigger impact on the first-team next term. 'I'm delighted,' said the attacking midfielder of his new contract. 'I was delighted to hear about getting the extension and I couldn't wait to sign it. 'I enjoyed being here last season. It was an up-and-down season, obviously, and not what we wanted. 'But, personally, I really enjoyed it and I felt I did well. Hopefully I can try and kick on this season. 'I think I adapted [to full-time football] quite quickly and I was starting to find my feet. 'Obviously, I had a bit of an injury as well around Christmas time. But then I had not a bad end to the season and got myself back in the team. 'I just want to do more of the same as last season, and hopefully add more goals and try and get myself an actual starting position in the team. 'Obviously, I impacted a lot off the bench, but hopefully I can get more starts under my belt this season.' Cooper spent the whole of last summer 'on trial' at Dunfermline as previous boss James McPake waited for clearance to sign the youngster. McPake was subsequently sacked in December and his replacement, Michael Tidser, lasted just 59 days in charge before he was also axed. The Pars are hopeful of some stability now that Neil Lennon has agreed a new two-year deal to stay on in the dugout. And Cooper is relishing working again under the former Celtic and Hibernian boss, who spoke earlier this week of his hopes for the Greenock native. 'It was really good to work under the new manager,' added Cooper. 'Obviously, he's got a lot of experience and he's somebody you want to play for. 'He gives you confidence and belief in yourself. So, I really enjoyed it.'
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Shape of Stirling Albion squad forms as summer ins and outs begin
A total of ten players are now under contract for the upcoming season after MacKenzie Carse and Harry Wright signed new deals with the Binos. A summer of movement is already well underway for Stirling Albion as the early shape of the Binos squad starts to become clear. After an off-season of turmoil 12 months ago where boss Alan Maybury arrived just weeks before the season kick-off to a skeleton squad left behind following the sacking of Darren Young, there seems to be a determination for there not to be a repeat performance this time around. In total, eight players remain under contract for Albion next time around: Ryan Shanley, Dale Carrick, Adam Brown, Callum Crane, Robbie McNab, Aaron Weir, Cooper Knox and Cammy McKinley. An update from the club on Wednesday revealed the status of more of the names from the 24/25 group, with stalwart Ross McGeachie, forward Dale Hilson and defender Sam Denham — who missed the entirety of last season with an ACL injury — all considering offers. Meanwhile, verbal offers have been accepted by young defender Harley Ewen — another long-term injury absentee — and winger James Graham. But a pair of regulars from last season, keeper Derek Gaston and defender Josh Kerr, have confirmed on their social media that they will be moving on after rejecting offers from the Binos. Veteran keeper Gaston — the only player to play every minute for Stirling last season — said: 'Unfortunately my time at Stirling has came to an end. 'I met some great people and enjoyed my time at the club. Still feeling as fit as I've ever done so still got a few years left in the tank and looking forward to seeing where Im going to be kicking a ball out the pitch next season.' Meanwhile, Kerr - a late summer arrival from Cove Rangers last year - also revealed he'd be moving on after 12 months at Forthbank. He wrote: Big thanks to everyone involved at @Stirling_Albion for the past year! Let's see what's next'. But there was better news on the renewal front with ex-Celtic youngster MacKenzie Carse signing on for next season after an impressive stint in the Binos engine room after arriving in February. The 21-year-old made 16 appearances for Stirling last season after leaving Northern Irish club Coleraine - and Maybury was thrilled to complete the capture. The Irishman told the club website: 'We are delighted to announce that MacKenzie has signed a new contract at Stirling Albion. 'He has had a positive impact since he signed in January. He is a talented young player who has a desire to improve and we look forward to working with him again.' Carse added: 'I've really enjoyed the six months I have been at Stirling since I came back home from Northern Ireland. 'I feel like I've started decently but there is still more to come from me next season. After getting six months of games under my belt. I am buzzing to sign for next season and hopefully we can make it a special one for the fans in return for their loyal support.' Former Hibs youngster Harry Wright was another to sign on the dotted line for the 25/26 campaign. The winger's stop-start campaign saw him make 21 appearances for Albion, mainly as a substitute - but Maybury has high hopes for the 19-year-old's growth. The Stirling boss said: 'Harry showed real promise this season but unfortunately it was disrupted by a number of injuries. "We are looking forward to him returning stronger and better and making a difference on the pitch as he has the ability to be a match winner.' Elsewhere, the club confirmed five players would be leaving the club: Erik Sula, Euan Deveney, Ally Roy, Lewis Milne and Ross Davidson. Loanees Leyton Grant, Jack Harkness, Ricky Waugh and Scott Constable are also set to return to their parent clubs after making impressive contributions.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stirling Albion boss reveals hope for next season after dull Forfar curtain call
The Binos rounded off their season with a goalless draw in Angus against a home side fighting the drop - with a section of the away support in fancy dress even offering a party vibe to the final game. There was to be no final stirring act to the story of Stirling Albion's League Two season as attentions already turn to moving things forward for a crack at the top spots next time around. The Binos secured a sixth-place finish in the division after the final-day 0-0 draw at Forfar, where most of the attentions was not on the visitors, but rather the nails being bitten by a home support keen to avoid a relegation play-off. In the end, it all rather petered out as both sides settled for the goalless draw, meaning they will see each other at least four times in league action in 2025/26. Stirling manager Alan Maybury brought in some of his squad members from the cold for rare starts in Angus as a reward for their efforts over the season — and expressed positivity over the club's position ahead of what is sure to be another busy summer of ins and outs. The Irishman said: 'We knew we didn't have much to play for other than pride after last week. We changed a few to give some boys a game that they merited but I thought the attitude was top class and played some good football and hit the bar as well. 'As the second half went on, they came into it and Derek [Gaston] has to make a couple of good saves and we had a few half-decent opportunities. It was difficult with the wind out there and I thought there were some strange decisions from the officials as well which was just kind of frustrating and caused a lack of flow in the game. 'We took our point and overall, we're a little disappointed in terms of where I hoped we might get to but from the starting position we had, there has been a lot of good work and foundations, especially since the recruitment around Christmas where we've looked a lot better. 'I would guess we're in the bottom three or four in terms of budget in the division and we've beaten most of the teams above us with the exception of Peterhead. 'There has been a lot of good stuff, albeit we've struggled against some of the sides lower than us, but we do have a lot of hope going into next season.' The final round of results from the weekend mean that Stirling are now sure of five opponents for next season — with Spartans, Clyde, Stranraer, Forfar and relegated Dumbarton assured to join them in League Two. The final four spots will be decided as the play-offs kick off this week, with Edinburgh City and East Fife set to face off, as well as Elgin City and ninth-placed League One finishers Annan. Meanwhile, League Two bottom dogs Bonnyrigg Rose will be hoping to preserve their status with a play-off against East Kilbride.
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stirling Albion chiefs 'disapointed over offensive graffiti' daubed in stadium hours before match
Stirling Albion chiefs were left "disappointed" after vandals struck at the club's Forthbank home. The club issued a statement on Friday evening which said it did not have 'sufficient resources to carry out remedial work' ahead of Saturday's League 2 clash with Clyde. That meant that supporters who attended Saturday's match were able to see the "offensive graffiti", the nature of which remains unknown. The Binos were swept aside in a 4-1 drubbing to Clyde, now being lead by former Albion gaffer Darren Young. Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area. Issuing the statement, the Binos said: 'We are disappointed to report that the toilets in the north end of the West Stand have been vandalised. 'Neither the club nor Active Stirling has sufficient resource to carry out remedial work before tomorrow's William Hill League 2 fixture against Clyde. 'The toilets are operational so will remain open but we apologise to anyone offended by the graffiti. 'If you are attending with children or are easily offended you may wish to use the facilities at the other end of the West Stand.' The club added: 'It's disappointing to find that yet again we are having to spend money on addressing issues caused by a tiny minority of supposed fans when we would rather be spending that money strengthening the playing squad. 'Both Stirling Albion and Active Stirling condemn the actions of the people responsible. 'We will be monitoring the situation and anyone found to have been carrying out such actions will be reported to Police Scotland for criminal damage. 'We would ask all real supporters who come across such behaviour to report any such instances to stewards or club officials so that we can take the appropriate action.' Albion have already had to issue multiple warnings to a small section of supporters this season. In February, the club issued a statement hitting out at the use of pyrotechnics at a match against Forfar Athletic. The club said that, during the game, a 'small group of individuals' released smoke bombs and a flare within the stadium. They added: 'This reckless and irresponsible behaviour not only posed a serious safety risk but also caused unnecessary distress to fellow supporters in the West Stand. Those responsible were swiftly identified and ejected from the stadium.' Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.
The National
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The National
SPFL club condemn vandalism and call on ‘real supporters' for help
The Scottish League Two club confirmed on Friday that toilets in the north end of the West Stand had been defaced with graffiti ahead of Saturday's match against Clyde. Although the facilities will remain open, neither the club nor stadium operators Active Stirling have the capacity to undertake repairs before the game. And they've had to apologise to any younger fans who may take offence to what has been written by the vandals. In a joint statement, the fourth-tier club and Active Stirling expressed regret and frustration over the incident, saying: "We are disappointed to report that the toilets in the north end of the West Stand have been vandalised. "Neither the Club nor Active Stirling has sufficient resource to carry out remedial work before tomorrow's William Hill League 2 fixture against Clyde. "The toilets are operational so will remain open but we apologise to anyone offended by the graffiti. If you are attending with children or are easily offended you may wish to use the facilities at the other end of the West Stand. Read more: "It's disappointing to find that yet again we are having to spend money on addressing issues caused by a tiny minority of supposed fans when we would rather be spending that money strengthening the playing squad. "Both Stirling Albion and Active Stirling condemn the actions of the people responsible. We will be monitoring the situation and anyone found to have been carrying out such actions will be reported to Police Scotland for criminal damage. "We would ask all real supporters who come across such behaviour to report any such instances to stewards or club officials so that we can take the appropriate action."
