FM24: Albion Rovers: Wee Rovers On The Rampage

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

ALBION ROVERS FC

Cliftonhill - The quaintest of settings and the home of The Wee Rovers

WHY ALBION ROVERS?

Alongside my journey through the desert at Al-Nassr, I wanted to come back home to a club ive had a soft spot for since the 2018/2019 season. At the time, Albion Rovers were part of the greatest escape in Scottish football history, coming from bottom of Scottish League 2 with 8 games to play and taking 16 points to narrowly push Berwick Rangers into Scottish Non League and survive relegation by the skin of their teeth.

Over this period, and all through the covid period, I was a regular virtual ticket holder at Cliftonhill watching the matches, and I would love to not just return this staple of Scottish football back to the league pyramid, but push us up into the higher echelons of the league structure.

But in truth, Albion Rovers had been circling the plughole for many seasons, and finally in the 2022/2023 season, after finishing bottom of the Scottish League 2, Albion Rovers lost the relegation playoff 2-1 on Aggregate to Spartans. This would be the first time in a proud 120 year history that Albion Rovers would be competing outside of the Scottish League pyramid.

Born out of a merger between Albion FC and Rovers FC of Coatbridge in 1882, Albion Rovers have competed in the first division as recently as 1998/1999 but have spent the overwhelming majority of their life toiling to avoid relegation from the lowest divisions in the pyramid, in the various league formats Scotland has held.

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[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

PRE SEASON - IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS MAKE THE TASK AN UPHILL STRUGGLE

No sooner is the ink dry on my contract, that I receive the news that the chairman is looking to sell the club. And when a new chairman comes in, they usually have pretty clear ideas about who they want their manager to be. Lets hope im given a chance, and some multi milionaire Arabs want to pump a billion pounds into Scottish grassroots. I think not.....

As if that wasnt bad enough, I walk into a backroom team that includes no scouting department, and no medical department! At least for now, even though we are operating on a part time training schedule, someone needs to come in to rehabilitate the injured players.

So ive had better first days on the job shall we say.

SQUAD ANALYSIS - A MODEST GROUP OF TALENT THAT WILL CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON

I will not be making big changes immediately and everyone will get a chance to prove their worth, but there will be absolutely no room for anyone who cant make an immediate impact. Defensive midfield and the wide areas in particular have been identified as problem areas in the squad.

Trials have been offered to Owen Rendall (Wick Academy) (DM), David McCaughie (Sauchie Juniors) (RW), Theo Leslie (Montrose) (RW), Liam Bremner (Golspie Sutherland) (LW), Jamie Docherty (Cowdenbeath) (LW)

Following a succesful trial period, the only player to be offered a contract is Jamie Docherty (Free Transfer - Cowdenbeath).

THE MAIN MEN IN THE SQUAD

Kai Kirkpatrick has been impressive in pre season having made a breakthrough at Cumbernauld Colts. Great off the ball movement and great ball carrying abilty means he will go into the heart of the midfield

Paul Kennedy came through the Celtic youth team and via spells at Clyde and Broomhill brings playmaking craft to the centre of the pitch. an elegant player with a great range of passing.

Ross Connolly is an assuring presence between the sticks. Making up for his small frame with cat like reflexes, Connolly was a free transfer from East Sterlingshire and the undisputed number 1 at the club

A huge onus is on Bright Prince to score the goals. A speed merchant who loves to latch onto through balls and play on the shoulder, Bright Prince has plenty of talent for this level but must work on his composure in front of goal.​

 

[leckuno]

Brilliant mate, I use to stay not far from the stadium 10 years ago and popped along every so often but now closer to the stadium of their main rivals in Airdrie