It has often been said that Stirling is like “the brooch which clasps the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland together”. As soon as we stepped onto the platform at Stirling Train Station, it was instantly recognisable that we were in the Scottish heartland and it certainly felt that way, with the Wallace Monument and glorious Stirling Castle dominating the sanguine skyline. History was all around us, on this classic freezing-cold Tuesday night in Caledonia, we knew there was no better way or place for us to kick off the Tour of the Terraces.
Stirling itself seemed to us like, from the moment we came off the train, like a lively modern town – heading in the right direction, with a real hustle and bustle about it. However, something about the place held potentially a slight lack of substance for us… is modernisation really the way to go when your town is all about history?
Moving on.
Like the calamitous couple we are, straight off the bat we took a wrong turn, missing the blindingly obvious massive glass bridge which would set us on our way to Forthbank Stadium. Crossing the bridge gave a great view of Stirling city and feeling like tourists in our home country, we took full advantage, trying to capture snapshots of the truly timeless view around us. Sadly, Aaron’s camera bottled it big time and what we captured looked more like the Hive cubicle on Trash Tuesday’s.
The walk to Forthbank Stadium itself took roughly 20 minutes from Stirling Train Station, once you’re over the bridge it’s a pretty simple walk to the ground past an industrial estate, starkly contrasting to the initial views we had of course.
Arriving at The Peak (Stirling’s Sports Village where Forthbank Stadium is located) it was easy to tell sport is ingrained in the very fabric of the town; you could pretty much imagine William Wallace playing 5 sets of tennis and a full 90 minutes, before repelling the invading English Armies. When initially encountering the stylish looking Forthbank Stadium, situated right next door to a vibrant Sports Village, we were both taken aback by how impressive it all looked, considering where Stirling Albion FC are on the Scottish Football map.
We were met in the ground’s reception by Andy Kennedy, former player and current General Manager of Stirling Albion FC. A very welcoming man, who gave us one of the firmest handshakes of all time but put us at ease straight away. We talked with Andy about the inner workings of the club for a short while, as we were shown around the Stadium’s office’s and hospitality suites. We sat down with the Bino’s legend and proceeded to talk about his experiences with the club and what we were interested to know. The chat we had is below.
Q1. You’re sitting 2nd in SPFL League 2, 2 points behind leaders Montrose with a superior goal difference, do you think the season has gone to plan so far?
- Andy replied short and sweet saying, “yes it has gone well” mentioning that in comparison with last season they are – “I can’t remember the exact figure but we’re 14 to 16 points better off than we were at this point last season”. Obviously a massive improvement in 12 months. Overall, Andy Kennedy felt that the main goal is of course to carry on challenging at this end of the league for the rest of the season.
Q2. Following on from that, when Mackay and Wright took over last year, the club was at the bottom of League 2, they guided you to 6th place by the end of the season. Do you feel like the management duo are vital in the club being where they are right now in the league?
- Andy felt that they have done well to stabilise the team, reducing the squad size (essentially hinting that Mackay had gotten rid of a lot of the crap in a large squad). Youth was also now a factor as Andy mentioned that the manager has brought in more U20’s. The key difficulty they have found is the injury list building up in the squad. Andy also let us know that the loan system has changed, (possibly emergency loans) this makes it trickier for clubs in the lower leagues. Overall, Dave Mackay is doing an excellent job in his opinion.
Q3. A fan told us via social media that he would be happy with a playoff place, anything other than that would be a failure. Do you and the board share the same opinion?
- Andy said that what we were told was essentially a direct quote from the boardroom. Yes they share the same views and the playoff’s is a definite must, to go up would be fantastic. Competing in League 1 is the next step.
Q4. Stirling Albion FC are historically known for being a bit of a ‘yo-yo’ club, is there a real difference between SPFL League 2 and SPFL League 1 in your opinion?
- Andy stated that there’s not a massive difference between the two divisions and there’s no real gulf in quality between the two. He continued saying that he feels like you need a bit of luck to go your way if you want to go up to League 1. The most important thing is that when you do go up into League 1, you have a strong strategy already in place for how to stay up, which is the problem that clubs going up encounter in the first place.
Q5. What is your personal proudest moment working for Stirling Albion FC?
- Andy said that “personally it was just for me to be back involved in the club”. Fusing his two main passions in life of business and football. Mr Kennedy having formerly played as a striker for Stirling Albion FC during the 70s, mentioned that playing in front of sell-out crowds in big Scottish Cup ties at Parkhead and the like, come to mind also.
Q6. It is a glorious sunny day here in Stirling, the grass is mowed and the lines are painted, it is the opening day of the 2020/2021 season. Who are Stirling Albion FC kicking off against? Where is the club at that point in time?
- Andy said he would like the club to be sitting and maintaining a position in the Championship! If not, be at least Championship ready and in a positive position, pushing the top end of League 1.
Q7. And finally, what’s the score gonna be tonight?
- Andy Kennedy predicted a 2-1 victory to Stirling Albion, but a close game either way.
We then went on to interview Stirling Albion FC chairman Stuart Brown, which we will talk about later on.
After our intriguing and informative chat with Mr. Brown, he very kindly provided us pair with complimentary tickets to see the main event, 2nd v 3rd in the league, going hammer and tong for a shot at the top spot. As you can imagine, for two young lads with only a couple of coppers and a few silvers to spare, we were deeply appreciative of the gesture, so thanks again for your warm hospitality Stuart.
Kick-off approached as we exited the Forthbank offices, so like the young ‘journos’ we think we are, we decided to snoop around outside the stadium, looking for a Bino to snare into an interview. There was a palpable feeling in the air of a real big game on the cards, as fans of all ages started to filter through the Stadium on Forthside. We spoke to an elderly gent called Robert outside the ground and spoke to him briefly about what it was like to be a rare breed of fan, one who has plumbed the depths of Scotland’s lower leagues for most of his life, following his own home team where others had failed. The chat we had with him is detailed below, it was very pleasant to speak with him.
Q1. You’re sitting 2nd in SPFL League 2, 2 points behind leaders Montrose with a superior goal difference, do you think the season has gone to plan so far?
- Robert mentioned that it was a better season than he had anticipated, he also said that playoff’s would be the goal or expectation at least from here. Robert told us almost exactly word for word what a Stirling Albion fan had said to us on social media, “anything bar the playoffs is a failure.”
Q2. You’ve only won 2 of your last 5 games in the league, a rough patch of form considering the early season performances the team had, does that make tonight’s game the most important of the season so far?
- Robert said he agreed about the team being in a rough patch and said that tonight’s game was “without a doubt” the biggest of the season so far against the title favourites Peterhead.
Q3. What’s your proudest moment in all of your years as a Bino?
- Robert chuckled at the memory said “oh it’s got to be the 20-0 v Selkirk!!”
Q4. Do you feel like Stirling Albion FC are a bit of a big fish in a small pond?
- Yes, he agreed saying “we should be in League 1 at the very least”. Robert continued mentioning that the facilities and infrastructure at the club that Mr. Brown and the board had in place was worthy of that division and potentially more.
Q5. Do you feel like it is hard for Stirling Albion FC to attract younger and more fans through the gates when they’re competing with a lot of other clubs? What can the club do to increase the interest around the club?
- He said, “it’s very hard to compete with the Old Firm, you see kids lining up to get on busses leaving for Parkhead and Ibrox every weekend”. Robert seemed disappointed by this and we both could sense a tone of sadness in his voice that younger people from the Stirling area choose not to follow Stirling Albion FC. However, Robert mentioned the club’s idea of giving U12’s free entry is a good way of promoting the club to younger generations and getting them involved.
Q6. It is a glorious sunny day here in Stirling, the grass is mowed and the lines are painted, it is the opening day of the 2020/2021 season. Who are Stirling Albion FC kicking off against? Where is the club at that point in time?
- Robert, like the board, predicted for the club to be playing Championship football – if not then at the very least League 1 football, pushing the top half.
Q7. To finish us off nicely Robert, what do you think the score will be tonight?
“I think it will be a tight game, 1 goal in it either way. 2-1 or 1-0 to the Binos!!”
As we got into the ground there were some indie belters blasting over the tannoy and there was a good community atmosphere about the stadium. One rather ‘cool’ observation Aaron had was that the wall around the stadium was designed to look almost like castle turrets, emulating the famous Stirling Castle. Everyone seemed to know one another talking about dealings in everyday life – there’s definitely a feeling of unity amongst the Stirling faithful. With flowing conversations and the odd piece of stinking patter around us, Stirling Albion were lead proudly out of the stand by sturdy Dave Mackay.
THE MATCH
Now we’re going to enter how the 90 minutes ended up going:
FIRST HALF
Peterhead started the game on top, with McAllister being involved on a number of occasions. There were two early flashpoints where it looked as though Peterhead had scored, McAllister’s shot may have crossed the line before being scrambled clear and not 10 minutes later there was an absolutely classic Scottish stramash on the line. McLean went through on goal and squared to Jack Leitch who could not quite turn the ball home, mud and studs flying through the air before the ball was fired clear. The Stirling faithful were growing agitated.
Stirling certainly tried to get the ball down and play football, with Andrew Black in the holding midfield role providing stability with the ball at his feet and Hearts-loanee Calumn Morrison offering a spark of excitement down the right flank. They grew more and more into the game, with Morrison making some jinky runs and talismanic Darren Smith making some threatening looking movements up top.
But no end product.
With half time approaching, Peterhead went forward again and what looked like a half chance was sent looping over Cameron Binnie in the Stirling sticks, after Rory McAllister’s cruelly deflected shot put Peterhead 1-0 up going into half-time. A sucker-punch for sure, but a deserved lead given the overall play up to that point.
SECOND HALF
Peterhead were again on top at the start of the second-half, hitting the bar in the early stages, they began to bully Stirling’s physically smaller team, a clear gameplan in place. We both heard on numerous occasions fans becoming more anxious with the match, we heard a classic; “This is FUCKING SHITE!” and also “If it goes 2-0 then I’m leaving”.
Thankfully for the Binos it did not go 2-0, although you could feel the fans frustration beginning to feed into the team, with rash passes and hopeful efforts all the team could muster. It seemed they were desperate for just a little extra cutting edge, although this is only one game against the title favourites, it would not be fair to judge them entirely on one game. Mikey heard one Albion fan say “That’s the best team in the league, it’s just a question of who finishes second”, Peterhead certainly had a gameplan which was working.
Andrew Black was sent off in the 75th minute compounding the misery. All credit to Stirling, they got the ball down and tried to play a football in an attacking methodical manner but Peterhead managed to shithouse their way to a win. At the end of the day a win is a win.
Our Tour of the Terraces MOTM:Andrew Black, despite the sending off was easily the most composed on the ball and read the game to good level, putting himself about the park.
Before the game, we also had an insightful conversation with the man at the top of the pile at Forthbank, Stuart Brown. A methodical man who we certainly felt carried a healthy presence that commanded respect. Here is the interview we conducted with Mr. Brown:
Q1. You’re sitting 2nd in SPFL League 2, 2 points behind leaders Montrose with a superior goal difference, do you think the season has gone to plan so far?
- “If you had told me that at the start of the season I would have taken it”. However, Stuart mentioned that given the last 5 or 6 games – “our position is quite disappointing as we could be 8 or 9 points clear at this point”. He also mentioned their injury list, saying it was the worst he had seen in his years at Stirling Albion FC, causing them problems at this point.
Q2. When Mackay and Wright took over last year, the club was at the bottom of League 2, they guided you to 6th place by the end of the season. Do you feel like the management duo are vital in the club being where they are right now in the league?
- “Dave has brought a freshness” replied Brown, “he has only recently retired from playing which means he still has a relevant and good knowledge of the game”. Stuart spoke about Mackay, illustrating that he has a good understanding with the players. He continued by saying the players that have been brought in are making a major difference, doing business for some “crucial signings”. Players that were highlighted by Brown were Andrew Black (CDM) from Forfar and Liam Caddis (CM), also Peter McDonald (ST) from Clyde, who has added to the front line, as well as Calumn Morrison (WM) on loan from Hearts. Early season form from these players were seen to be of a “calibre above” said Brown.
Q4. Stirling Albion FC are historically known for being a bit of a ‘yoyo’ club, is there a real difference between League 2 and League 1 in your opinion?
- “There’s no difference” claiming that there was a minimal gap between League 1 and League 2. Stuart also said he would back his side against two thirds of League 1. “Last time we got promoted we weren’t prepared” and reiterated what Andy Kennedy said about forward planning being a must to sustain your place in League 1. He then went on to say that the infrastructure is in place here at Stirling Albion FC to be at least a side playing in League 1.
Q5. Do you feel as though Stirling Albion FC are a club with untapped potential, given the amount of people located in the Stirling region and the facilities here?
- “Historically that was correct, with Stirling Albion attracting 20,000 fans!” proclaimed Stuart, which is “unusual anywhere in Scottish Football these days out-with the Old Firm,” . Stuart obviously felt this was a level Stirling Albion FC could one day compete at again, attracting bigger crowds in bigger games in the near future. Stuart also said “No team’s got the right to be up there, it’s something that every club has to earn”.
Q6. Do you feel like the SFA does enough for clubs like yourself? Do you get enough attention from the governing body?
- “It is difficult to criticise the SFA or SPFL” was his opening statement, he also mentioned that they get the majority of their funding through sponsors. Explaining further that “the distribution model in Scotland is heavily weighted towards the Premiership and Championship, giving the teams in the leagues below a rough deal”. Stuart continued saying “the jump from League 1 to Championship is a huge step”. This is no doubt in part to the ‘uneven’ distribution’. Andy Kennedy also mentioned something about an ‘unbalanced playing field’ when referring to the SPFL distribution model.
Q7. It is a glorious sunny day here in Stirling, the grass is mowed and the lines are painted, it is the opening day of the 2020/2021 season. Who are Stirling Albion FC kicking off against? Where is the club at that point in time?
- “Falkirk at home in the Championship.” replied the chairman, with an assured confidence. “We might even be playing them in League 1 next season!” jokingly cracked Mr. Brown, watch out Bairns fans, Stuart Brown has your number!
Q8. What’s the score going to be tonight?
- Mr Brown contemplated for a moment and said “I never makes predictions”. He continued, saying that he does not think Peterhead are as good as people think they are and that “Everybody worries about Rory McAllister, he’s not as good as the media make him out to be.”
MIKEY’S RAMBLE
From the moment I stepped off the train station in Stirling I really felt like I was in the Scottish heartland, a place with real history – I bloody LOVE history. The Wallace Monument standing strong right between the parallel stands at the Forthbank Stadium and the almost fortified look of the brick walls around the stadium was pretty cool, for lack of a better word.
The welcoming meeting we got was very friendly from two men with different auras but no doubt both important men in the community. The ambition around everyone at Stirling Albion is refreshing to hear and would be a great story of course. Sadly, what I personally saw against Peterhead was a team still potentially lacking some quality at the back and in some physical areas. Despite scoring the winning goal, almost as if fuelled by Chairman Stuart Brown’s pre-match words, I did not think Rory McAllister lived up to the hype personally on that viewing – there were a number of chances which fell his way to kill the game off – I don’t even think he hit the target with any of them.
Everyone really wants Stirling to succeed around the club, the fans, the team, the board and it is absolutely brilliant! I do not think that Stirling Albion will be in the Championship in 4 years, no doubt they have the facilities and infrastructure there – however the quality on the pitch will need to improve. On that note, a lot can change in football over that period of time and I would love nothing more than if Stuart Brown and the rest of the board could prove me wrong and take himself and his equally likeable club into the upper reaches of Scottish football.
AARON’S COLUMN
A very interesting, educational and intriguing opening to the Tour I felt. Stirling a place with beautiful scenery and an energetic atmosphere from the off, set the tone for the evening. Arriving at the stadium I was slightly taken aback by the quality it portrayed. The facilities in and out the ground of a high calibre, which were well kept. Being a keen foody I have to comment on that, absolute bog standard pie and Bovril, and for £3, I guess I’ll get on with that. In terms of pricing here at the gates I believe Stirling Albion FC have a good system in place with U12’s going free, U16s £5 and adult prices at £13. All in all what Stirling offer off the beautiful green grass – is of a notable quality.
Relating to the game itself I felt Stirling are a team moving in the right direction, with youngsters throughout the squad, trying to get the ball down and play attractive football, so top credit to them. However, from what we saw Peterhead came with a game plan and won with relative ease, physically dominating the Bino’s. Quick mention to Rory McAllister, heard a lot about him of course and first viewing of him, personally have to give credit scoring the winner in this huge tie is what is needed, goal came of luck but you create your own luck in life. Was also very impressed by Andrew Black, Stirling’s stand out player in my eyes – I spotted him first not Mikey but we won’t tell him that!
After a very pleasant chat with Chairman Stuart Brown and General Manager Andy Kennedy, can almost smell the ambition and vision the club shares of getting to the championship. This is something I admire fully being a business student, as the first step to getting anything is to ‘WANT’ to get there, so fair play to them. However, from what I saw on the field hard to say I can share the same view as of now, but out of the club’s down there in League 2 at the moment they potentially have the best foundations in place to go far. Personally I can’t see why in 7/8 years’ time they can’t be an established side in the championship potentially looking at SPL, given the facilities and fight in the club. So all in all best of luck to everyone surrounding the club, we’ll be back bino’s.
So there you have it Bino’s! Overall we felt 70 is a strong and fair rating to give to our first stop off on the tour. A team with great ambition and infrastructure, they really do talk the talk at Forthbank, they just need to walk the walk now and start making their way into the upper echelons of Scottish football.
See you all next time – look out for our next destination here at Tour of the Terraces.
Stirling Albion, it’s been a whirl.
Tour of the Terraces 