Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
RUNNING ON EMPTY
Albion Rovers are enjoying the most successful spell in their 134-year history but just can’t attract more fans to games. The Advertiser hit the streets of Coatbridge to find out why so many are staying away...
A Scottish League Two title, a journey to the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup and agonisingly missing out on the Championship play-offs.
Albion Rovers have certainly given fans value for money in recent seasons.
But despite the upturn in success — and the emergence of Darren Young as a promising young manager — fans aren’t exactly turning up to home matches in their droves.
Just 228 people attended Rovers’ league curtain- raiser against Brechin City two-and-ahalf weeks ago.
And that was followed up with a paltry 114 crowd who watched the Coatbridge outfit beat Hamilton Accies Under-20s in the IRN-BRU Cup.
Progress on the pitch hasn’t been matched by a numbers boost in the stands. But why?
To paraphrase celebrity chef and Norwich City owner Delia Smith: “Coatbridge, where are you?”
Word on the Main Street points towards two critical factors — money and the Old Firm.
Hugh MacGregor, 77, from Whifflet, offered his opinion, and cited both of the above as reasons.
He said: “£14 for Rovers is too much. I don’t know how many people, pensioners anyway, have that money to spend on a game — and even if I did, I’d go to Parkhead.”
Hugh’s financial sentiment was shared by fellow senior citizen William Dalziel.
He also blamed the price of a ticket for low attendances, but admitted he is a fan of the club.
The 76-year-old smiled: “I used to go every week between the 50s and 70s — they were a great wee team.
“But £14 is a lot of money to go and watch Rovers these days.”
It should be noted that both Hugh and William would qualify for £ 7 concessions entry on matchdays.
However, while important to have fans of all ages trotting through the turnstiles to cheer on their local side, it makes sense to place an emphasis on encouraging the younger generation to attend games.
Something that proves difficult, though, given the town’s close proximity to Glasgow — as summed up by several teenagers.
Nathan Liner, 19, commented: “I went when I was wee (I’d go) but, if I can find the time these days, I go to Parkhead.
“It’s not about the prices, I just follow Celtic more.”
Pal Jack Peat, 16, concurred: “Rovers are the local team, so I like to look out for results. I just don’t go to games.”
Fellow 16- year- old, Rangers season-ticket holder Blaine Baird, said: “I go to Ibrox. I look out for Albion Rovers on my scores app but nothing more.”
Despite the glorious sunshine drenching Main Street in a cheerful summer vibe, the mood surrounding several Rovers fans was more a dark, rumbling cloud.
Scott Mills, 37, from Summerlee is a season ticket holder at the newly- named Exsel Grop stadium.
And whilst he accepts the demographic of Coatbridge in relation to footballing allegiences, he believes that the club should do more to persuade kids to follow yellow and red rather than green and white or light blue.
He said: “I take my boys to see Rovers, home and away, every week.
“I want my boys to support their local team but it’s hard as nine times out of 10 a football fan around here follows the Old Firm.
“That’s exactly the reason I take my boys to see Rovers — to keep them away from Celtic or Rangers.
“The club have to do something with schools and kids to get them along so boys and girls grow up supporting the club.”
Pensioner Thomas Linney has followed Rovers for more than 50 years.
Now 76 and still a seasonticket holder, he is perturbed at the lack of support Rovers receive.
“The crowds are pathetically low,” he sighed.
“Rovers are doing their best but the community isn’t behind them. We’ve always suffered from buses to Parkhead. The players surely get affected by it.”
Rovers’ location contributes towards their crowds plight, much like other sides in west- central Scotland who are disproportionately affected by having two of Europe’s biggest clubs on their doorstep.
Celtic fan Michael Allison, of Kirkwood, is certain that no matter what, the area will remain supportive of the big guns 10 miles along the road.
The 37-year-old said: “Celtic are the biggest issue for Rovers.
“Ninety-nine per cent of people here are Celtic fans and people raise their kids to be Celtic fans. “That won’t change.” The odds remain stacked against Rovers. But this little club will keep battling, keep performing – and hope that one day the tide turns.
Rovers have always suffered from buses going to Glasgow. The players must also get affected by it too...