IT’S HUNGER GAMES TIME

Rovers’boss wants young players keen to develop as star striker Wallace signs for Blues

Brian Kerr admits his first two weeks as Albion Rovers boss have been “fairly eventful” as he attempts to convince the club’s star players to stay at Cliftonhill.

A large degree of uncertainty has surrounded the players as the club’s hierarchy has prioritised the situation arising from manager Darren Young departing rather than playing staff’s contract renewals.

Rovers’ new boss this week confirmed to the Advertiser that star striker Ryan Wallace has joined fellow League One outfit Stranraer.

He also admitted he is resigned to losing goalkeeper Ross Stewart to a team in a higher division.

But Kerr is keen to allay any job security doubts harboured by his squad as he looks to build a solid outfit capable of making an assault on the play-off places next season.

He said: “It has been a busy and fairly eventful first two weeks for me in the job. I’ve been trying to build bridges with some players after the way the season ended for them.

“They’ve heard a lot of rumours about the financial situation at the club being completely dire so we’re just trying to reassure them and clear up any problems they have.

“The fact is that in Scotland every team will have to make cuts this summer, that’s the state of the game at the moment.

“And whilst we are in the same boat it’s not anywhere near as bad as some of the players have heard, so we’re wanting to build bridges with the them and keep them here after the summer.

“There is unfinished business for them at Rovers and I believe we can improve on last season.”

The 35-year-old continued: “Of course, some boys will receive offers which they feel they can’t turn down.

“Ryan Wallace has signed for Stranraer as he’s been offered a substantially higher amount of money.

“I’d expect Ross Stewart to move on as well and I’m aware that some Championship clubs and a few Premiership clubs are interested in him.

“We’d be due compensation in that case and I wouldn’t hold back a young player who wants to test himself at a higher level.

“Money can talk in football but that’s part of the challenge for me, to bring in hungry players who want to develop here and be given the opportunity to flourish.

“At the moment I ’ ve handpicked some players who I believe are interested in what I want to do here.

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”

Kerr is to meet with Rovers fans tomorrow night to outline and discuss his plans for the coming season.

He added: “I want them to understand what our aims are for next season and going forward. It’s only right the manager comes out and clears up any issues or questions they’ve got on their mind.

“I wouldn’t want any Chinese whispers going on and a connection between management and fans is important.

“With a smaller fan-base it’s important to keep the fans onside and involved so hopefully we can increase the amount we get through the turnstiles next season. We’ll try and generate ideas on how to do that tomorrow night.”