Boyd hopes to follow City blueprint for shock promotion

Chairman Ronnie Boyd hopes that Albion Rovers can cause a shock next season like Brechin City and go for promotion to the Championship.

Rovers chief Boyd marked one year as the Cliftonhill chairman at the start of the month and is looking up rather than down ahead of the new campaign.

After finishing in the bottom half of League One the year before, Brechin secured promotion to the Championship through their play-off final win over Alloa.

Now Boyd hopes that Rovers are able enjoy similar success.

He says they are focused on surviving the drop, but believes there is no reason why they shouldn’t be aiming high.

“We are very aware of the pyramid system,” said Boyd.

“All you have to do is look at teams like Cowdenbeath, who only just survived three successive relegations.

“But we are ambitious. We have inhabited the lower reaches of the league for years, and what I would love to see us is have a shot at the Championship.

“Everything is focused on keeping us away from League Two, but also looking up at promotion.

“Brechin did really well — and we had tight games with them.

“Another couple of victories and we could have been in the promotion play-offs instead of them.

“They are an example of what can be achieved.”

He has been delighted with the team Kerr is putting together, with former Brechin midfielder Alan Trouten the latest player to sign up at Cliftonhill.

He has been impressed with Brian and hopes that translates into first-team wins.

“We did talk to some other people, but he convinced me that he could make the step up,” added Boyd. “He knows the game at the very top level and at our level.

“Sometimes you get a manager who doesn’t understand the difficulties of the lower leagues, but Brian offers all of that.

“He is starting to put together a strong squad.

“I know from the reaction of our fans that they are impressed with the signings so far.”

After supporting Rovers his whole life, Boyd admits it has been a hectic first year as chairman with changes in management and learning about the financial constraints of the Scottish lower leagues

However, he describes it as one of his greatest honours.

“Being a lifelong fan I never thought about being chairman,” said Boyd.

“I’d retired after 40 years in education and two days later I was asked to be chairman.

“It’s probably the shortest retirement ever.

“We are a proud club and proud of being part of the Coatbridge community for 135 years.

“When I took over as chairman I was given two pieces of advice; one was don’t do it and the other was to stay away from the dressing room.

“I obviously speak to the players, but who we buy and let go is down to the first-team manager.”

He also has one very special moment that jumps out at him - the last minute Scottish Cup goal that secured a tie with Celtic.

“The highlight for me was Calum Ferguson’s goal against Queen of the South,” said Boyd.

“It was a great football moment.

“That goal took a lot of financial pressure off the club and gave us a brilliant day out.”