Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Brogan: The Rovers job was a no-brainer
John plans a return to League One
Albion Rovers boss John Brogan is looking up as he targets a quick-fire return to League One.
The Coatbridge outfit were sent down to League Two on the final day of the season.
Following the drop, now exgaffer Kerr was offered a revised deal which he turned down - opening the door for Brogan to make a return to the club where he started his playing career in 1972.
As well as getting back to his roots at Cliftonhill, it’s a return to the senior ranks for Brogan, who has been managing in the juniors since his Arbroath management exit 22 years ago.
He is delighted to see his career come full circle.
“It’s good to be back in this position because I was a player before,” he told the Advertiser.
“I was here for four years, through some good times and some poor times.
“I worked with some great people at that time, it’s a great club.
“So when I was offered the job, it was a no-brainer.
“I think I can help the club, I think it’s on it’s knees a bit.
“Financially it’s hard, but I’ve got a lot of good contacts. We have made contact with a lot of players already.
“I’ve got a lot of good responses. A lot of experience, a good bit of youth and a good bit of energy and pace.”
It will be a new-look for the club - both in the dugout and on the park.
Colin Mitchell and Scott Gemmell, who were part of Brogan’s backroom staff at Wishaw Juniors before he left the club in February, look set to come in.
The new gaffer expects new faces to join up with the squad for pre-season and “take their chance” and hopes to “have six or seven players added by the end of next week.”
Due to the added financial pressures at the relegated team Brogan admits it may be tough to retain some of last seasons squad, with key men like Alan Trouten (Alloa) and Ross Davidson (East Fife) making moves away already.
Long-serving defender Alan Reid has also announced he will be leaving Cliftonhill following talks with the new boss last week.
The Advertiser understands that skipper Gary Fisher also met the the incoming boss.
“We need to restructure it a bit and looking at the overall picture,” continued Brogan.
“We want players with the right attitude and desire.
“I’ll give younger guys the chance to come in and play.
“We will try to keep the core of the squad - but finances might hurt us a bit.
“I’ve lost the boy (Alan) Trouten to Alloa, and a couple of boys haven’t responded, but we will see.
“It’s an open door. I will explain what is in store for the season ahead and where we think needs improving.
“We need to stabilise the club. We have to wear the jersey and be proud, especially for the younger players. They have a wee opportunity for themselves to make sure they get in the firstteam.”
Brogan wants to immediately bounce back and make Rovers a League One club again.
“We want to win the league. We are in it to win it.
“Failing that, a play-off place. We aren’t looking down the bottom.
“We need to try and get straight up right away and we will give it our best shot.”