Harper is fully behind his new number one

Gaffer Kevin Harper has backed shot-stopper Chris Smith saying the number one jersey is currently his to lose. Having started the campaign as third choice behind new signing Ryan Goodfellow and experienced Cliftonhill goalie Daniel Potts, Smith was thrust in between the sticks after an injury to the former Berwick Rangers man Goodfellow against Dunfermline. Since his debut against the Pars, he has kept a clean sheet against Premiership side St Mirren and put in a game-saving showing against Stenhousemuir in the opening day victory.

Harper (right) has backed the teenager to continue to be an ever-present in the squad.

He told the Advertiser:“Just now Chris has got the jersey, and it’s his to lose. He has got it through merit after coming into the squad at a difficult time.

“He is a young goalkeeper, but has pulled off some wonderful saves so far this season.

“You look at the game With Chris Smith looking to be the latest local to make their mark on Albion Rovers history, former programme editor and veteran of the Cliftonhill terraces Bill Walker selects some of the Monklands favourites and cult heroes who graced the Coatbridge turf.

JIM BROWN JOCK WHITE

Coatbridge hero Jock White remains to this day the only Albion Rovers player to be capped while still on the club’s books. Having been on the books at Bedlay Juniors, Jock was snapped up in the early days of Cliftonhill by Rovers in 1920. The inside forward would go on to make two appearances for his country between 1922 and 1923. After leaving Rovers, he moved to Hearts where he finished as the top scorer in Division One, and also enjoyed a successful spell at Leeds.

Former St Ambrose High School pupil Brown spent four years at Albion Rovers to kick start his career before he against Stenhousemuir he pulled off some wonderful saves, and has even managed to do that in the Betfred Cup when he has played. “We have a squad here that have strength in depth. Ryan will keep pushing him and Chris will know he has to keep up a good level to stay in the team. “That’s what we wanted this season. At the end of the day you want two good goalkeepers fighting to be number one, but Chris has been excellent for me so far.” made a glamour move to England in 1972 where he impressed for Chesterfield and Sheffield United.

During his time at the Blades, Brown was called up to the Scotland squad as an understudy for Stewart Kennedy. He earned his only cap during the UEFA 1976 qualifying campaign clash with Romania in the 1-1 draw.

Brown would then go on to move Stateside and play in the North American Soccer League, before returning to Britain for brief spells at Cardiff, Kettering, and a successful return to Chesterfield.

The keeper would continue to make appearances on the Spireites until he was 45, notably in the 1995 Third Division play-off final.

IAN HARTY

Lower league veteran Ian Harty made a number of impressive appearances for over 15 clubs - including two spells at his local club Albion Rovers.

Having spent his youth career at Hearts, he made the move to Cliftonhill as a youngster in 1996. After leaving Rovers he went on to bang in goals for Stranraer, Clyde and Stirling before returning over a decade later.

He scored five goals late in his career during the six month stint at the side on his doorstep in the Third Division.

TOM SPENCE

Having played over 300 matches as a left-back for clubs like Stirling, Kilmarnock and East Fife, Spence moved to Albion Rovers to end his playing career at his hometown club.

He then made the move into the dugout after ending his playing career, stepping into the hot seat for the Wee Rovers.

JIM CHAPMAN

Chapman is a familiar face both on the park and in the dugout for Albion Rovers fans.

The Coatbridge native started his playing career up front at Cliftonhill, bagging over 30 goals in his three year spell before a move to Dumbarton.

He would make a return to his hometown club almost over a decade later as he managed the club before his sacking in May 2007.

CONNOR SHIELDS

Ex-St Ambrose High kid Shields burst onto the first-team scene having been given his chance by Brian Kerr.

As a 15-year-old he was in the Hibs youth system. He then had spells at Airdrie and other boys club teams before being picked up by his hometown club.

He scored 12 goals in all competitions in his first six months as a regular, including nine in League One, before being snapped up by English side Sunderland on an 18-month deal.

Having made the step up to full-time football with the Black Cats, he continued his development in search of first team football last summer by moving to Aldershot.