Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Rovers quids in after Stewart completes Sunderland switch
Albion Rovers will pocket some welcome cash thanks to former player Ross Stewart securing a big money move to Sunderland at the weekend.
On Sunday, Stewart - who spent a season at Rovers in the 2016/17 season - completed a switch from Premiership side Ross County to the English Championship.
And now Rovers are due a‘solidarity payment’for their part in his development.
Solidary payments mean clubs who field players between the ages of 12 and 23 are able to claim compensation on an‘international’ transfer.
Stewart spent the season of his 21st birthday at Cliftonhill and Rovers are due 0.5 per cent of the undisclosed fee - reportedly £300,000 – Sunderland paid to Ross County for his services.
This calculation is based on the length of time the player spent at a club and based on the reported figure, Rovers could be in line for £1500 – a fee not to be sniffed at during uncertain times.
The payment is due within 30 days of the player completing his transfer.
Rovers secretary Colin Woodward said:
“We’ve still to find out from Sunderland exactly how much it is and it is up to them to distribute it, but everything is gratefully received at the moment.
“Every penny is a prisoner right now.”
And Woodward is delighted to see Stewart (below), who scored 12 goals in 25 appearances for Rovers, make his mark.
He added: “It’s fantastic to see him doing so well. We are really pleased for him.
“I remember he was a really hard worker, a really nice guy who kept his head down and I hope he makes a difference for Sunderland.
“He’s a big, fast fella as well. He’s not just a tall centre-forward, he was always quite quick, so it’s great for him.”