Jamie’s settling in well
New manager at Royal Albert
Jamie Nesbitt has enjoyed it as he settles into the role of Royal Albert manager, as he bids to enhance the squad he inherited a few weeks ago.
“It has been a busy but enjoyable first few weeks in the job,”he said,“and I’m grateful to committee member Donald Campbell for helping to arrange a series of pre-season friendlies while I concentrate on the playing side.
“So far we’ve re-signed the backbone of last season’s side and recruited four new players.
“I was keen to bring in Chris Hall, but he opted for Cambuslang Rangers – we’re not in a position to offer lots of money although we can guarantee a good training facility.
“For Gareth Stokoe, this will be the 12th year he has signed on at the Albert, while 29-year-old goalkeeper Craig Smith is lining up for his 11th season.
“I’ve still to speak to some of the players, but those who have so far re-signed are Fraser Stobo, Player of the Year Allan Campbell, Davie Hamilton and Steve Clark, who was formerly with Lesmahagow.”
Newcomers to the Stonehouse-based squad are striker Jordan Rennie from Gartcairn, defender Michael Anderson and midfielders Kieran Young and Calum Watt.
Albert’s first pre-season game is away to Blackburn on Monday, July 20.