Football greats
to think about it but the next morning I told him I was keen. I couldn’t say no, and that’s no disrespect to Stenhousemuir. I was thrilled. I had supported them as a boy.
“I learned more in my first four or five months with Mr Shankly than I had in my whole career – he was an encyclopedia of football. He was so wise.
“George Peebles was at the club at that time too and I learned so much about football and how to be successful. In time we built probably the best part-time team in the country.
“We were promoted into the First Division and we stayed there for a number of years. We ended up being relegated in 1981 although we knew that we had to sell our best players to survive and we managed to bring in quite a bit of money.
“But I would say my time at Stirling Albion was my best period in football. Probably where I was my happiest. It was a great place to be and it gave me a good grounding for the rest of my career.”
After leaving the Binos in 1986, he enjoyed success with St Mirren, winning the Scottish Cup, before going on to Aberdeen where he won a domestic double of League Cup and Scottish Cup.
Under his and Jocky Scott’s management, the Dons also came within one game of winning the league – only to lost 2-0 to Rangers on the final day of the season.
Alex later enjoyed spells in the dugout with Ross County and Dundee United and has been involved with Falkirk FC since 2013.
However he looks back on his time at the Binos with particular fondness. He added: “I’ve been lucky enough to work with and develop some brilliant players over the years.
“My experience at Stirling Albion was very valuable for me and the principles I learned I applied everywhere else I went.”