Former players line up to praise Peter
Tributes flood in for ex-owner and chairman
Former players and managers have been paying tribute to former Stirling Albion owner and chairman Peter McKenzie who died last week.
Known to many as “Mr Stirling Albion”, Peter joined the Albion board in the mid-1980s and within a few years had become chairman.
For more than two decades, he was the driving force behind the club and oversaw the move from Annfield to Forthbank in 1993.
Under his stewardship, the club enjoyed some great successes including the record-breaking 27game unbeaten run in 1995/96 by Kevin Drinkell’s title-winning side; the play-off win at Airdrie in 2006/07 and the Second Division title in 2009/10 under Allan Moore.
On Facebook, Moore paid tribute to his mentor: “I can’t say much more than he was a father figure and inspiration that gave me faith in my ability to go into management.
“We had the utmost respect for each other and I am proud to say I think I repaid his faith in me. He was Mr Stirling Albion and loved the club more than words can say.”
Ex-players lined up to send messages of condolence.
Andy Graham, who played in the 2009/10 side, said: “I will never forget that he was the person who gave me a chance to have a career in football and my favourite football memory was him giving me the player of the year award up at Brechin while we waited on the league trophy arriving by helicopter.
“He was so happy and his passion for Stirling was infectious. I will certainly remember him forever.”
And Gerry McTeague, who played in the famous 20-0 win against Selkirk in 1984, added: “Peter was a great servant to the Albion and I will always fondly remember him for his cheery smile and welcome he offered me as a player from day one.
“I was delighted to have met up with him again during our reunion a couple of years ago and once again he was sporting a broad grin even though I had not seen him for over 20 years!!!”
Former players Ally Graham, Kevin McCallion, Chris Aitken, Mark McGeown and Neil Bennett were among those who added their thoughts on social media.
Peter was a great servant of the Albion and I will fondly remember his cheery smile