BOSS HAPPY WITH SQUAD
No more signings in the pipeline
Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz admits he is unlikely to add any more new signings to his squad after bringing in 10 new players this summer.
Lewis Hawke (Queen’s Park), Jordan Lowdon (Elgin City), Paul McLean (Brechin City), James Creaney (Annan Athletic), David Wilson (Annan Athletic), Blair Currie (Clyde), Kevin Nicoll (Clyde), Josh Peters (Queen’s Park), Gareth Rodger (Edinburgh City) and Paul Willis (Peterhead) have all moved to Forthbank since the end of the season.
Forward Max Wright, who joined from Annan Athletic during 2018/19, could yet put pen to paper on a new deal while youngsters Cammy Murray, Will Greenhorn and Mitchell MacDonald will be given the chance to push for the first-team squad, which currently numbers 18.
Attacking midfielder Lewis McLear had been given the chance to return to pre-season training but instead opted to join League 2 rivals Annan at the weekend, while striker Peter MacDonald recently joined East Stirlingshire after it was confirmed he would not be offered a new deal.
Rutkiewicz said: “I would think that is us done now.
“There is maybe the capacity to get one more if it’s the right one and the board are able to sanction it but I think we have built a strong squad and I’m confident they can be extremely competitive.
“There is no team going to carry 24 or 25 players so you need a bit of luck with injuries over the season.
“We have some very good young players knocking on the door so the fans shouldn’t be worried because I feel we have some depth.
“We were back in training at the end of last week but the guys involved in the play-offs will get an extra week off.
“For example, David Wilson played in 47 of 49 games for Annan last season and I feel recovery is as important as work.
“We’ll be doing Saturda/ Tuesday/Thursday sessions. We’ll be based twice a week at Stirling University and the other night will be at St Modan’s.
“That’s a fantastic facility and you could see the boys enjoyed it – they are working hard.
“There is no shortcut to being fit and sharp and ready and this squad are going to work as hard as they have ever done in pre-season.
Stirling Albion begin the new season with a Betfred Cup tie against Hibernian at Forthbank on Saturday, July 13, and also face Arbroath, Elgin City and Alloa Athletic in Group C.
And the Binos will play Raith Rovers in a pre-season friendly at Stark’s Park on Saturday, June 29, kick-off 3pm.