THE BACK PAGE We’re on a team building exercise
Rutkiewicz camp looking long term
Stirling Albion boss Kevin Rutkiewicz has hailed the impact of his new backroom team in securing some quality reinforcements for his squad as the countdown for the 2020/21 campaign kicks into gear.
Assistant James Creaney, head of performance analysis Bill Orr and head of scouting David Peat have all been heavily involved in the recruitment process that has seen strikers Andy Ryan and Declan Byrne; wingers Scott Roberts and Kieran Moore; and midfielders Kurtis Roberts and Jack Leitch all put pen to paper over the summer.
The summer business has led to optimism for the upcoming campaign from Binos fans, but gaffer Rutkiewicz insists he’s building foundations for longterm success at Forthbank.
The boss (below) said: “The four of us have put together a system that we feel works – there is a lot of homework gone into every signing and a lot of footage watched. That started with Andy Ryan, who was our first signing, and we went through the same process with every player.
“I think some fans were worried we were going a bit top heavy by signing so many attacking players initially but it was more a case of when players became available.
“It’s now up to us as a management team to make sure the balance between middle and front is better than it was last year. “We have brought in players who can provide us with energy and a goal threat and we have got guys who are a good age. “Jack Leitch was our most recent recruit and is someone who gets goals and assists from the middle of the park.”
Albion will kick off their new season with a Betfred Cup Group D home tie against Arbroath on Tuesday, October 6. The opening fixture was revealed after the SPFL confirmed the full schedule and Premier Sports TV selections for the 2020/21 Betfred Cup competition on Monday, with 40 clubs split across eight sections. Kevin Rutkiewicz’s men begin against an Arbroath side who thrashed them 6-1 in last season’s group stage. They then travel to play League 2 rivals Elgin City on matchday two on Saturday, October 10.
The Betfred Cup resumes on Tuesday, November 10, when Stirling welcome Montrose to Forthbank. Group D finishes with a trip to Ross County. The last cup match against the Staggies was a day to forget - a club recordequalling 9-0 defeat at Victoria Park in a Scottish Cup clash in February 2010.
Coaches and volunteers from two local youth football clubs have been recognised with SFA awards for their work in the community.
Bannockburn-based Milton FC won a pair of awards in the governing body’s grassroots awards for the central region on Friday, with the presentations made to the winners via a Zoom call due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Milton coach John Reid won the major prize of being named the best volunteer in youth football after being involved with coaching youngsters of all ages at the club for 15 years.
John has been head coach of the 2010 side for the last four years and will now go forward as the central region’s nominee in the national awards to be held later this year.
Meanwhile, a collaboration between the club and Bannockburn High has also been commended for its efforts in supporting youngsters.
The project – which is in its first year – has been organised between Milton coaches Robert