THE BETFRED CUP RUNNETH OVER
Stirling Albion will benefit from the increase in Betfred Cup prize money that was announced by the SPFL earlier this week.
Total prize money is to rise by 17 per cent to more than £2.6m and Premier Sports will broadcast up to 16 live matches from this season’s tournament.
The minimum prize money per club will be £20,000, meaning the Binos will receive that sum even if they finish bottom of Group D.
Kevin Rutkiewicz’s men kick off the 2020/21 competition against Arbroath at Forthbank on Tuesday, October 6 and are away to League 2 rivals Elgin City on Saturday, October 10. Their third match in the section is at home to Montrose on Tuesday, November 10 and they conclude Group D with a trip to Dingwall to face Ross County on Saturday, November 14.
This is the fifth season since the League Cup was revamped and Albion’s best group stage finish so far is third, which they achieved in 2015/16 – behind St Johnstone and Falkirk but ahead of Brechin and Elgin. They were third again in 2016/17 when Falkirk and Inverness CT occupied the top two places but in 2018/19 their only win came against Peterhead and they finished fourth.
Last season’s Betfred Cup proved a disappointment – despite starting with an impressive 1-1 draw against Hibernian at Forthbank, Albion then lost to Alloa, Arbroath and Elgin and were bottom of the group.
It’s unclear when fans will be allowed to return to stadiums although test events could take place at some Premiership matches next weekend if the Scottish Government gives the green light.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “The format of this season’s Betfred Cup remains unchanged, but our agreement with Premier Sports also means that clubs will be able to live-stream first round matches on a pay-perview basis via club digital media services, provided the games have not been selected for broadcast by Premier Sports.
“This is an extremely welcome development, given the ongoing restrictions on supporters attending matches and we all look forward to another exciting competition in the months ahead.”
Stirling returned to pre-season training on Tuesday evening – almost six months after they last took to the field against Cove Rangers in League 2.
Binos boss Rutkiewicz is planning a number of friendlies before the Betfred Cup begins while the league season gets under way against title favourites Queen’s Park on Saturday, October 17.
Season tickets are available now priced at Adults £140; Adult concession £90; Students £50; U17s £35 and U12s free. You can find out how to buy your ticket on www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk/ season-ticket-instructions.
A club spokesperson said: “We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have already purchased your season tickets. Your support means the world to us. “Remember that you can also get involved by sponsoring players or buying merchandise online via the club website.
“Please note that due to Covid-19, when we are getting fans back into the stadium, we will have to operate social distancing.
“Therefore you may not be able to sit in the exact seat stated on your season card. We will do our best to put you as close as possible if the exact seat is not available.”