Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Kevin to take the helm at Rovers
Kevin Harper will take charge at Cliftonhill for the first time this Saturday as his Albion Rovers team return to action with the League Two visit of Cowdenbeath.
The Coatbridge side had a blank weekend last Saturday as the Scottish Cup took precedence, but used the time between matches for a bounce game and for the new manager and assistant Joe McLaughlin to work with their squad.
He told the Advertiser: “Everything’s been really positive; we have a good week behind us and the players have more understanding of what we’re looking for.
“They know what we’re looking for them to go out and do, and it’s helped us to have time to work with the players and look at things with them – now we’re looking forward to a big game this Saturday.
“It will be a tough test for us but we have to stand up and be counted and believe that we can win the game – we have to learn how to win and what it
takes to do that, as it breeds confidence to take things on.
“We played well in the first 35 minutes against Berwick [in the previous game] but didn’t score when we were on top – so we want to make sure we take chances when we get them.”
Harper watched from the Central Park stands last Saturday as next opponents Cowdenbeath won 1-0 against Brora Rangers to set up a glamour Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at home to Rangers.
The Rovers manager said:“They’re a good, physical side, who get the ball forward quickly and can play; Gary Bollan’s teams are always tough to break down, but we’ll be doing all we can to get a result.”
A full home squad is available for Saturday’s match, which will see the Coatbridge hosts seeking only their second league win of the season and bidding to reduce the current seven-point gap to second-bottom side Stirling.
Harper added:“We have a clean bill of health at the moment, which is good, and I’ll be looking at all the options to pick the side I believe can win the game – we need everyone, there’s no doubt, and everyone will get an opportunity.
“We want to put on a performance and win to breed confidence; every game is important for us as we have to take points.
“It’s a cliche but we’re taking it one match at a time to get results, make sure we start winning and move up.”