McLaren looks to rebuild the future at Stirling Albion
Stirling Albion manager Stuart McLaren is hopeful that several of the current squad will agree new contracts at Forthbank.
Earlier this week, it was announced that striker Craig Beattie, winger Phil Johnston, midfielder Craig Comrie and defenders Scot Buist and Kevin McKinlay will not be offered new deals. Lee Hamilton is also moving on and on-loan midfielder Lewis McLear has returned to parent club St Mirren.
U20 duo Gregor Gwynne and Scott Stevenson from the title- winning Development League East squad were also on the list of players released but defenders David Verlaque and Ross Forsyth have joined Ross McMillan, Chris Smith, Darren Smith, Moses Olanrewaju and Scott Davidson in committing their futures to the club for season 2016/17.
McLaren has already held discussion with most of the players he would like to retain for next season and talks will continue over the coming days.
Top scorer Steven Doris, midfielders Sean Dickson and Aurelien Mazel, centre-half Ross Smith and right-back Ross McGeachie are among those who have still to be tied up for next term, along with striker Sandy Cunningham, who has been on loan with Berwick Rangers.
McLaren said: “We are keen to get things sorted as soon as possible, both with the players we want to retain and those we are looking to bring in from elsewhere. Discussions are ongoing and I hope we are in a position to give the fans some news in the next week or two.
“It is never an easy time when players leave and I would like to thank all of the guys who have moved on for their efforts during their time at Forthbank.
“I’m very pleased that David Verlaque has signed a new deal because he is a player with genuine potential while Ross Forsyth has made a big contribution both on the pitch and in his coaching with the U20s so it’s great news that he is staying.”
Pre- season training starts on Saturday, June 18 but there are unlikely to be many friendly matches given that the revamped League Cup kicks off on Saturday, July 16 and the summer pitch works at Forthbank, which begin later this month, mean any friendlies will need to be away from home.
Ladbrokes League 2 will start on Saturday, August 6, with fixtures published in mid-June. Stirling know they will face relegated Forfar next season while Cowdenbeath also have work to do to avoid dropping into the basement after losing 2-0 to Queen’s Park in the first leg of their play-off semifinal at Hampden on Wednesday night.