Help at hand in player hunt
Stirling Albion have announced that John Neill – who is leading a consortium who want to invest in the club – is helping manager Dave Mackay with player recruitment.
A joint statement issued by the club and trust boards said:“John Neill’s involvement is 100 per cent voluntary and comes with no strings attached in respect of the consortium investment offer that he is leading in conjunction with Colin Rowley.
“By way of background, Dave and John have met informally on several occasions over the past month and, in high-level terms, this handshake agreement allows them to join forces to recruit new players for the first team squad for season 2018/19.
“A combining of their expertise, knowledge of and contacts within the available market place is at the core of the agreement but it goes without saying that Dave, as manager, retains sole possession of final decision-making.
“Both boards agreed this arrangement would be beneficial and key to its success was immediate implementation to ensure we maximise the potential of securing the best (and right) players available to take Stirling Albion FC forward.
“The club board can confirm an absolute guarantee that any outcomes in respect of players being signed will not commit SAFC to any expenditure that cannot be sustained within the current club finances.”
The Binos boss said:“I’m fine with it. It certainly not a case of John picking the players – it will be 100 per cent my decision and that’s the only way I would have it.
“Of course, John can put names to me and I’m open to that because he will know guys I’m not aware of but ultimately it comes down to me.
“We’ve had a few meetings and discussions on players and we get on fine – and of course I was consulted about it first.
“We know that John is looking to invest in the club but we don’t know how the vote will go and there has been no cash injection at this stage.”