GETTING DOWN TWO BUSINESS
Kevin targets new duo
Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz is still looking to add at least two more players to his squad for the 2020/21 campaign.
The Binos boss has already snapped up strikers Andy Ryan (Dunfermline Athletic) and Declan Byrne ( Albion Rovers), winger Kieran Moore (Queen’s Park) and midfielder Kurtis Byrne (Airdrieonians).
Stirling have 16 players under contract for next term, which begins in early October with the group stages of the Betfred Cup. League Two is due to kick off on Saturday, October 17 and the fixtures are expected to be published by the SPFL next week.
Rutkiewicz wants to add two more quality players to his pool, for what he hopes will be a promotion push after a sixthplace finish in the curtailed 2019/20 season, but has time on his side after retaining 12 of last year’s squad and adding four new recruits.
Rutkiewicz, along with assistant James Creaney, head of performance analysis Bill Orr and head of scouting David Peat are assessing a number of potential targets.
Meanwhile, the SPFL this week announced that the loan regulations have been relaxed for the 2020/21 season.
Clubs will now be allowed a maximum of six domestic loans at any one time (increased from four), a maximum of two players at one time from another club in the same division (increased from one) and a maximum of four players at one time from another club in a different division.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges for clubs across the divisions in Scotland. As we look towards a return to competitive football, changes in loan regulations are just one way to help clubs build a squad for the coming season.
“We recognise that there are a large number of players currently out of contract and these amendments simply provide our members with more flexibility in planning for the new season.
“In addition to helping clubs to field a competitive team for the season ahead, these changes will also provide an opportunity for younger players to get experience of senior football.
“This is particularly i mpor t a n t given the uncertainty around whether there will be an appetite from clubs for reserve competition this season.”
Binos boss Rutkiewicz has tended not to bring in too many loan players since taking over almost two years ago – in general preferring to opt for permanent signings – but goalkeeper Calum Ferrie was player of the year when on loan from Dundee in 2018/19.