Forsyth signs up to Albion

May 15 2009

FORMER St Johnstone defender Ross Forsyth this week became latest player to commit himself to Stirling Albion for next season, writes DAVID OGILVIE.

Manager Allan Moore has now signed up everyone he wanted to keep hold of, with the exception of striker Martin Grehan. The ex-Motherwell man is interesting Raith but Moore wants a swift decision from the player who joined Albion last summer.

If Rovers pursue their target then Grehan could well move on but Stirling look in good shape after persuading the bulk of the squad to pledge their futures for another season in Division Two.

Michael Mullen and Scott Christie were already under contract for next term and they will be joined by Forsyth, David McKenna, Andy Graham, Stewart Devine, Paul Murphy, Sean Roycroft, Myles Hogarth and Liam Corr.

Jonny Boyle, Mark Docherty, Chris Hamilton, Andy Lawrie, David Lowing and Robert Dunn have all left the club and Moore will now turn his attention to bolstering his squad in an attempt to at least secure a play-off spot.

The Binos signed off with an impressive 4-0 win over Queen's Park on Monday night but the game was watched by a record low crowd of 284. The previous low was 315 against Brechin in March, 2002.

Moore said: “It was nice to score a few goals to finish the season. It was good to see Michael Mullen get on the scoresheet again. We want to keep Martin Grehan at the club but Michael is a good player and puts in a lot of work as you could see from the Queen's Park match.

“It's pleasing to have the bulk of the squad signed up already and I've told Martin that I want an answer from him soon - I'm not prepared to wait and wait. We have got our eye on a few players and with the situation at Clyde that might allow something to be done.

“Gregory Tade was someone we were keen on when he was at Stranraer but he opted for Clyde and I think he would prefer to stay full-time.

“Ross Forsyth called me up the other night to say he was staying and that is good news as I believe he is one of the best full-backs in the Second Division.”

The fixtures will be published on Wednesday, June 17, and Stirling could renew rivalries with East Stirling or Stenhousemuir depending on the outcome of the play-offs this week. Queen's Park are attempting to preserve their Second Division status and Cowdenbeath are aiming to come up from the Third Division along with champions Dumbarton.

At the other end, Airdrie United, Brechin, Ayr and Peterhead are contesting the play-offs.

Moore has already approached a number of clubs about possible pre-season matches but it seems a tour to the Highlands or north of England would be out of the question due to a lack of finance, making Forthbank friendlies the most likely option.