Reds on lookout

May 22 2009

STIRLING Albion manager Allan Moore is keen to strengthen his defence ahead of the start of the new season, writes David Ogilvie.

The Binos conceded 49 goals in Division Two in 2008/09 - more than East Fife and Arbroath who finished below them in the table - although they did sign off with back-to-back shut-outs.

Moore is eager to add at least one central defender to his squad but has missed out in a bid to land Jamie Brough from Queen's Park. The player, who netted in the Spiders' 3-0 win at Forthbank just before Christmas, has opted to sign a new contract with the Hampden club.

Moore said: "I asked Queen's Park manager Gardner Speirs permission to speak to the lad but he refused and I believe he is staying with them. It's disappointing as the centre of defence and midfield are areas we are looking to strengthen. I have spoken to a few other players but some of them are out of our price bracket."

The Albion boss has tied up most of his squad for 2009/10 but has still to finalise deals with Nathan Taggart and Liam Corr, although both look likely to stay on. Goalkeeper Myles Hogarth is another whose future is still to be determined with Scott Christie now established as the No 1 but Moore is keen to keep the ex-Hearts and Falkirk man at the club.

Martin Grehan became the latest player to pledge his future to the cause when he knocked back an offer from Raith Rovers to sign on again at Forthbank - much to the delight of Moore.

He said: "Raith wanted Martin to sign a full-time deal so I'm really pleased that he has decided to stay with us for another year. When you look at the top scorers on Sky Sports News both he and David McKenna were up there with about 12 goals each but most of them came in the second half of the season.

"I think they could be a potent partnership for us next season and we have also got Michael Mullen, who finished the season well so we should be OK in that area. I did inquire about Gregory Tade who has been with Clyde and who we tried to sign from Stranraer in January but I think he is keen to stay full-time."

Stirling's campaign will begin with the first round of the Challenge Cup on July 25 and they will be involved in the Co-operative Insurance Cup a week before the start of the SFL campaign on Saturday August 8.

A home pre-season friendly with Partick Thistle has been confirmed for Saturday July 11, with a trip to play SPL outfit Hibernian at their training ground in East Lothian also on the agenda.

Meanwhile, the draw for the Stirlingshire Cup sees Albion in Section One with Dumbarton and East Stirling.

They will face the Sons at Forthbank and travel to Ochilview to take on the Shire, with dates for the games yet to be announced. The competition was not played last season due to a dispute about the level of fees for match officials.