Reds trio sign up

May 27 2009

ALBION have now signed up all of the players they wanted to retain for next season - two months ahead of the new campaign, writes David Ogilvie.

Assistant manager John O’Neill confirmed this week that goalkeeper Myles Hogarth, midfielder Liam Corr and winger Nathan Taggart have all agreed to stay on at Forthbank for the forthcoming campaign, which begins with the Challenge Cup on Saturday July 25.

Hogarth joined Albion in Allan Moore’s first season as boss, 2002/03, but has recently lost his place to Scott Christie, who is likely to retain the No 1 spot.

Corr was in and out of the team last term but is an undoubted talented while Taggart hasn’t played since November due to a back problem but possesses the ability to change a game.

O’Neill said: “Myles, Liam and Nathan have all agreed to stay and that is good news. It’s pleasing to have everyone signed up as quickly as I think we started last season with something like 13 fit first-team players.

“Now we want to bring in another two or three players in key positions and hopefully we can speak to the chairman this week to see what finance is available.

“It’s a difficult time of year because players tend to wait and see what other offers they get but I know the manager has already spoken to one or two.

“Allan was down at Wembley for the play-off game on Monday as he is good friends with Burnley assistant manager Sandy Stewart but we will catch up later in the week.”

The 2009/10 fixtures will be published on the morning of Wednesday June 17 and Albion now know their Second Division opponents following the outcome of the weekend play-offs, which saw Stenhousemuir promoted from Division Three and Airdrie drop out of Division One.

Stirling will also face Alloa, Arbroath, Brechin, relegated Clyde, Third Division champions Dumbarton, East Fife and Peterhead.

A pre-season friendly with Partick Thistle has been confirmed for Saturday, July 11, and Albion will also face Hibernian at their East Lothian training ground, while a meeting with St Johnstone has also been mooted.

Moore’s men have been drawn in Section One of the Stirlingshire Cup along with Dumbarton and East Stirling. They will play the Sons at Forthbank and head for Ochilview to take on the Shire.

Meanwhile, the Binos will not be defending the trophy they won at the East Kilbride last season.

Albion have been involved in the tournament in the past few years but the organisers have confirmed that this year’s line-up has been freshened up and will involved the hosts, Alloa, Ayr United and, most likely, junior outfit Petershill on the weekend of July 18/19.