Moore looks to defence

May 29 2009

NEW players in defence and midfield would appear to be the priority as Stirling Albion look ahead to next season.

Boss Allan Moore this week tied up goalkeeper Myles Hogarth, midfielder Liam Corr and winger Nathan Taggart, having already retained the other players he wanted to keep for the 2009/10 campaign, when the play-offs will be the minimum aim.

Moore was concerned at the number of goals conceded by the Binos last season, which ultimately cost them a top-four place. Stirling shipped 49 goals in 36 games - only relegated duo Stranraer and Queen’s Park and third-bottom Alloa had poorer defensive records.

Albion require reinforcements at the back after releasing Andy Lawrie and David Lowing, who began 2008/09 as first picks but slipped out of the picture as the season went on. With Moore now preferring Andy Graham at right-back and Scott Gibb having returned to Falkirk after his loan spell, a central defender is a priority to partner Sean Roycroft.

Ayr and Raith won promotion at least partly because of a real physical presence at the back and it could be that Moore opts to go down that road, although no names have yet been mentioned by the Binos boss who admits he has spoken to a few potential targets.

A strike force of David McKenna and Martin Grehan, backed up by Michael Mullen, could prove as prolific a pairing as any in Division Two next season but additional options will be required in midfield after the departures of Mark Docherty and Chris Hamilton.

Player assistant manager John O’Neill may play less often next term while Paul Murphy has also been retained and will be used in a central role but there are vacancies on the flanks. Nathan Taggart’s return would be welcome after six months out through injury but an additional right-sided midfielder would give the squad more balance.

The loss of left winger David O’Brien to Dundee two years ago remains keenly felt but Stewart Devine is capable in that area, although many fans would be delighted if O’Brien could be tempted back to Forthbank following his release from Dens Park.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed this week that holders Stirling will not defend their trophy at the East Kilbride tournament on July 18/19 after the organisers instead opted to invite Alloa, along with Ayr United and Junior team Petershill.

Albion have played in the new town in each of the last few summers but will need to make other plans and have already fixed up a home game with Partick Thistle on Saturday, July 11.

THE dust has barely settled on season 2008-09 – but already the draw for the first round of the Challenge Cup has been made.

Albion’s record in the trophy has been poor in recent years so fans will be delighted to know they’ve drawn Division Two champions Raith Rovers at home.