Stirling Albion sign new defender

Jun 12 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING Albion have made their first summer signing in the shape of former East Fife defender Greig McDonald.

The 27 year-old centre-half spent several seasons at New Bayview and was also on the books of Dunfermline and Brechin City earlier in his career, writes David Ogilvie.

Boss Allan Moore had stated that bolstering his backline was a priority for 2009-10 as a poor defensive record cost the Binos a play-off place in the season just ended.

Assistant manager John O’Neill said: “I think the paperwork is still to be finalised but Greig has agreed to sign and we are delighted to get him on board. He is a player we have been aware of and obviously he played against us for East Fife last season.

“I would describe him as a no-nonsense defender who is aggressive in the air and that is maybe something we have been missing.

“We have Sean Roycroft as well and he did well last season, particularly when you consider how long he was out injured for, but ideally we would want to bring in another player in that position as cover because we really see Andy Graham as a right-back now.”

Regular

McDonald scored five goals for the Fifers last season and was a regular in the side until the end of March. His last game for the Methil club turned out to be a 2-0 defeat at Forthbank and he missed a number of matches through injury.

Albion remain hopeful of adding a midfielder to their squad in the near future and have been in talks with an unnamed player. They have also confirmed their interest in freed Dundee winger David O’Brien but the ex-Albion favourite is keen to remain full-time if possible.

Fixtures for the new season will be unveiled on Wednesday and Albion’s Division Two opener is scheduled for Saturday, August 8.

Before then the Reds have back-to-back home games against Raith Rovers in the ALBA Challenge Cup on July 25 and Ayr United in the Co-operative Insurance Cup a week later while three friendly matches have been finalised.

Dunfermline visit Forthbank on Wednesday, July 8, Partick Thistle are the opponents on Saturday, July 11 and Dundee United are in town on Saturday, July 18.

Season tickets are valid for all friendly, league and cup games and are now on sale priced £215 for adults, £135 for juveniles/senior citizens and £120 for Young Reds. Contact the club office on 01786 450399 for further details.