Dunblane surgeon behind Stirling Albion bid

Dec 23 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

DUNBLANE sports surgeon Gordon Mackay is the man hoping to take over Stirling Albion.

Last Wednesday we revealed that talks were ongoing between 83-year-old owner/chairman Peter McKenzie and a mystery buyer.

At the weekend Mr Mackay outlined his plans for the future of the club, should he be successful in his bid.

The 45-year-old hopes to see the development of a unique sports medicine facility as part of Stirling Sports Village at Forthbank, operating alongside continuing day-to-day football activities.

A sports scholarship scheme with Stirling University would be set up whereby some of the world’s most talented young footballers would study at Stirling – and potentially star for the Binos.

Mr Mackay is a former club doctor at Forthbank and played in the Rangers reserve side under Graeme Souness. His father played professional football with Kilmarnock and Falkirk is his mother was a GP in Glasgow.

He said: “Encouraged by Peter McKenzie’s interest in our proposals we are doing the due diligence on financial matters and are very confident of final approval in the very near future.

“I firmly believe what we have put in place can be a template for the survival not just of Stirling Albion but Scottish football as a whole in Scotland.”

If the plan is ratified Mr Mackay intends to site part of his clinical consultation work within Forthbank Stadium and expects an established physiotherapy practice to relocate there also.

Already Mr Mackay has met with members of the supporters trust, whose campaign to buy the club which was launched in May is still ongoing.

He continued: “I do not want to be like Gretna and climb through the leaguebefore going bust.

“I’m realistic about the club’s aspirations. I don’t see the Albion being in the Champions League, for example.

“Stirling Albion has its place and stock in the community and we know our place.”

Should the takeover go ahead, there will still be a role at the club for Peter McKenzie.

Mr Mackay said “Peter McKenzie is Mr Stirling Albion and it will be our very first act to recognise the massive contribution he has made to the club in an appropriate way.

“I would hope he would become Honorary President to acknowledge his efforts.”

Paul Goodwin, spokesperson for the supporters’ trust buy out campaign said there had been a positive meeting between Mr Mackay and campaign members.

“We plan to meet again with Mr Mackay this week,” he added.

Mr Mackay said: “We have common goals and I am very keen to discuss a major role for the trust within the new Stirling Albion.”