Bairn Scott is Binos’ latest signing

Jun 29 2011 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

Stirling Albion

STIRLING Albion manager Jocky Scott has signed Falkirk midfielder Scott Davidson on loan until January.

The 19-year-old will link up with his former Bairns teammate Lewis Bonar, also 19, who signed for the Binos earlier this summer.

Davidson is the third new recruit after striker Bonar and 20-year-old right-back Devon Jacobs from Livingston and Scott insists the trio are here to play and not just fill the squad.

He said: “We will have a young team this year so make no mistake: these guys are very much part of my plans. That’s the way it has to be and it’s not a problem.

“We will obviously be bringing in more players and the lads from the trial games continue to train with us. We’ll start playing games at the beginning of next week and that’s when I’ll really get a chance to assess the guys.”

Scott is keen to strengthen in all areas but confirmed he wants to bring in a goalkeeper to battle it out for the number one jersey with Callum Reidford after the departure of Scott Christie at the end of the season. He also knows more firepower is required up front.

The Binos boss, who takes his side to East Kilbride for a closed-doors friendly with Jim Duffy’s Clyde next Tuesday, added: “We have players in a variety of positions training with us at the moment but I do want to add a goalkeeper. I think it is important to have competition.

“You could say that we are light up front and that is something we need to look at as well. Like I say, things will become a lot clearer when we start playing friendly matches.”

Loan signings could also form an important part of the squad for 2011/12 and Albion were dealt a potential blow when Hibernian midfielder Seam Welsh sustained an injury in an altercation with a teammate at pre-season training.

Scott is keen to bring Welsh back for a second loan spell and had held tentative discussions with Hibs boss Colin Calderwood before the training ground incident.

He said: “Sean is one we are interested in because he did well on loan last season and can play in more than one position. There was no deal or anything like that because Sean is obviously trying to break into the Hibs squad and Colin was going to give him every chance to prove himself.

“What he did say, though, was that if it looked like Sean wasn’t going to be part of his plans when the season started then he would be open to him coming back to Stirling. But we need to wait and see how long he will be out for and where he figures at Hibs.”

Stirling Albion have struck a deal with Hunters Executive Coaches of Alloa for team travel to this season’s away matches.

A club spokesman said: “This is evidence of the executive board’s determination to provide professional behind-the-scenes support, allowing the manager to concentrate on the playing side of the business.”

Season tickets remain on sale from the club offices. Valid for league matches only, adults will pay £200 while the rate for students and senior citizens is £130. Children aged 16 pay £50 and that drops to £25 if bought at the same time as an adult/seniors/student.

Plans are well under way for the forthcoming match against a Rangers XI, which will act as a testimonial game for former chairman Peter McKenzie.

The game takes place at the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium on Tuesday, July 12, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Admission prices have been set at £10 for adults and £5 concessions.

There will be pre-match entertainment in the shape of a Stirling City All Stars match. Fallin Violet and Cowie United will take part in a shoot-out challenge at half-time.

The club shop is having a clearance sale with SAFC Laptop Bags at £4.95 and umbrellas £5. The shop is open during office hours, 9am-6pm.