Binos re-sign loan defender

Jan 18 2013 by David Ogilvie, Stirling Observer

Stirling Albion this week re-signed defender Jamie Bishop until the end of the season after his departure from Second Division Forfar.

The former Dunfermline and Arbroath player, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Monday, played three games on loan for the Binos after making his debut against Queen’s Park on November 23 and added experience and leadership to the back four.

Bishop could go straight into the home game with Annan tomorrow (Saturday), weather permitting, as Gary Thom is suspended.

Albion operations director Stuart Brown said: “Jamie impressed during his loan spell and Greig McDonald was keen to extend that deal but Dick Campbell wanted him back at Station Park.

“However, following discussions over the weekend Dick confirmed his willingness to allow Jamie to move on and he formally signed before training on Tuesday evening.”

A Forfar spokesman added: “His appearances over the past 12 months have been restricted due to injury and Jamie has decided to move on in the hope of gaining a regular first-team berth.”

Albion go into the Annan match desperately in need of a win.

Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Clyde saw them fall eight points behind the Bully Wee and slip four adrift of second-bottom East Stirling.

The Binos thrashed their visitors 5-1 on the opening day but slumped 5-2 at Galabank in November and face an Annan side whose only defeat in the last five matches was against Rangers.

Euan Brydson oversaw that good run on a caretaker basis, following the resignation of Harry Cairney, but former Dumbarton and Albion Rovers boss Jim Chapman has now been installed as manager and will take charge for the first time tomorrow.

Stirling have collected just one point from their last four outings: a draw at East Stirling and narrow defeats to Montrose, Queen’s Park and Clyde.

Binos boss McDonald admitted: “We need results and if that means winning ugly then so be it. I thought we were the better team against Clyde but I would rather they had battered us and we had the three points.

“I still have faith in the players and believe we can go on a winning run.”

Stirling are due to travel to Berwick next weekend but have no game on February 2 as opponents Rangers are involved in a Scottish Cup fifth-round tie away to Dundee United.

The match has been rescheduled for Forthbank on Tuesday February 26, at 7.45pm and Albion fans who attend the next two home games against Annan and Montrose have the best chance of securing a ticket. Sales for the Rangers areas of the ground will be handled by the Ibrox club.

First preference will be given to holders of the two vouchers then, subject to tickets still being available, those holding one voucher will have a chance to buy a ticket.

Albion’s match against East Stirling which was postponed last month will now be played on Tuesday, February 5 with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Admission prices for tomorrow’s game against Annan at Forthbank are £10 for adults, £7 for seniors/students and £5 for U17s.

The referee is experienced SPL official Alan Muir.