We recently caught up with Albion Rovers social media exec Taylor Murray, who gave us the lowdown on the Coatbridge side (with a little help from the Wee Rovers faithful).
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
So far, I would say frustrating due to the number of dropped points from winning positions. It is a strange feeling being so near the bottom of the table, but still having confidence that we will be okay come May. I think that it is the nature of the league. It is so tight. Anything can happen and that the true reflection of the league doesn’t appear until after Christmas. Also, the team have put in some stellar performances which haven’t garnered points – often unjustly, I feel.
Main Man: Favourite current player and why
There are great players in the team who really help us to perform to our best. But, currently it has to be Charlie Reilly. He is someone who I have liked the look of since his days at Partick Thistle as he loves driving at players and going past them - something which many attackers don’t do as much these days. Ever since he joined Albion Rovers he has always ran himself into the ground - producing some stunning goals and assists in the process.
What is your earliest memory about the club?
My earliest memory of the club is when I joined the media team during the pandemic. It has helped me to gain valuable experience within football and is something that I am hugely passionate about to this day. Being able to give the fans the best experience possible during one of the worst times in many people’s lives was something that I took seriously. We all know how important football is to people and their mental health. So, to be at the forefront of the media team and trying to give people their Saturday football fix when they couldn’t attend the games is something I am very proud of.
Explain the nickname
The club go with a variety of nicknames which all roughly mean the same - The Rovers, Wee Rovers or The Ver’s all come from the names which fans preferred back when the club was formed. It is a tradition that has stuck around since 1903 when the club joined the Scottish Football League Second Division. And since then Albion Rovers fans have always preferred being called Rovers.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
The club are best known for Cliftonhill - one of the oldest stadiums in the country. It opened up on Christmas Day in 1919 and attracts a lot of ground hoppers who love visiting the more traditional venues. They often compliment how it feels like a “proper football ground” in the heart of the town.
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
Having a favourite boss/manager is something quite subjective. Different managers in different eras have many different moments and memories tied to them. So, I thought it was right to turn to Rovers fans to get their thoughts on who they felt was the best fit for them.
Rovers supporter David McCabe: “In my time going to games Brian Reid has been the manager, so I can only really comment on him.”
Rovers supporter Chris Toner: “Darren Young may be the best in the time that I have been going. Although that is controversial given his popularity amongst the fans. The success he brought to the team is what puts him top for me.”
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
Rovers were formed through the merger of two teams in Coatbridge - Albion FC and Rovers FC. The newly merged team then took inspiration from clubs in Wales and Australia to merge their two names.
Bonus Fact - The term 'Albion' is an ancient term for Great Britain - first recorded by the ancient Greeks. It is from Albion that Scotland got the Gaelic name 'Alba'!
What is your all-time favourite match?
From the fans which I spoke to, the choice on their favourite game was unanimous. The 3-2 win over Clyde in 2015 which sealed promotion to League One as champions was the choice of both Chris Toner and Andy Connelly. The Rovers came from 2-0 behind to clinch the title, with Gary Fisher netting the winner for the Coatbridge side.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
I would 100% recommend coming along to Cliftonhill for a look around the ground pre-match. It is a stunning stadium with an old school feel and should be admired in all its glory before things get hectic in the lead up to kick-off. There is also a nearby McDonalds if that is your cup of tea, but Cliftonhill is the connoisseur’s choice.
What makes your club special to YOU?
The club is the heartbeat of the community in Coatbridge. It has been the staple of the town for nearly 150 years which can’t go unnoticed. Fans back the team 100% whether win, lose, or draw. Having that core fan base which will support you no matter what is something which not many clubs have. When you say “Albion Rovers” you think of a team who share the love which the community has for them. We are always looking to get the next generation of fans into football to watch their heroes take to the park. The cold Saturday afternoons with a pie and Bovril, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow fans is what the club has created for many individuals. That is what makes it special. It is a football club for football fans.
You can follow Albion Rovers' progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up – watch the latest edition now!
