Meade calls on Coatbridge public for support

Apr 7 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

CLIFTONHILL chairman Frank Meade has urged the Coatbridge public to turn out in force and back Albion Rovers’ push for a promotion play-off spot.

The Third Division part-timers face two crunch matches in three days, with rock-bottom Elgin City visiting Cliftonhill this Saturday and Stranraer calling in on Monday night.

Victories against both sides will be essential if Paul Martin’s men are to realise their dream of making the post-season deciders.

And club supremo Meade is desperate to see the main stand bursting at the seams for two fixtures which will have a major say in where Rovers finish in the Third Division table.

He told the Advertiser: “The management and the players have given the club a platform to push for the play-offs.

“The general population of Coatbridge are fairly apathetic towards the club but it would be really good if the townsfolk played an active role in the coming weeks.

“It has been a very enjoyable season so far and the team’s performances have been excellent. We have recovered well from our second-quarter dip and Paul and his staff are using the squad wisely.

“I have been really enthused by the commitment of the team. They are a really hard-working, decent bunch of boys who should take a lot of credit for their efforts this season.

“We have a stronger and deeper squad now and the fact that we have players so committed to the club is testament to the work Paul and his staff have done.

“The team definitely deserves more support and I know the players really appreciate the backing they have just now from the stands.”

Only Stranraer and Montrose have poorer average home gates in the country, but despite that, Rovers are competing hard for a play-off place and have enjoyed relative success off the pitch.

The chairman confirmed that the club has achieved its licensing requirements and again highlighted the strong financial position in which Rovers find themselves.

Meade also had words of praise for boss Martin as he attempts to win a top-four spot and give the club a shot at promotion.

“Paul has achieved more than we could have reasonably expected given the resources at his disposal,” added the 59-year-old.

“He is operating on the lowest playing budget in the league but he has shown that money doesn’t guarantee success.

“There is a feelgood factor around the place just now and I hope Paul, his backroom team and the players get their reward at the end of the season.

“They have all contributed and we have taken a real pride in what they have managed to achieve so far.”

Rovers will be looking to get their play-off bid back on track following last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at East Stirling but are missing suspended midfielder Ciaran Donnelly.

l FANS attending Cliftonhill this Saturday can check out the IRN-BRU roadshow supporters’ bus which will be visiting the stadium ahead of the Elgin match.