Martin challenges Albion Rovers to build on winning start

Jul 30 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

ALBION ROVERS boss Paul Martin has warned his players not to let their standards drop after Saturday’s success at Stenhousemuir.

The Cliftonhill men pulled off an excellent 1-0 win at Ochilview in the first round of the Challenge Cup.

And ahead of the club’s Third Division opener with Forfar Athletic, Martin urged his squad to maintain that winning feeling.

He said: “The boys have set a standard and that needs to be maintained. If they drop below that, then it is not acceptable.

“It is only one game and we need to keep a lid on things at the moment. It is going to be a long, hard season for us to get to where we want to be.”

The manager hailed the impressive performances at Ochilview of keeper David Scott, goalscorer Ciaran Donnelly and Bobby Barr.

He added: “Ciaran is a terrific lad and I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet.

“I am really pleased to see that he has gone away and worked hard over the summer and he deserves every plaudit he gets.

“It’s great credit to him that as a centre-half and full-back, he can go into central midfield and look like a middle of the park player.

“There’s a lot more to come from Bobby but we saw what he can offer and David made a couple of good saves at crucial stages for us.”

Forfar finished rock-bottom of the Scottish Football League last season which resulted in the dismissal of gaffer Jim Moffat.

Dick Campbell is now in the hot-seat and will have raised expectations at Station Park after a 2-1 win at local rivals Arbroath in the Challenge Cup.

Rovers were rocked before the trip to Stenny with the news that physio John McMenemy had been rushed to hospital after suffering a blackout.

But Martin is hopeful he will be back in the dug-out this weekend – and praised the work of his medicine man.

He added: “John is fine now. He needed a CT scan but we are delighted that he is okay as he is very important to us.

“He adds a lot of value to what we are doing. He is a first-class physio, a cracking guy and a lot of what he does is above and beyond the call of duty.”

Rovers have received a formal warning this week from the SFA regarding their disciplinary record from last season.

TEAM NEWS: Rovers gaffer Martin will be forced into at least two changes for the visit of the Loons with Alan Reid and Willie Martin both suspended.

* CHAIRMAN Frank Meade has paid tribute to Rovers fan and club employee, Bobby Bell, who died last week.

He said: “It was very sad news and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“I remember Bobby when I first started coming here 40 years ago and he has been a permanent fixture. He will be a great loss and missed by everyone.”

Mr Bell’s funeral was held at Daldowie Crematorium yesterday.

Meanwhile, two club directors have resigned from the board.

Pat Rolink has stood down but will remain Rovers’ commercial manager with business pressures behind Neil Welsh’s decision to quit.