Lumsden returns to his first love – Albion Rovers

Jun 3 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

ALBION ROVERS have signed former Raith defender Todd Lumsden with gaffer Paul Martin admitting he is getting ‘two for the price of one’.

The 31-year-old fans’ favourite will combine playing duties at Cliftonhill with coaching after agreeing to become assistant manager to Martin.

It will be Lumsden’s third spell with Rovers having spent four years with the club between 1999 and 2003. He also enjoyed a loan stint at the beginning of last season.

More transfer business is expected to be concluded later this week when Clyde striker Marc McCusker and freed Dumbarton defender Michael O’Byrne sign on the dotted line having already agreed verbal deals.

Martin couldn’t hide his delight at snapping up top transfer target Lumsden and revealed his new centre-half could become the next manager of Rovers.

He told the Advertiser: “Todd was far and away our best loan signing last season and he is a big signing by third division standards.

“There were a number of other clubs in for him and he could have gone elsewhere, but the Rovers are in his heart.

“I think the fans will be excited with this news I feel the opportunity of going into management swung things in our favour.

“He is taking an unbelievable cut financially to come here and I really feel we are getting two for the price of one.

“Todd will bring experience to the team but he will also assist me on the coaching side of things as he is enthusiastic and a student of the game.

“He has some fresh ideas and, in my opinion, he will be the next manager of this club.”

Martin revealed McCusker will probably miss the opening game of the season after undergoing knee surgery and a double hernia operation.

But the gaffer is confident the 19-year-old will add muscle to his forward line once he regains full fitness.

He added: “Marc is a big, powerful striker and that was something we missed in certain games last season.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have been handed a trip to the seaside for the opening day of the season.

Martin’s men will face newly-promoted first division side Ayr United at Somerset Park in the first round of the ALBA Challenge Cup on Saturday, July 25.

* THERE are still spaces left for Rovers’ annual golf day on Thursday, June 18.

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown and a host of ex-Old Firm stars will be lending their support to the event at Mount Ellen Golf Club. Anyone interested in taking part should e-mail patrickrolink@gmail.com for further details.