Trust them to show they’re real Rovers fans

Jun 10 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE hope often fades but the optimism never dies. When you choose to support Albion Rovers, patience and a broad outlook are necessary requirements.

After all, it has been over 20 years since the club celebrated a championship triumph.

Eddie Hagerty took the plunge when he was 12 and decided that Rovers were his team. His stint as a fan is now in its 47th year.

But as well as cheering Rovers on from the main stand at Cliftonhill, Eddie and his fellow committee members on the club’s Supporters’ Trust are rolling up their sleeves off the pitch. Last season they had a membership of 93. This term they hope not only to burst through the 100 barrier, but significantly add to their number.

The Rovers Trust’s presence has always been important but more so given the current financial climate. Money raised by the group goes towards expenses that would otherwise have to be picked up by Frank Meade and his board.

“The main financial commitment we give to the club is helping with the maintenance around the stadium,” said Eddie. “We recently organised a clear-up at the ground to make sure it’s looking its best for the new season and this type of thing is saving the club hundreds of pounds.

“Cash can then be put towards things like the playing budget.”

Eddie became chairman of the trust at the end of last year and reckons the role of similar groups is crucial to football clubs across the land. He added: “We are trying to bring people into the club. A successful football club is a good thing for any town.

“Frank and the board are very receptive to our ideas and he realises how important a role the supporters play at a football club.

“We raise money in a number of different ways. We have events like race nights, but we also held a ‘psychic night’ and are planning a music concert for local bands.

“Not everybody is interested in football so these types of events get the whole community involved. We want to attract people in Coatbridge who maybe don’t follow the Rovers closely.”

Although Rovers finished last season in disappointing fashion, Eddie saw enough to suggest boss Paul Martin and the team can enjoy a better 2009-10 campaign.

“It had been a tremendous season up until March,” he said. “I think Paul has done incredibly well when you think of the budget he has to work with. He has always tried to play football and has a huge commitment to the club.

“We were just off the play-offs at one stage last season and all we were missing was a striker. I am very optimistic about the future.”

For the moment, the trust is getting on with the task of recruiting new members and Eddie is keen on developing the club’s relationship with Coatbridge’s youth population.

The former St Ambrose High School teacher said: “We want to pass through the 100 barrier in terms of our membership. That would be a good achievement for us. We would also like to attract younger people to Cliftonhill as they are the fans of tomorrow.”