Martin hopes full-back duo will stick with Rovers

Jun 24 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

PAUL MARTIN says he expects Alan Reid and Michael McGowan to be his first-choice full-back pairing next season.

The Albion Rovers gaffer is still waiting to hear if the defensive duo, who are both currently on holiday, will sign new one-year contracts.

Both Reid and McGowan were regular starters in the last campaign and it’s believed the latter is hoping to move into the full-time ranks this summer.

But Martin revealed he is relaxed about the situation and is budgeting for both players extending their stays at Cliftonhill.

He told the Advertiser: “I don’t think the current position is anything to get excited about.

“Both players are under the age of 23 so if they decide to leave, then we will get compensation that will allow us to sign a new right and left-back.

“They want to better themselves and if any player here gets a chance of full-time football, no-one will be happier than the club.”

Ciaran Donnelly is another star from last term who has yet to agree fresh terms but the central midfielder resumed pre-season training with the rest of the squad on Monday night.

Martin was assisted by Ayr United fitness coach David Johnston as the players were put through a two-hour session which included ball work.

The manager added: “Pre-season is all about character building and we had a tough session. It was good to get back into it.

“We will test the players physically over the next couple of weeks and then look to test their footballing ability.

“We did a little bit of heading, volleying and passing and we will have the lads back in on Thursday and then on Saturday have a bounce game between ourselves.”

l ROVERS have been sent to the south of Scotland for their opening third division fixture of next season.

Martin’s troops will face relegated Stranraer, who were on the verge of going bust last term with £250,000 worth of debts, at Stair Park on Saturday, August 8.

The Coatbridge part-timers are also scheduled to face The Blues on Boxing Day and on the final day of the campaign.

Rovers’ first game of 2010 will be against Queen’s Park at Hampden Park on January 2.

The Cliftonhill men will also travel to the national stadium to face the Spiders on Sunday, August 23.

Rovers’ opening game of the season will be at Ayr United in the first round of the ALBA Challenge Cup on Saturday, July 25. Martin’s men are due to host cash-strapped Livingston in the first round of the League Cup a week later.