New team to run Stirling

Albion announced yesterday that a new board, supported by Stirling Council, would oversee the running of the club and its implementation of a visionary development plan.

The management team, which is known to include the millionaire snooker impresario Ian Doyle and several localbusiness representatives, will have full executive powers at Forthbank.

McKenzie will remain a board member but will relax his role to allow the new team to take the club forward. He said: "Sometimes I feel I have been ploughing a lone furrow in trying to keep professional football alive in Stirling.

"It therefore goes without saying that I am delighted that Stirling Council and all of the new sponsors have come on board to lend a welcome hand.

"I believe that the individuals taking part in the board ofmanagement have the club’s best interests at heart and have the necessary skills to take the club forward."

Stirling Council are thecurrent landlords of Forthbank Stadium but their influence is set to increase in the new set-up. Other changes include the inclusion of Keith Farrell, the author of the development plan, as general manager ofthe club.

McKenzie added: " StirlingAlbion has great potential to show the way forward forsmaller Scottish clubs.

"I am particularly interested in the role that supporters should have in running their clubs."

Meanwhile, manager Ray Stewart has added three new players to his squad in time for the kick-off to the new season. Anthony McStay, a promising 19-year-old defender, has been taken on loan from Middles-brough.

Former Hibs and Morton striker Mark McGraw, who has played in all the club’s pre-season games, has also been signed, along with ex-Bolton youngster Kevin Milne, who was freed by Aberdeen in the summer.

The trio bolster a squad which has already been boosted by the signing of 12 new players during the close season.

"Whether we are good enough to win promotion only time will tell. But we must set out with the goal of trying to achieve that," said Stewart.

The manager has a full-strength squad to choose from for today’s clash with Clydebank.

Alloa boss Terry Christiereckons that landing former Dunfermline defender Richard Huxford will inject vital experience into his side ahead oftoday’s First Division kick-off.

Huxford, 31, signed a one-year deal at Recreation Park this week after more than two seasons with the Fifers.

Christie said: "This season will be a bit of a learning experience for us. We were a wee bit short in the right wing- back position and Richard is a good strong, athletic lad who will be a great addition for us."