Photographer captures life in lower-league Scottish football

THEY are one of the smallest professional football clubs in Scotland and seldom attract crowds of more than several hundred.

The Cliftonhill groundsman marks the pitch ahead of Albion Rovers' game against Montrose in January 2014. Picture: Iain McLean

Albion Rovers, who have been based in Coatbridge since their formation 134 years ago, may not frequent the later stages of the most prestigious knock-out competitions - but that doesn’t mean their players, staff and supporters care any less passionately about them.

Now a new book has captured the eternal optimism and sheer hard work that sustains lower-league football north of the border.

Freelance photographer Iain McLean spent 15 years following the Wee Rovers, and a selection of his work has been collected in More Than Just A Football Club: A Photo Journal of Albion Rovers.

Rovers fans in jovial mood at Galabank stadium in May 2011 as their side clinch promotion via a play-off match against Annan Athletic. Picture: Iain McLean

The lensman, from Glasgow, said the project aimed to highlight “a side of football far removed from the sectarianism and tribalism we are familiar with in Scotland.”

His work shows the club basking in the glory of winning promotion, as well as more familiar struggles on and off the park.

It also shines a light on Cliftonhill, Rovers’ home stadium since 1919, and a relic of a bygone age before supporters became accustomed to modern facilities at football grounds.

“The book shows a community of people coming together with a common cause and it is the fans rather than the footballers who are the stars of this show,” said McLean.

Two youngsters enjoy a free view of Albion Rovers' home match against Arbroath in May 2015, when the Coatbridge club were presented with the League Two trophy. Picture: Iain McLean

“The last 15 years have, on and off, seen this project capture many of the regular faces at Albion as well as many fans who have come and gone along the way. It has become a journey with no end and an ever growing social document.”

Rovers, who are managed by former Aberdeen player Darren Young, have been members of the Scottish League since 1919 and currently play in League One, the third tier of the senior game.

Their most recent honour came in 2014-15 when the club won League Two - only their second post-war title win.

McLean added his pictures were rarely cropped and “never manipulated”.

Rovers fans celebrate as they leave Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld following a 3-2 win over Clyde in April 2015. The result secured the League Two title for their side. Picture: Iain McLean

“I try to photograph the select band of people and scenes of lower league football here in Scotland,” he continued.

“Most of the work is centred on the home of Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill, but on occasion away grounds are visited and I have photographed memorable games featuring Rovers at Ibrox, New Douglas Park and the national stadium, Hampden.

“I miss many goals and celebrations at games but the pictures always evoke strong memories of the fantastic people who contribute to this largely overlooked part of the Scottish football landscape.”