Albion Rovers and Coatbridge – affectionately known as the village of the footballing damned.
With the exception of maybe Bernie Slaven, Cliftonhill was a career port of call that usually suggested things were going badly awry. It’s a lesser known fact that MailSport colleague Mick Gannon’s hopes of making it as a keeper were ended after being rejected by the Wee Rovers and replaced by a far more-agile traffic cone just three weeks into his trial spell.
This former footballer’s own trajectory towards the top suffered a nosedive immediately after a match against Albion Rovers reserves when manager Vinnie Moore asked for a word in his office. His enquiry was over my plans for the following season and whether a move held any appeal. After explaining a return from injury was the reason for a night with Bully Wee stiffs, it was warm thanks but no thanks. I made my excuses and left. Former Rovers boss Jimmy Lindsay sent an emoji last Saturday moments after their exit from the SPFL. A relegation most foul – it read: “Albion Rovers s***.”
