Stirling Albion boss Darren Young admits he was delighted to pick up the manager of the month crown for September and October – but insists his side’s recent surging run is very much a team effort.
The Binos gaffer was named the League 2 manager of the month with his team currently on a nine-game unbeaten run, extended last weekend with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Albion Rovers.
The stretch of form had seen Albion move to the top of the table, before last week’s result – coupled with Dumbarton’s home win over Stranraer – pushed them two points behind the Sons in second place.
Young celebrated his gong with his staff and the Albion squad on Tuesday evening and paid tribute to everyone at the club for hitting the ground running.
He said: “It’s great for everybody in and around the squad and for the whole club, everyone has really played their part and worked hard right back to the start of pre-season.
“We had a few changes on the coaching side of things and in the backroom team and we’ve also had players on loan and new to the club this season, so it’s been a massive team effort.
“The fans have been tremendous as well. I remember back to the support we had at Stenny last season which was one of my first victories and then the numbers that came out to Stenny a couple of weeks ago was great again so it’s good to see that and that we’re clearly doing something right.”
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The manager will be aiming to avoid the much maligned ‘manager of the month curse’ as Annan visit Forthbank and the visitors arrive high in confidence after a superb 4-1 win away at Forfar last time out.
Young admits the parity of the division makes any game a tough test, but has backed his players to get the job done – as long as they cut out mistakes which are costing them dearly.
“In this league, every team from top to bottom can beat anyone so we will need to be switched on – they played well to score four at Forfar last week,” Young added.
“It’s a great bunch of guys and it’s up to them how far they can go because they know the standards being set and having ten points out of 12 from the second quarter so far has been a great start.
“We limited Rovers to one shot on target and the same with Bonnyrigg and they both score.
“Both goals come from mistakes on our behalf so if we can cut out those mistakes then that will
help.
“As much as I want to pass the ball, it’s about doing the basics and keeping that solid defence – the other team can’t score if the ball is in the stand.”
Regarding team news, Young confirmed that midfielder Jack Leitch is set to return to the matchday squad after injury, while some doubts remain over the status of Adam Cummins, Jordan McGregor and Aaron Dunsmore. Kick off at Forthbank is at 3pm.
