Stirling Albion’s squad building efforts ahead of their League One campaign next season have continued this week with the re-signing of five of their title winners.
Manager Darren Young has secured the signatures of popular skipper Paul McLean, centre-back partner Adam Cummins, left-back Cammy Clark, stalwart Ross McGeachie and defender/midfielder Kyle Banner on fresh deals for next season.
Former Brechin City defender McLean was an ever-present in the Binos’ successful League Two season, making 40 appearances across all competitions and netting six goals.
The veteran stopper capped off a fine season by being named as one of five Binos in the PFA League Two Team of the Year alongside teammates Blair Currie, Ross McGeachie, Jack Leitch and Dale Carrick.
Meanwhile, Stirling academy graduate Banner has been with the first-team set up at Forthbank at 2016 and has been reformed from a central defender to a defensive midfield role – with the 23-year-old racking up 38 appearances and three goals in 2022/23.
Left-back Clark battled for a starting spot with Dundee United youngster Flynn Duffy in the second half of the season after joining from Annan, with the highlight coming with a fabulous strike away at Forfar.
Ex-Stranraer defender Cummins was a useful part of the Binos squad, making 23 appearances over the course of the campaign - scoring one goal.
It marks a good week for Stirling gaffer Young, who also scooped the prize of SPFL League Two Manager of the Season after his side’s heroic silverware success.
The Stirling boss was also nominated for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year gong for his efforts – but lost out on that title to Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.
Reacting to the SPFL award, Young said: “I am delighted to be receiving this award on behalf of all my players and staff. The players have been outstanding from start to finish and without the backing of my staff then we wouldn’t have got to where we are.
“It’s been a real team effort and the spirit and togetherness has been crucial in the success we have had along with the fantastic backing and support from our fans.”
The division looks likely to bring a pair of local rivalries for the Albion fans to enjoy, with the annual trips to Stenhousemuir set to be replaced by four games against Alloa Athletic and Falkirk after both sides failed in their efforts in the play-offs.
