May 6th seems like a lifetime ago. That was the last time a ball was kicked and it was the day that we secured our SPFL status. Over 2000 supporters packed into NDP to see the Rose defeat Elgin City 3-0 in a final day survival showdown. It was between ourselves and Albion Rovers who hosted Champions Stirling Albion. Despite the Wee Rovers picking up all 3 points, we stuck to our task and got over the line thanks to a Keiran McGachie brace and late strike from Scott Gray. Cue the pitch invasion with supporters rushing on, desperate to serenade their heroes, who had given everything to ensure that the club would play SPFL football again the following season and be included in tomorrow morning’s SPFL fixture reveal.

After enjoying a very well earned summer break, the players and staff are back in pre season training and ready to go again, with our first of 3 friendlies almost upon us. This Saturday the Rose head along the M8 to Newlandsfield Park, to take on West of Scotland Premier side Pollok. The last time the two sides met was during pre season in 2017 at NDP, with the visitors winning an absolute goal-fest 5-3.

It’s fair to say that both clubs have come along way since then with the Rose now plying their trade in SPFL cinch League Two and Pollok competing in the West of Scotland Premier Division with big aspirations of following in our footsteps by climbing the Pyramid.

Having finished 5th in the league last time around, as well as an impressive Scottish Cup run which included a 4-3 win over cinch League Two side Annan Athletic in the 2nd round, Stewart Maxwell has moved quickly during the close season to strengthen his squad for the forthcoming campaign. Perhaps one of the biggest summer signings in the division was the acquisition of former Rangers midfielder Kyle Hutton. In addition Maxwell also boosted his squad with the arrivals of Uni of Stirling duo Ben Fry and Matty Burrows, as well as Evan Maley from Broomhill. There was more Lowland League experience added with the capture of Conor Morgan from East Kilbride as well as Scott Forrester, Ross Lindsay and Luke Main from Caledonian Braves. Grant Anderson, Jordan Allan, Andrew Gallacher, Marc McKenzie and Hugh Kerr also joined from St Cadocs, Darvel, Blantyre Victoria, Hurlford Utd and Glenafton Athletic respectively.

As for the Rose, Robbie Horn will be pleased to retain the majority of his squad from the previous campaign as well as a few new additions. A few lads have moved on however, Mark Weir made his loan move at League 2 Champions, Stirling Albion permanent while Alan Horne, Dean Brett and Scott Gray have all joined Lowland League side Tranent. Keiran Hall and Zach Khan both enjoyed successful loan spells last season at Dundonald Bluebell and Musselburgh Athletic respectively, both have signed permanent deals at the aforementioned clubs. Last seasons top scorer Kevin Smith has taken up a dual player/coach role at Cowdenbeath while Chris Kane and Sean Hancock have also left the club. Loanees Aaron Arnott, Keiran Mitchell and Andy Rodden all returned to their parent clubs. A huge boost has been the return of Paddy Martin, who signed a permanent deal to remain at NDP following his impressive loan spell during the second half of last season. Joining Paddy are left back Reis Peggie following his departure from Kelty Hearts as well as the versatile Angus Mailer who joined after leaving Elgin City. Forward Dean Watson also joined the club from Lowland League side East Stirlingshire having scored a number of impressive goals in his time with the Shire.

The Lok will provide a tough test in what should be an entertaining encounter and hopefully an enjoyable away day for the travelling Rose faithful. Kick off at Newlandsfield Park is scheduled for 2pm, tickets are priced at £5/£3/U12s Free, and can be purchased now via Fanbase. There will also be a PATG option on the day.

We look forward to seeing you back on the terraces supporting the boys, see you Saturday.

’Mon the Rose!

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Match details

Match date

Sat 01 Jul 2023

Kickoff

14:00

Team overview