Home Defeat To Queens Park

Saturday’s 2-1 reverse saw The Warriors fall further behind pacesetters Berwick Rangers as Campbell analysed the performance before last night’s 3-3 draw with Dundee in a friendly. “To be honest, we didn’t do enough to take anything from the game and we’ll take a bit of time to gel as a unit with so many new players in the starting XI. I thought we did OK at times and showed glimpses of what the players are capable of, but in summary, we didn’t win enough second balls all over the park. Paul Tyrell started to win some challenges when he came on and we changed to a 4-3-3 which seemed to make a difference in the second half. I’ve got no issues with either of the penalty awards to Queens but equally felt that we were denied a similar award when John Dempster was barged in the back”

Should Dempster have had a penalty against QP on Saturday?

New striker Andy Thomson made his debut; Campbell was relatively happy with his first outing but knows there’s more to come from the experienced striker “Andy did OK, he had several chances in the first half and I’m sure that when he gets match sharp then he’ll find the net regularly. Andy needs games and I’m sure he’ll be a very, very good player for us over the coming weeks and months.”

 

Home Match against Arbroath

 Saturday sees the visit of Arbroath to Ochilview who’ll be looking to maintain their 100% record against us this season. “This will be a very tough game, Arbroath are a side who don’t give much away and make it difficult for the opposition. They’re a strong, quick side who will be looking to win the game. I feel this is a must win game for us if we are to keep in touch with the team’s in play off position following on from last Saturday’s defeat. Our first aim must be to challenge for a play off place and then see what happens from there.”

With no fresh injury or suspension worries, Campbell should have a full squad to choose from apart from Gordon Connelly who will undergo a double hernia operation next week that should see him back in contention by mid-March.

 

Scott McManus

As reported elsewhere, 16 year old Scott has been called into the full U-17 Scotland squad of 22 for the Challenge matches next week against Northern Ireland. “I’m absolutely delighted for Scott and everyone at he Club wishes him well. He’s keen to learn from the experience, knows the areas of his game that he needs to work on and I’m sure Ross Mathie will help his development. Scott is very upbeat about the whole thing but he’s been carrying an ankle knock which has restricted his chances so we’ll nurse him this week with a view to Saturday and the Internationals next week”


 

Transfer Window

With the window now effectively closed, Campbell reflected on his objectives over the past month in terms of reshaping the squad. “I think I can sum it up in one word, balance. I felt we were short on strikers and the acquisition of Andy Thomson and John Dempster can only benefit the team. We’re still a bit short in that area with the departure of Iain Diack but I had to look at the longer term and to be honest Iain didn’t feature in my plans. We’ve strengthened at the back with the acquisitions made and Shaun Fagan’s short term loan gave us cover and bought some time. I’ve also brought in Stevie Aitken from Stranraer in the midfield to compliment those already at the club in a straight swap deal with Shaun Dillon.

Although Saturday’s result was a blow, I’m confident about the future both at First Team and Youth level. There’s a natural and understandable expectation from fans that we should win games but Brian and I saw enough on Saturday to give us hope for the future. Rest assured, we’ll work on it tirelessly and improve as the season progresses.”

In other news, forward Ian McSween has left the club by mutual consent and the Club wishes him all the best.
 

Youth Set Up

Stenny youth flying high earlier this season!

With the Youth Set up now firmly established, Campbell reflected on recent successes. “Our U-19s recorded another fine victory on Sunday and it was good to see some more of our supporters coming along to see the games. In other age levels we’re matching SPL clubs with some excellent displays and we’ve got some players who definitely have a chance in the game. It’s gratifying for the coaches to get just rewards for their efforts and also recognition of the ambition of the club in this area… long may it continue. 

Fixtures are now posted in the Youth section of the site.

Return to Money Talks Index