A long time ago I was a dedicated follower of Meadowbank Thistle. I learned to appreciate that supporting football in Scotland's lower leagues is an acquired taste, one which offers a range of emotions and experiences, among which victory celebrations are low on the list.
So I can empathise with the unique joy of being an Albion Rovers supporter, a team you would never associate with success. Professional photographer Iain Mclean has been following the Rovers for many years, and in this 'photo journal' has recorded a unique insight into life at the Coatbridge club, on and off the pitch.
Yes, there are occasional on-field highlights, such as that pictured below on the day in 2015 when Albion Rovers were presented with the Third Division championship trophy. But cup victories and promotion challenges are a bonus rather than an expectation, largely outnumbered by the goalless draws and the windswept winter nights.
In 48 pages spanning 15 years, Iain Mclean has captured the essence of life at this level, with pictures that, according to the intro, 'evoke the unique survivalist charm of Cliftonhill'. His abiding message is that lower league football can be great fun, offering a sense of camaraderie that raises you far above the tedium of the match itself. You will find fans wearing fancy dress, doing their knitting, bringing their dog to the match and having a picnic.
More than just a football club is available price £9.99 from select Coatbridge outlets including the club shop, or direct from the author via his website. You can also see a wide range of his photographs in his online gallery.
So I can empathise with the unique joy of being an Albion Rovers supporter, a team you would never associate with success. Professional photographer Iain Mclean has been following the Rovers for many years, and in this 'photo journal' has recorded a unique insight into life at the Coatbridge club, on and off the pitch.
Yes, there are occasional on-field highlights, such as that pictured below on the day in 2015 when Albion Rovers were presented with the Third Division championship trophy. But cup victories and promotion challenges are a bonus rather than an expectation, largely outnumbered by the goalless draws and the windswept winter nights.
In 48 pages spanning 15 years, Iain Mclean has captured the essence of life at this level, with pictures that, according to the intro, 'evoke the unique survivalist charm of Cliftonhill'. His abiding message is that lower league football can be great fun, offering a sense of camaraderie that raises you far above the tedium of the match itself. You will find fans wearing fancy dress, doing their knitting, bringing their dog to the match and having a picnic.
More than just a football club is available price £9.99 from select Coatbridge outlets including the club shop, or direct from the author via his website. You can also see a wide range of his photographs in his online gallery.
RSS Feed