Stirling Albion captain Lee Hamilton has praised the demanding pre-season regime implemented by new manager Steven Whittaker, as the Binos step up preparations for the upcoming campaign. The 30-year-old defender featured in the second of two warm-up matches in the Stirlingshire Cup at Ochilview, where Stirling faced Stenhousemuir and Dumbarton.
Whittaker's tough approach
Hamilton noted that the early sessions under the former Scotland international have been rigorous but believes the squad will benefit. "The new manager knows what he wants to do; he's very structured in what he wants and the sessions have been tough so far. I think we will be a good, fit side when the competitive matches really come around," he said.
Whittaker, who earned 11 caps for Scotland and played for Rangers, Norwich City, and Hibernian, has been vocal on the touchline, directing his new squad. Hamilton added: "He wants us to be confident on the ball and also be solid at the back, to carry that structure on to the pitch and move as a team as a connected unit. It's just getting the rotations down and then I think we'll be doing well."
Excitement around the club
Hamilton highlighted the significance of Whittaker's appointment, calling it a "real statement" from the club. "Bringing a manager like Steven in is a real statement of itself. He's had a really good career and for him to bring that to us and teach us is something to really trust because he's played at the highest level. For the fans, I think it's exciting because you can see the calibre of player he's brought through the door already and he's still looking to bring a few in on top of that," he said.
Two separate line-ups were fielded in Saturday's Stirlingshire Cup action, mixing experienced players with young talent to build match fitness ahead of the Premier Sports Cup opener on July 11. New signings included goalkeeper Andy McNeil, striker Jordan Allan, and player-coach Josh Mullin.
New additions praised
Hamilton also spoke positively about the summer arrivals, particularly goalkeeper McNeil and defender Kevin Waugh, who joined after captaining League Two rivals Spartans. "I've played with Andy with Edinburgh when he came in on loan from Raith Rovers and he did well for us at that point when we were struggling for boys. Kevin is someone I've played against for years and you know what you're getting there; he's just a right solid defender and does the basics really well. I think they're both very good additions for us and I have hope for a really good season once we can get everyone gelled together," he added.
The Binos continued their pre-season with a closed-door friendly against Airdrieonians on Tuesday night, followed by a public friendly at Lowland League side Tranent on Saturday afternoon.
