John Brogan

John Brogan

John Brogan first joined the club as a player in 1987. A prolific goal scorer throughout his career, his signing was met by feelings of joy from the Albion fans, desperate for a new ‘Willie Irvine’, and Brogie sure didn’t disappoint. He forged a lethal partnership with ‘Hydraulic Heid’, Charlie Gibson in 1987-88 and again in the following season. It was halfway through that season that John took over, as first player-manager, then manager after hanging up his golden boots at the end of the season. The season began with Brogie merely putting away the goals as per usual, until Jim Fleeting left in the most acrimonious of circumstances. Brogie’s appointment, you could argue, was determined by the fans, who shouted, ‘Brogie for manager’ all the way through a game at Hampden against Queens Park. And lo and behold, on the Monday after, he was the boss.

It’s fair to say Brogie had teething problems in his first few months in charge. Fleeting had put together a free flowing attacking side, but Brogie struggled to get the best from them, and Promotion was lost for that season. Season 1989-90 saw the first seeds of the magic he would work at the club. Only denied promotion on the last day, Brogie had built a team more than worthy to compete at a higher level. And the following season, this came to fruition. The spine of the team was brilliant,  with Mark McGeown in goals, Dougie Lawrie commanding things at the back, Vinnie Moore pulling the strings in midfield, and the deadliest duo up front since Brogan’s partnership with Gibson, Davie Lloyd and Joe Reid, the foundations were there for a great season. The Championship was won, and for the 1^st time in 10 years, Stirling Albion would be playing 1^st Division football. Understandably, the fans were elated.

Stirling survived 3 seasons in the First Division under Brogan, during which time, we were without question, the best part-time team in the country. Officially, Brogan never relegated us; as league re-construction forced us into the new look 2^nd Division. The Albion board had higher ambitions, and Brogie was sacked to realise the dream of full time football.

Brogan’s legacy will never be forgotten by the fans who attended in these years. He was always appreciative of the backing the supporters gave the team, and even today, still looks out for the team’s results. The term ‘Legend’ is an overused word in footballing circles, but it’s one that fits John Brogan to a tee.