UPSTAIRS in the Castle Suite at Forthbank Stadium on Saturday night, Stirling Albion fans nurse pints and wait patiently for the manager of the moment.
Along the corridor in a deserted boardroom, the club’s chairman Stuart Brown is treating himself to a bottle of Budweiser and pondering the impact their rookie gaffer has made in little over three months.
The Binos are bouncing again and Kevin Rutkiewicz is the spark for a revival which has banished any fears of being involved in a fight for SPFL survival, with fans now glancing towards the teams in the top four.
“I think it would be difficult to quantify in words,” reflects Brown on Rutkiewicz’s work so far. “He has just been a total breath of fresh air.”
Two Peter MacDonald goals either side of a Tommy Muir strike and Dominic Docherty’s red card earned 10-man Stirling a 2-1 victory over Annan Athletic on Saturday, their third success in a row, and nudged Rutkiewicz’s win rate up to 50 per cent.
The 38-year-old replaced Dave Mackay in October and is already earning a reputation as an engaging, enthusiastic, forward-thinking figure determined to grab his first chance in management with both hands.
Brown said: “He has re-energised everybody and he lives and breathes football. It’s all positive during the game from Kevin and the boys have responded to him.”
Stirling have been owned by the club’s supporters’ trust since 2010, when Brown first became involved, and this is their fourth season in League Two.
The 66-year-old, who grew up near the club’s old Annfield ground, said: “It’s time to get out of it but we have to accept six or seven other teams are thinking the same way.”
Running a part-time club remains a challenge with wins bringing an overwhelming sense of relief but defeats keenly felt.
Brown said: “When you lose it means more. You think of the financial consequences.
“I’d have to say that I probably don’t enjoy the game as much as I used to as it has a different meaning. Two or three defeats in a row could see you lose 50 to 60 people through the turnstiles.
“But on Sunday morning when I’m washing the kit, because that’s my job, it will be a good feeling. We're here because we’re passionate but it is hard work.”
It’s standing-room only as Rutkiewicz arrives, suited and booted, with No.2 Martin Hardie and captain Ross McGeachie to take questions from punters.
The three points are in the bag and the winning run has been extended. Rutkiewicz rules at Stirling and the fans have bought their tickets for the ride.
The Forthbank matchday lowdown...
PROGRAMME:
£2 for 28 glossy, full-colour pages. The Albion is a quality production with loads of club news and stats. The Big Picture of a scenic football image is a nice feature.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Steak pie was okay at £4 with a cup of tea.
ATMOSPHERE:
Good turnout of Stirling fans who made sure Peter MacDonald knew how much they adore him.
TICKETS:
It’s £13 for adults with concessions £9 and Under-16s a fiver. Under-12s get in for free.
TRAVEL:
Forthbank is just off the A91 and close to the M9. Parking is available at ground or Springkerse retail park. It’s a fair walk from the railway station so nip to stance 1 at the bus station or get a taxi.
CLUB SHOP:
In the main stand just as you come through the turnstiles with kit, scarves and “Bino bears”.
ONE TO WATCH:
Danny Jardine is a useful player in Binos’ midfield.
