Former Aberdeen star lands coaching role as Albion Rovers confirm first signings for new season

Albion Rovers have announced their first additions to the squad for the Lowland League campaign.

Midfielder Michael Paton has extended his spell at the club after joining last season and takes on a player-coach role at Cliftonhill, assisting boss Sandy Clark and No. 2 George Paterson.

Defender Adam Fernie has also committed his future to the club, extending his stay by a further year.

Rovers started back for pre-season yesterday and went into the week with only one signed player in striker Joe Bevan, who had joined last term on an 18-month deal.

Last week Clark revealed he was finding it difficult to attract players after the club's relegation to the fifth tier, but he has now added a couple of players to his ranks and more will follow in the coming days.

Paton, who was player-boss at Highland League Brechin City when they were in League Two a couple of years ago, said: "It wasn't really hard decision. I'm delighted to back involved and I feel as if last season came a wee bit too early for myself, as I was coming back from injury.

"I feel I owe the club a wee bit for looking after me, after getting my operations, so I'm delighted to get this over the line and get the new season started.

"On a personal note, I felt this was a good opportunity for me to take on. I spoke to the manager and he feels I'm ready for it as well.

"I had a wee spell of that at Brechin, so to still play and have a foot in teh coaching side of it is something I'm looking forward to.

"I've known Sandy since I was about 15 or 16 years old so I know him really well. The clubs I've been at with Sandy have always had real success - that's from being a kid at Aberdeen pushing for the first team, all the way to Dunfermline and Queen of the South.

"I've