Stirling Albion new boy ready to help Binos with New Year boost after warm family welcome

It’s fair to say that the last few months have been difficult for Callum Crane – but Stirling’s new signing is ready to put that behind him to help a Binos revival in the New Year.

The ex-Hibs kid has racked up more than 170 appearances across Leagues One and Two in his career, turning out for sides including Raith Rovers, Alloa Athletic and Berwick Rangers.

Most recently, the 27-year-old has spent the last four and a half seasons turning out for Edinburgh City, playing a key part in their journey out of the bottom division and into the third tier.

But the capital club’s recent financial misfortunes have forced many of their first-teamers out of the door over concerns about getting paid – and Stirling were quick to swoop for the left-sided Crane.

Speaking to the Observer, Crane admitted the Binos put out all of the stops to secure his signature after what has been a challenging period for him and his family.

He said: “Everything happened really unexpectedly with Edinburgh City and then pretty much as soon as I had left City, I heard that Stirling were interested and they said that I could come in and use the facilities at the club even if I wasn’t signing for them.

“They also really looked after my family, which is a massive thing for me and was a real driving force because they made us all feel so welcome.

“I was at the game against Annan and had my little girl and boy with me and even just the club putting things on for my daughter, I never saw her the whole second half so it feels like a proper family club.”

On the pitch, it has also been a frustrating period for Crane, with the Citizens first-team regular being sidelined with injury since November 11.

But the versatile Crane – who can turn out at left back, left