Stirling Albion skipper confident side can ride wave of title success as League One season kicks off

Paul McLean believes Stirling Albion can continue to ride the positive wave of their league success as they aim for a fast start against Edinburgh City in their League One opener.

The Binos take on the capital side tomorrow (Saturday) on an afternoon where the Albion skipper will help to unfurl their champions flag for winning League Two last season.

It has been a close season mainly built around adding to the core of that title-winning side, with Mark Weir, Lewis Milne and Dale Hilson representing the only incomings for manager Darren Young.

But despite the step-up, McLean (pictured) believes performances such as their stunning 4-0 away win at St Johnstone in the Viaplay Cup last weekend demonstrate the capacity for Stirling to compete.

The 33-year-old – who claimed his second and third goals of the young season at McDiarmid Park – said: “We came off last season really positive and we’ve just continued that heading into this year so that’s all we can do and just keep that going.

“Everyone is coming into training with a buzz, the banter and everything is brilliant.

“I’m 33 now and I’ve been in a lot of changing rooms and this one is right up there for the best I’ve been in.

“It’s half the battle at part-time, I tell some of the young guys that, if you come in and want to come to training, then that’s half the battle at this level. It’s maybe different at full-time, but at part-time, you just want to come in, do your hard work, go on a Saturday and enjoy it.”

The Citizens will provide an interesting litmus test ahead of the season, having enjoyed an excellent start to last season and sitting in the promotion play-off positions before falling away in the final third of the season.

The Binos produced a perfect away