Albion's ambitions
David Knox • Published 18 Jul 2012 09:30
THEY are the newest team in the Borders - and they'll be happy just to survive a season.
Abbotsford Albion were accepted into the ever-growing Border Amateur set up last month.
The Tweedbank-based team, who have taken their name from their favourite pub, are mainly made up of work colleagues at Selkirk company, Spark Energy.
Their manager, Graham Godsell, admits his side will likely finish the season at the bottom of the C Division.
But what they lack in quality they make up for in team spirit. Godsell told us: "I'm really not all that bothered about where we finish in the league - it's more important this season that we all stick together and enjoy our football. If we are bottom of the league and still here next year I'll take that.
"If we can get the first season under our belts we'll start building on what we've got."
The opening of the 3G pitch at Netherdale was the catalyst for the Abbotsford Albion's formation.
Having already organised his work's team to play other local companies, he booked the all-weather surface for Friday night knock-abouts.
And within a few weeks he had around 25 or 26 regular players turning up for a game. He added: "When you have that number of boys - and some of them pretty good - turning up for a game it just seemed logical to start a proper team. A few of us drunk in the Abbotsford Arms and they kindly offered to support us, so that's where the name came from."
While most managers are struggling to build up their squads, Godsell hasn't had too many problems already attracting 16 signatures with a further four or five players about to put pen to paper as well.
Albion captain Dave Pearson, who jointly founded the team, added: "The squad is building every week and there's a really good spirit amongst them."
Abbotsford Albion continue their pre-season warm-ups with a game against Hawick United at their home Tweedbank pitch. They travel to Lauder for a Collie Cup clash on August 11 before facing fellow new-boys Biggar the following week in their first league game.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 18 Jul 12
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