New Stirling Albion striker hopes to pick up where he left off after leaving Binos as a boy

It’s back to where it all began for new Stirling Albion forward Ally Roy as he makes his return to Forthbank 10 years after leaving as a promising youngster.

The 26-year-old was a hotshot Binos prospect before leaving for Hearts in 2014, leading him on a career which has so far seen him turn up for a whopping 14 clubs.

The striker’s career has included stints with Morton, Partick Thistle and Airdrieonians, as well as stints in Ireland with Derry City, Sligo Rovers and Glentoran.

Last season, he was signed for Lowland League cracks East Kilbride and turned out eight times, scoring three before he was loaned out to Alloa in late September.

He went on to make 19 appearances for Andy Graham’s side in League One, with one of his five goals coming in the Wasps’ 2-0 win at Forthbank in November.

The new arrival spoke to the Observer as the Binos were put through their paces in a training session ahead of their pre-season matches.

Roy explained: “I was looking to see what suited best and didn’t want to jump into anything and then there was interest in me coming back after being here as a kid 12 years ago which appealed to me.

“It suited my family and my own situation, to spend more time with my wee boy as well as focusing on my football so I’m just happy to be back after a long time away.

“Starting out here is something that has stayed with me and my family and it was somewhere I really enjoyed and had positive memories.

“I went through all of the age groups relatively quickly and had a successful time here when I was younger and was touching a first-team place as a 16-year-old. It has always been in the mind and I enjoyed it so much, which means that I’m happy to be back and looking forward to the season.”

Roy will link up with a talented forward line which also includes fellow experienced forwards in Dale Carrick and Dale Hilson, as well as fellow new boy, Cameron McKinley from Stirling University.

The prospect of combining with his new team-mates was a big factor for the Northern Irish declared striker to sign for the season – and said he was left in sync with the plans of new Albion boss
Alan Maybury.

Roy added: “The manager spoke highly of his plans going forward and what he expects from me and those ambitions matched each other in terms of wanting to succeed.

“When you match the plans of someone like that, then it makes things a lot easier and allows you to move in the same direction and push on.

“I know both Dale Hilson and Dale Carrick – I’ve played with Dale Carrick at a couple of clubs actually so I know him well and had good times then and here’s hoping it will be the same here.

“The sooner we can get started the better and hopefully it will be a successful season ahead for the club.”