Albion Rovers 1-1 Arbroath. Cliftonhill Stadium. 25.04.15

“A full house at Cliftonhill where Rovers were presented with the League Championship Trophy. It was a busy day when we were receiving the Championship trophy. A club like Rovers rarely win anything so prestigious so this was a day to work hard and record as many moments as possible. These boys were watching the game over the wall at the north west side of Cliftonhill and had their feet wedged into worn brick holes, not floating in some spiritual football dream.” Iain McLean

Originally from East Kilbride, south of Glasgow, freelance photographer Iain McLean describes himself as “instinctively a Celtic fan”. But disillusioned with the big business feel of such a major club, McLean turned his attention towards Albion Rovers in the year 2000 and has followed them ever since.

Inspired by their role in the community, McLean has become a regular visitor to the Lanarkshire club’s Cliftonhill Stadium home, documenting their fortunes for over 20 years.

He has been with them and their fans on Cup runs that took in Rangers and Celtic, as well as focusing on the hard times of deserted stadiums and strictly enforced restrictions in the aftermath of Covid.

Lower Block is privileged to offer a a selection of Iain’s photographs as quality prints.

Photographs come as Archival Giclée prints with a pearl finish as standard, guaranteeing quality reproduction, at a range of sizes.