Glasgow Rangers 1-1 Albion Rovers. Scottish Cup Quarter Final. Ibrox Stadium. 09.03.14

“We went to Ibrox stadium for our Scottish Cup quarter final with an Ally McCoist managed Rangers. The word was that McCoist would be relieved of his position if Rangers lost, and lo’ and behold they drew level with a very dubious (illegal) goal awarded with 12 minutes remaining by a dubious referee, thereby saving Ally’s bacon. These guys show the passion following the Rovers goal. The experience was spine tingling even though we were targeted by coin throwing morons in the stand above. No wonder nobody likes them.” 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.