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Stirling Albion have had an incredible response to their GoFundMe appeal, which was launched on Wednesday.

A joint initiative between the club and the Supporters Trust, they saw their initial target of £10,000 reached within 24 hours and by Friday lunchtime that figure had passed £19,000, with former manager Greig McDonald and last season’s Player of the Year Calum Ferrie among those who have donated.

Chariman Stuart Brown said: “I’m absolutely blown away by the repsonse. Setting the money aside, it shows the true feeling people have for the club – not just Stirling Albion supporters but others in the community have made donations.”

He added: “Every penny that comes in will help put the club on a firm footing going forward.”

Between now and the end of the season, the Binos in theory have eight matches still to play – five of them at home - with the club missing out on attendances and hospitality.

On top of that, the club’s community engagement programme – kids’ classes and holiday camps – have been cancelled as was the annual fuindraising dinner.

The GoFundMe appeal was launched on Wednesday with a statement which read: “The club ceased to have any commercial revenue for season 2019/20 with immediate effect when football was shut down on March 13 by the Scottish football authorities. That negative commercial impact was further compounded by the necessary decision to cancel the planned annual fundraising dinner.

“Stirling Albion have a duty to act responsibly to ensure the wellbeing of our supporters and wider public health. We take that duty seriously and we have, and will, respect all advice and guidelines coming from government.

“As a fan-owned club, we can’t rely on any grand benefactors, so it is to our fans and our community that we must turn for financial support.

“Whilst measures and support received from the SFA, SPFL and government are welcomed, they do not completely address the financial shortfall that is engulfing us now and will do in the weeks and months to come.

“We recognise that individuals in our communities may be facing their own financial challenges but we ask that where you can, you consider contributing to our fundraising drive.”

The GoFundMe appeal can be found here.

Meanwhile, Stirling Albion are keen to do their bit for the local community during this difficult time and chairman Stuart Brown said: “The club board is acutely aware that we retain a duty of care to all our employees – management, coaches, players and staff – and we will continue to do everything in our power to deliver on that responsibility. We also want to maintain contact with our Binos family and our community at large, especially those living alone.

“ If you’re in that category or know someone that is, please get in touch and let us know through our e-mail address – office@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk – providing a contact number and we’ll be in touch; whether it to ensure essential supplies are delivered or just to have a chat.”

It’s 50 years ago this week that Stirling Albion beat Soviet touring side Kharkov Metallist in a historic match at Annfield. A goal from Joe Hughes was enough for victory.

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