Stirling Albion will be disappointed following another season which promised much but failed to deliver as they finished in mid-table in League Two. Expectations for an immediate return to League One were high following relegation at the end of the 2014/15 season but manager Stuart McLaren failed to deliver as they ended the 2015/16 campaign in a disappointing 7th place. Midfielder Phil Johnston left for title favourites Clyde whilst striker Steven Doris re-joined Dick Campbell at Arbroath and the pressure was on McLaren during the summer. He acted quickly to capture the signing of striker Blair Henderson from Berwick Rangers but he scored just once in the league as the Binos made a disappointing start to the season and McLaren was sacked as manager by the end of September. Former St Johnstone defender Dave Mackay was appointed as his successor at the beginning of November but they found themselves bottom of the table a month later. Mackay brought in a number of experienced players but it was the signing of unknown striker Dylan Nguene Bikey on amateur terms which proved crucial as he scored nine goals in nine games to lift the team out of the trouble. He left to join Hearts at the end of January but a run of six straight victories in February and March ensured the Binos would avoid a relegation battle. They eventually finished in 6th place in League Two. Winger Darren Smith and Blair Henderson finished as joint-leading goalscorers with 12 in all competitions whilst Sean Dickson enjoyed an impressive season in the middle of the park. Goalkeeper Chris Smith was voted as player of the season again after another outstanding year between the sticks. Striker Ross Kavanagh is one of a number of promising youngsters and established himself in the first team. If Mackay can find the right balance between youth and experience they should be challenging for a play-off place next season.
