Can that Friday feeling be topped? Well, Stenhousemuir thinks it can!
Warriors, what better way to start your weekend than introducing you to not one, but two new signings- a double header for today! Please welcome Archie Graham and Oliver Simpson to the Warriors family.
Both youngsters caught the attention of Gary during our Stirlingshire Cup games, with both players showcasing their quality and confidence. As a result of their positive performances, both have signed a two-year deal with the club.
Strengthening our back line is Archie Graham
The 21-year-old joins the club after an eight-year spell at Queen’s Park, where he made his way up through the youth system before joining their B team. Having played just eight games over his career, Archie has already shown qualities that embody the Warriors’ spirit: confidence on the ball, a level head under pressure and a willingness to drive on, as displayed in our Stirlingshire Cup games.
Speaking on his switch to the Warriors, Archie expressed the excitement of linking up with the squad:
“I’m really excited for the opportunity; I’m looking forward to it. Everybody has been really great with me; they’ve been very welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed my time so far.”
Bolstering our defence even further is left back Oliver Simpson
Oliver, who is no stranger to Stenhousemuir having played in our youth set up, also made a positive impression throughout our Stirlingshire Cup campaign displaying his willingness on the ball and a sharp mentality out of possession.
The 18-year-old made the switch to Dundee Untied where he featured twice for the Under 18s team with both appearances coming in the Challenge Cup. Keen to continue to further his career, Oliver made the shift back to his roots.
Oliver shared his delight in returning to Stenhousemuir and a positive outlook for the season ahead:
“I’m absolutely delighted to have joined the club; ever since I came in it’s been great. The players and staff have been great.
“There is a lot for me to learn here and I’m looking forward to the season ahead. I’ve really enjoyed the step up to men’s football.
Manager Gary Naismith shared his delight in bolstering our defensive efforts:
”As a club I feel that we have been quite successful in our recruitment of players from the lower leagues or younger players that have been released by full time clubs and I am hoping that we can continue that success with the signings of both Archie & Oliver.
“Archie is a 20 year old central defender who was previously with Queen Park and gained valuable experience during his loan spell at Darvel last season. Martin Christie notified me about his availability and after training with us on Thursday of last week, Archie appeared in all 3 of our Stirlingshire Cup games and did very well. He is quick, strong, good in the air and is comfortable playing in a back 3 or a back 4 and is someone who I believe will only get better the more he plays and develops.
“Oliver is another player who was brought to my attention by Martin although he is a little bit younger than Archie at only 18. I went to watch the PFA exit trial game and I thought Ollie was one of the best players on the pitch and invited him in for pre season training. Since he has been in with us, he has shown a good attitude and work rate and is someone who has shown glimpses of his abilities whilst he has been on the pitch over the last 3 games. He is a left sided player with good pace who can play in a few positions and is someone who I feel we can really help to develop over the next season or two.”
Head of Football Operations, Martin Christie, was delighted to seal the signatures of two such promising talents:
“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Archie and Ollie to the club. A really important part of our plan for Stenhousemuir is to have a continual stream of talented, young players that we have been able to identify and give a chance to. In my time here, we’ve been able to have players like Kinlay Bilham, Ross Taylor and Corey O’Donnell come in from different areas of the pyramid and become vital members of the 1st team squad and we hope Archie and Ollie can do the same.
“Archie was at Queens Park and we noticed his excellent and consistent displays for Darvel while he was there on loan last season. We continued to monitor him, watching him numerous times during a season that culminated in him winning Darvel Players Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. A strong centre back, we hope to continue his development as he provides competition for our current centre backs.
“Ollie has been a consistent performer in the Dundee Utd youth sides and also had a successful loan spell last season. Having watched him for a while, he is a dynamic, modern full back who we think has the potential to develop further and become and important part of the squad. At 18, he is an excellent age to come in and develop under the watchful eye of our coaching staff.”
Warriors, with two such promising young talents ready to give their all for Stenhousemuir, we hope you will join us in welcoming them to the club and look forward to seeing them in action as the season begins.
