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Albion Rovers (5th tier)

Reigart Stadium

Capacity: 1,572 (Seated 489)
Club Nickname: Wee Rovers
Year Opened: 1919
Pitch Size: 110 x 72 yards
Address: Main St, Coatbridge, ML5 3RB
Phone: 01236 606 334
Pitch Type: Grass
Fax: 01236 606 334
Undersoil Heating: No
Home Kit: Yellow and Red
Last Update: May 16, 2024

From the outside Reigart Stadium looks interesting as from the roadside the bright colours and raised elevation of the Main Stand, certainly catch the eye. However on the inside you quickly see why the ground is is not one of the better in the League having only two sides open to spectators for matches. On one side is the small Main Stand, which is a strange looking affair, as at some point it has had an extension to its roof bolted onto the front. It has wooden seating to the rear and terracing to the front, with several supporting pillars which may impede your view. However, the terraced paddock is no longer in use. Opposite is the reasonably sized covered Albion Street Terrace. This terrace runs about half the length of the pitch. Again, this simple stand has several supporting pillars. It is a pity that this terrace has been closed for a number of years now due to safety concerns. In 2015 a small open terrace was constructed at the Airdrie End of the ground, whilst the opposite West End is unused. There is a cinder track that runs around the playing surface and at one time the ground was also used for speedway meetings as well as greyhound racing. The stadium is also overlooked by a number of residential properties located above the Albion Street side.

Dave McIntosh  adds; ‘The current floodlighting system in place at Cliftonhill, originally came from Cardiff Arms Park when it was demolished to make way for the Millennium Stadium’.

In 2018 the Cliftonhill Stadium was renamed the Reigart Stadium in a three-year corporate sponsorship deal.

Albion Rovers have announced their intention to leave Cliftonhill Stadium and move to a new 3,000 capacity ground. The Club are currently investigating possible locations for the new stadium, including one at Whifflet, which is close to the site of the old Rovers ground which they played at between 1884 & 1919 before they moved to Cliftonhill. The proceeds of the sale of Cliftonhill would be used to finance the new ground.

Away fans are housed in part of the Main Stand at one side of the pitch. Stefan a visiting fan from Germany adds; ‘When I was there, they played East Stirlingshire. There was no trouble at all with visiting fans and the fans of both clubs were mixed in the together in the Main Stand. The stand itself had a nice small bar at the back of it, which I enjoyed before the game. On the whole there was a very welcoming atmosphere at Cliftonhill’. However, fans are now normally segregated in the Main Stand.

 

Michael Cooper informs me; “There is a bar at the stadium itself which is aptly named ‘The Rovers Return’. However, this bar doesn’t open for every match, only the more high profile ones when a larger attendance is expected. The nearest pub to the stadium is called ‘Owens Bar’, where away fans are welcome. Owens Bar can be found a five minute further down the A89 towards Airdrie, by the fire station.

Leave the M74 at Junction 5 at take the A725 towards Coatbridge. Continue on the A725 into the centre of Coatbridge and on reaching a large traffic island (where you can see the floodlights of the ground up on the right), turn right onto the A89 towards Airdrie. The ground is a short distance down this road on the left. Street Parking.

The nearest railway station is Coatdyke, which is about a ten minute walk away from the Cliftonhill Stadium. As you come out of the station bear left and proceed up Quarry Street. Continue over the crossroads (with a shop on one corner) and after about a quarter of a mile a church on your right. At the end of Quarry Street turn left onto Muiryhall Street and then turn right onto Main Street. Pass the Fire Station on the left and then Owens Bar. Continue along the Main Street and you will reach the stadium on your right.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

All Areas Of The Ground:
Adults £13
Concessions £7
Under 16’s £2 (Proof of age may be required)

Official Programme £2.

Albion Rovers FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Airdrieonians.

If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.

Record Attendance 

27,381 v Glasgow Rangers
Scottish Cup 2nd Round, 8th February 8th, 1936.

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 286 (League Two)
2017-2018: 457 (League One)
2016-2017: 450 (League One)

If you require hotel accommodation in Glasgow then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Official Web Site: www.albionroversfc.co.uk
Unofficial Web Site: www.albionrovers.com

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Special thanks to Ian Howitt and Geoff Jackson for providing a photo of the Cliftonhill Stadium Albion Rovers. Check out Geoff’s Cumbrian Groundhopper blog.

Reviews

Avatar of Niels Horsewood (Neutral) Niels Horsewood (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Stenhousemuir
League 2
Saturday, 9th November 2019, 3pm
Niels Horsewood  (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Reigart Stadium?
 
I have never been and decided on the day to go. I love away days and visiting new grounds.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
Bus into Glasgow then a train to Coatdyke. Followed the directions from this site, pretty straight forward.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
Stopped in Owens bar for a quick pint as mentioned on here. Highly recommend, decent pint though a bit limited for ale fans. Plenty of TVs showing footy. A few Stenny fans were in there.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Reigart Stadium?
 
You can just see the floodlights as you walk down then come to the main entrance. Programme seller out front and centre which was good, usually have to hunt them out at some games. Nice old fashioned turnstiles and only £13 to get in. Away fans were directed to the right of the stand. The ground is very run down but I've been to worse. The closed terraced stand opposite where the dugouts are must have been quite impressive in its heyday. There is a small concrete terrace to the right with a few hardy away supporters, it was about -2 in temperature. The opposing end was a grass wasteland with two ball boys stationed to venture into the undergrowth after some wayward shooting.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
I stood in the home end for the first half. There was a fair bit of banter between the Albion diehards. Swapped “ends” for the second half after being fed an watered for £3, consisting of a scrummy sausage roll and a Bovril. I went into the seats at the back of the stand as the temperature dropped further. The game itself was quite entertaining, with both teams in the bottom half of the table. Rovers scored first, with Stenny equalising before another melee in the away box led to Rovers second. Stenhousemuir put more pressure on in the second half, with Albion having a few breakaway chances to finish the game off, but their shooting just gave the ball boys a chance to wander into the jungle behind the goal to retrieve the ball. A great save by the home keeper and a brilliant goal line clearance made sure Albion got the three points and leapfrogged Stenhousemuir in the league.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Straight down the steps and out. Back to the station in about ten minutes for the train back to Glasgow.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Nice wee trip, though exceptionally cold, Baltic as they say up here.
Avatar of Rob Hope (Neutral) Rob Hope (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Elgin City
Scottish League Division 2
Saturday 5th October 2019, 3pm
Rob Hope (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
I had been to Coatbridge a number of times recently for family reasons and we had driven past the ground so that had whetted my appetite. On one recent visit my partner and I visited Summerlee, an industrial heritage centre nearby and we came across an exhibition dedicated to Albion Rovers. What really caught my eye was a series of black and white photographs taken by a local photographer and Rovers fan which captured the experience of being around a match day. Not the action on the park so much as fans walking down the stairs at the end of a game. Very evocative. I purchased one of the photo books containing these photos and I thought that next time I came up it would be great to see Rovers play.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I was staying with friends close by so it was fine.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We'd had a busy morning so we got to the game 10 minutes or so before the start. We did have a macaroni pie at the club's tiny cafe which was great actually. I love macaroni pies. The fans were great. They care about their club but humour is close to the surface with a wag in particular who stood out. A wry commentary accompanied the match which you couldn't help but smile at.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
I thought I'd been transported back 50 years. The ground is dilapidated. Only the Main Stand and behind one goal was open. However, this was what I expected and though I'm sure that Rovers fans would rather their ground was something more modern I enjoyed the no airs and graces feeling to it. It is what it is, no pretensions, a real throw-back. It was fantastic to be able to stand too. I'm a season ticket holder of an English Premier League team and 25 years on or so from going all-seater I really miss standing on the terraces.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
It was blood and thunder. What it lacked in finesse it made up for in heart and commitment. The quality was lacking at times for sure but 2 or 3 of the tackles were fair but bone-shaking. Rovers missed a great chance at 0-0 which they regretted as Elgin went on to dominate and deserved their 3-1 win. A late consolation for Rovers was nice to see but didn't mean much really.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
We were parked around the corner so it was no problem.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
I really enjoyed it. Rovers are a club with a heart and I hope they stay clear of the drop. It maybe a tight call. The upcoming Scottish Cup game against an even more beleaguered club in Fort William should be a belter. I'll be keeping a close eye on it.
Avatar of Mark Jones (Neutral) Mark Jones (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Clyde
Scottish League Division 2
Saturday 30th March 2019, 3pm
Mark Jones (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
Sadly there are few proper old unspoiled football grounds around these days. I'd seen photos of Cliftonhill many years ago in Simon Inglis' magnificent book and promised myself that one day I'd visit.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
The ground was very easy to find from Coatdyke Railway Station. My wife and I travelled up from Southern England and spent a long weekend in Edinburgh. From there it was only a 45 minute train-ride out to Coatdyke and a five-minute walk from there to the Cliftonhill Stadium.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I had a quick pint in Owens' pub just up the road from the ground, but it was pretty run of the mill. Then I went to the ground, paid my admission and went to the bar inside. The beer was good and very cheap! All Rovers supporters made me so welcome, I chatted to many of them, and it made the visit thoroughly worthwhile for me.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
I loved it! The ground is full of character. It is just a shame that the far side is closed. All the home fans watch from either the Main Stand of just in front of it. The away fans dominated behind the goal, but all seemed good-natured.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
I was very impressed. Old-fashioned football, in my opinion, the way it should be played. None of the tapping across the back four or constant back-passing as has blighted the English game, instead the far more attractive running at players, taking them on, beating the man, etc. As in the bar, EVERYONE I encountered was friendly, one lady at half-time asked me when I'd be coming back again. Sadly Rovers lost 1-0, leaving them in relegation difficulties, but I'd seen a thoroughly enjoyable game of football.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
A very easy walk back to the station. I hurried away at the final whistle as there was a train leaving within 10 minutes. By 6pm I was back with my wife in a pub in Edinburgh.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
I'll just sum up with one statement – I came as a neutral and left as a fan!
Avatar of Damian Purser (Neutral) Damian Purser (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Queens Park
Scottish League 2
Saturday 27th October 2018, 3pm
Damian Purser (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
This was stop number six on our mission to do all the Scottish league grounds and take in a game. A long way to come from Essex but always worthwhile trip for myself and my wife for a long weekend away. I'd seen Albion's ground on the TV years ago and it looked old and very much in need of sprucing up then, and the harsh reality is that upon seeing it now – not much has changed. But in truth I loved it! A Proper old school football ground that took me back to the good old days as a youngster visiting lower league English grounds with my beloved Leyton Orient. It makes me cringe to visit Arsenal or Milton Keynes with their padded seats. What is all that about?. 
 
I was hoping to visit and stand with the few hundred long-suffering die-hards, and enjoy a few beers in the supposed Rovers Return bar at the ground. This really is a club on its backside looking at back to back relegations that would see them drop out of the league altogether. I was looking forward to putting a few quid over the bar and buying a few souvenirs to say I've done my bit. Well, that was my intentions!
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
We were staying in Glasgow city centre, so it was only a 30 minute or so train journey from Glasgow central to Coatdyke. A short 10 minute or so walk up the main road and the Main Stand appears looming over the road as in the photograph on this website.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
As I mentioned we like to frequent the bars at any ground we visit if available. Same as anywhere really the smaller the club and its crowd the more friendlier the welcome. So after visiting and getting warm hospitable welcomes from Annan Athletic, Stenhousemuir and Inverness CT, (Annan's bar was particularly impressive). I couldn't wait to see what Albion had to offer. The usual plan is turn up for 12 midday and drink a good few pints and eat before going and enjoying a game of football. We get to the ground as planned to find the metal gates outside the main stand open. We walk in hoping to find somebody to guide us to the bar. 
 
Either side of the Main Stand are concrete steps that lead you up to either side of the stand itself, bringing you out roughly in line with each penalty area. I walked up one side and then across the front of the stand but nobody was around. The club shop was an old shed at one end of the ground by the corner flag and was locked up. I took the liberty of walking back to the start and entering the players entrance as this seemed to be the only way to get inside. I walked in, climbed the stairs amazed at how dated the décor was and how much the radiator seriously needed a good paint or better still replacing. I pushed open the door to the Jock Stein Suite followed by another couple of doors. Nobody! Not a living soul was around. I started to wonder where the bar was let alone anybody to serve at it. We made the decision to walk down to Owens Bar five minutes down the road and try and phone from there to see what was going on. Were we too early? I phoned and a gentleman answered only to tell me they have a temporary license and only use it on certain occasions. This wasn't one of those occasions. Perhaps they had no hospitality booked that day. We stayed in Owens bar until 2.30pm.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
As I mentioned earlier very dated but loved it. The Main Stand was used for supporters as well as one terrace at the Airdrie end of the ground. Only a few hundred fans there but all mixed. No segregation and no problems.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Albion Rovers had the week before been beaten by non-league Fortmartine in the Scottish Cup. Their manager had gone and the programme notes were all doom and gloom as the Chairman was stepping down claiming lack of facilities means lack of revenue. A supporters view in there was no better fearing that a play off with the winner of the Highland/Lowland winners showdown would be a non-event. Albion were doomed!
 
The match was one sided with Queens Park strolling to an easy 3-0 win. The Albion fans chatter was of resigned to the fact they were finished. Such a shame. I visited the club shop and a very nice training top caught my eye. It had Albion Rover football club plastered on the back and was of very good quality. Purchased with a couple of pin badges and my programme I felt better that my 40 quid was a little way towards doing my bit seeing as I couldn't put money over the bar. 
 
I did have to laugh at the poor ballboy who looked as if he'd been thrown out there by his mum.  She was a steward who obviously volunteered his services and convinced him he'd enjoy it who kept running up to him and tightening his scarf and giving him a cuddle. If he'd moved to collect the ball occasionally he wouldn't have been so cold. He gave up half way through the second half and just wandered around.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
As easy as getting there. No problems.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
A great day at a great ground. Cliftonhill Stadium is well worth a visit for your old school ground lovers.
Avatar of Norman Windrum (Neutral) Norman Windrum (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Stirling Albion
League 2
Saturday 29th September 2018, 3pm
Norman Windrum (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
Slowly but surely attempting to take in all the grounds in the Scottish Football Leagues, which is not easy as I live in Belfast.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
It was an easy ten minute walk from Coatdyke station to the ground.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I arrived at the ground pretty early and visited the club shop as I do on all my journeys. I found everyone I talked to very friendly
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
I was told beforehand that the stadium had seen better days, and while that is so, nevertheless it had a sort of quaint charm about it.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
I always spectate along with the home support, and the fans in my vicinity were passionate but respectful in their behaviour.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
I had to rush away to catch a train to Edinburgh and then to Tweedbank where my car was parked on holiday in the Borders.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
I really enjoyed my visit. More than I expected to be honest. Especially chuffed that I brought a bit of luck to Albion and witnessed their first win in the league this season.
Avatar of Andy James (Neutral) Andy James (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Airdrieonians
Scottish League One
Tuesday 2nd January 2018, 3pm
Andy James (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
I had never been to the Cliftonhill Stadium before despite living fairly locally, plus it was a derby game so I was looking forward to the atmosphere.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I got the train to Coatdyke Railway Station which was only about a 10 minute walk from the ground, very handy and easy to get to. The ground is also just a short walk from Coatbridge town centre as well if you happen to be coming from that direction.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We visited Owen's pub just across the road from the ground. It was a nice friendly pub with quite a few home fans in for their pre match pints. The home fans seemed quite friendly, away fans not so much, though it was a derby.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
Cliftonhill Stadium did seem quite rundown and old looking, but at the same time that added to the charm and atmosphere of the ground. The away stand was a small terrace behind the goal and was full on the day I visited, we were in the home end.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The game was a cracker, ended 2-2 with the Rovers scoring the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game. Airdrie fans in the away end were pretty rowdy, with flares and fans on the pitch at different points, but it made for some atmosphere. We didn't get anything to eat inside the ground (we went to the McDonalds located two minutes from the ground earlier) but the prices looked reasonable. The facilities were pretty basic, but I had expected that.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Getting away from the ground was quite easy as we went back over to Owen's pub, but the roads didn't seem too busy. The attendance was about 1000 for this game, much larger than normal, so can't imagine it would usually be a problem.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Loved it! It was proper old school football and seemed so far away from the big business of modern football today. We will 100% be back to support the Wee Rovers in the near future, we would now call ourselves Albion Rovers fans!
Avatar of Phil Graham (Raith Rovers) Phil Graham (Raith Rovers)

Albion Rovers v Raith Rovers
Scottish Football League One
Saturday 30th September 2017, 3pm
Phil Graham (Raith Rovers fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
Another new ground and chance to watch Raith Rovers again. I was also curious to see if Cliftonhill was as rustic as I imagined it to be.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
The journey to Coatbridge from Edinburgh took a lot longer than it should of due to the majority of trains out of Edinburgh being cancelled. So a couple of trains and a taxi from Cumbernauld later I made it to the ground in time for kick off.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I went straight into the ground on arrival. Matchday programmes cost £2 and were on sale outside.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
I went through the away turnstile and it cost £14 for an Adult. It was kind of pointless having separate home and away turnstiles as there was no segregation once inside. I made my way to the terracing behind the goal where most of the Raith Rovers fans where. It was a good view from here on a sunny but chilly day. I doubt Albion Rovers would ever be able at a higher level than Division One at Cliftonhill, due to the lack of facilities and capacity.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
A 2-1 loss for Raith due in no small part to a dreadful goalkeeping by Smith who tried a Cruyff turn with an inevitable result…. Food was reasonably priced at £2 a pie and £1 for Hot Drinks. The atmosphere was good amongst the Raith Fans who significantly outnumbered the sparse home crowd.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
It was an easy exit from the ground and a five minute walk to Coatdyke Station. Thankfully the trains were back running on time and I was back home in Edinburgh by 6pm.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was a disappointing result but a good day out at a real old school ground. Would I return? Maybe but probably not a day when the weather is bad! But Cliftonhill Stadium is a place I would recommend everyone go to at least once.
Avatar of Ian Howitt (Neutral) Ian Howitt (Neutral)

Albion Rovers v Dumbarton
Alan Reid Testimonial Match
Saturday 8th July 2017, 3pm
Ian Howitt (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
This game was a bonus as I was in Scotland for a weekend of speedway, which is my other sporting passion. Checking the fixtures I found that this was en route to the evening speedway meeting in Glasgow, thus it was perfect as it represented a new ground to tick off.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I went by train, alighting at Coatdyke which is a ten minute walk to Cliftonhill Stadium. It seemed most fans parked on the main road outside the ground.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I did not eat or drink before going into the ground. There were a couple of pubs nearby which looked a little unwelcoming. Inside the ground under the Main Stand is a bar which was very pleasant with very friendly folk enjoying a drink.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Cliftonhill Stadium?
 
It is fair to say that Cliftonhill Stadium has seen better days. Only the Main Stand and its terrace in front, together with a new small terrace behind one goal are used, the remaining side and end are out of bounds with the one end being overgrown. However, everything that remains and in use is cared for lovingly and it is a ground that oozes character. A nice touch is a wall of remembrance as you enter that has plaques dedicated to Albion Rovers followers who have sadly passed away.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
It was a typical friendly/testimonial match played in boiling sunshine but an entertaining game nonetheless that finished 1-1.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
It was an easy walk from the ground back up the hill to the railway station. The attendance was only around 200 at the game so no real problems in getting away.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Thoroughly enjoyable. I had been advised by many beforehand that Albion Rovers have a reputation for being a very friendly club and that really is the case. Everyone from supporters to those behind the (very sensibly priced) tea bar and the club shop was all smiles and happy to talk. With Cliftonhill Stadium being one full of old school charm, this is one I can highly recommend.