There will be no shortage of anticipation around Glebe Park this Saturday, as Cove Rangers represent testing opposition for City’s first match under a new manager.

Mark Wilson has been made to wait to take his place in the Glebe Park dugout for the first time owing to the international break, and the new man is understandably keen to get a first look at his new charges in competitive action – but knows the importance of getting off to a positive start:

Talking after training this week, Mark said: “I’m really excited about my first game, especially since it’s at home.  I’m grateful to the Club for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to being on the touchline during the game.  Some people have suggested I might have preferred an opening game against anyone other than the league leaders – but I don’t see it that way.  We’re up against an ambitious club who have invested heavily and are setting the early pace.  But a good result on our part could go a long way to building confidence amongst our players and changing our fortunes.”

Mark also commented on his connection to Cove Rangers Manager Paul Hartley.  “Paul and I played together at Celtic, and he also gave me my first coaching opportunity when he was manager at Alloa Athletic.  It’s just one of the odd things that football throws at you from time to time, to find that he’s in the away dugout on the same day as I’m in the home one for the first time.”

Mark has made no changes to the playing squad and is expected to have the majority available for selection with two exceptions: Sean McIntosh, who continues his recovery from broken metatarsals and is still “a wee bit away” and Jamie Reid, who is still working hard to regain full fitness after his injury against Albion Rovers.

Cove Rangers have so far carried their title-winning form of last season into this term, and Paul Hartley’s men currently sit top of the table with four wins and a draw from their five games. This will of course be the first ever league meeting of the two teams, although Brechin last hosted Rangers as recently as the 2016-17 season in the Challenge Cup. On that occasion City ran out comfortable 4-1 winners with a brace for Andy Jackson accompanying strikes for Finn Graham and Ross Caldwell. 

Among familiar names in the Cove Rangers ranks are Jamie Masson and Mitch Megginson, both of whom spent periods on loan at the Glebe from Aberdeen earlier in their careers, and Jamie Redman who spent the 2010-11 season with City. Meanwhile our own Paul McManus was part of Cove's successful squad last season.

OFFICIALS

Saturday’s referee is Graham Beaton, who will be assisted by Ross Haswell and Chris Hughes.

ADMISSION

Standard league admission prices apply for this fixture. They are as follows:

- Adult £13
- Concession £9
- Parent & Child £16 (+£2 for any additional school-age children)

The City Club bar, situated within the David H Will Stand will be open to both sets of supporters from 1pm and again following the game until approximately 8pm.

SPONSORSHIP

The match is kindly sponsored by ATMRC Ltd and we’re looking forward to welcoming Andy Edgar and the ATMRC guest party for their first taste of Glebe Park hospitality. The match ball has been sponsored by good friend of the Club Dean Greig - and we're grateful for his ongoing and valued support.

Supporters will also be able to enjoy some on-field match action during the half-time interval courtesy of Brechin City Youths FC.