Robbie Foster is targeting a return before the end of the season after spending the campaign so far on the sidelines.
The striker has been a regular in the stand at Stair Park and is pleased to see his team-mates doing well.
Already, he is on the road to recovery and has not ruled out being available in the second half of the season.
He said: “It is a long recovery.
“People have probably seen me walking round about the ground but they don’t realise and appreciate the time we have to put in to get back to running.
“For me, jogging, I am not at that stage yet.
“I wish it was sooner and wish I could be back running and helping the boys.”
Foster had returned to pre-season looking to build on a debut campaign in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).
That included a goal against Stirling Albion and he was looking sharp in the early training sessions.
Unfortunately, injury would strike and rule the former Huntly man out for much of the campaign.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s KDM Evolution Trophy tie with St Mirren B, he said: “I ruptured my Achilles in the third session of pre-season.
“I had an operation a couple of weeks after that and I am just on the mend now.
“There is still a long journey and I know it takes a lot of time to get back playing but that is my plan so I can help the team out.”
Two weeks in a cast was followed by more than a month in a special moon boot and then time on crutches.
Now, Foster is back at training and strengthening his leg as he looks to get closer to returning.
But it was not just on the pitch that the injury impacted upon the 25-year-old.
He said: “I was not able to work for a while since the injury.
“I have only just started back.
“Even showering and doing things at home – I was not able to cook for myself.
“It was very tough, both physically and mentally.
“Getting shopping and things like that but thinking about it now and how I dealt with it, it was crazy.
“I am just grateful I can do things for myself and I know there is always someone in a worse situation.”
Last five games
Stranraer
- DRAW v Clyde (A): 0-0
- WIN v Forfar Athletic (H): 3-1 (Dolan (Pen), Edgar and Lang)
- WIN v Glenafton Athletic (H): 4-0 (Dolan, Own goal, Hunter and Edgar)
- WIN v Edinburgh City (A): 1-3 (Ecrepont x2 and McManus)
- DRAW v Queen of the South (H): 1-1 (Turay)
St Mirren B
- LOSS v Kelty Hearts (A): 2-1 (Douglas)
- LOSS v Hamilton Academical (A): 3-1 (Lavery)
- DRAW v Annan Athletic (A): 2-2 (Calvin and Thompson (Pen))
- WIN v Alloa Athletic (A): 2-3 (Mooney, Taylor and Calvin)
- LOSS v Dumbarton (A): 4-2 (Mooney and Taylor)
Last time out
Stranraer
Lineup v Clyde: Lane, Ecrepont, Reid, Rough, McKnight, Gillies (Plank 62), Stuart, Quigg, Russell (Sharp 81), Lang (Dunne 89), Edgar (Lewis Hunter 62).
Not used: Coll, Hughes, Dolan and Henderson.
St Mirren B
Lineup v Kelty Hearts: Mullen, Penman (Lavery 46), Clark, Falconer (Farquhar 78), Lyle Hunter, Hutchinson, McEvoy, Thompson, Hodgkiss (Stoddart 72), Calvin, Douglas.
Not used: Barr, Morrow, Rehman, Kiely and Innes.
Five facts
1. Stranraer have never played St Mirren B before but have, of course, played the club’s first team. The last meeting came at Stair Park in July 2017 when the visitors emerged 4-1 winners. Gavin Reilly, Ross Stewart, Lewis Morgan and Gregor Buchanan all found the net – but only after Scott Agnew scored for the home team.
2. Dom Plank came off the bench away to Clyde last weekend and replaced his fellow Hearts loanee Matthew Gillies. That was the first time that a loan player had replaced a loan player in a Stranraer game since Elliot Dunlop (on loan from Airdrieonians) replaced Max Guthrie (on loan from Ayr United) in April’s win over Edinburgh City.
3. Man of many clubs Paul Kinnaird spent the end of the 1990s at Stair Park. He clocked up more than 50 appearances after joining from Ayr United. He would move on to Ross County. Among his other clubs were Dundee United, Motherwell, St Mirren and Partick Thistle. He also began his career at Norwich City while also having spells at Shrewsbury Town and Scarborough. He turns 59 on Tuesday.
4. Chris Aitken’s side are currently five games without defeat. The last time they reached six contests unbeaten was in 2020/21. That run actually stretched to 11 games.
5. The goalless draw with Clyde last weekend was the first clean sheet in the league this season for the Blues. They have kept clean sheets against Glenafton Athletic (Scottish Cup), Motherwell B (KDM Evolution Trophy) and Edinburgh City (Premier Sports Cup).
Admission
Admission in the Eco Gen Stadium at Stair Park is ‘pay at the gate’ only. Season tickets are not valid for cup ties.
Away fans can enter the ground from the away turnstile opposite the main stand. This turnstile is cash only.
Reduced pricing applies:
- Adult £12
- Concession (65+) £6
- Youth (5 to 16) £3
- Under 5s FREE
Merchandise
Stranraer FC merchandise is available from the hut outside the main McLeans Taxis Stand, including pin badges and key rings, all three of this season’s brand new Adidas kits, hats, scarves, new leisurewear, and some great bargains on last season’s items.
Cash and card payments are accepted.
You can also purchase a range of merchandise online.
Pavilion Bar
Pop into our popular Pavilion Bar outside the away turnstile for a pre-match refreshment with fellow fans.
Home, away and neutral supporters are welcome, and the bar accepts both cash and card.
Or, stop off at the Stranraer FC Fitba’ Bar on North Strand Street in the town centre, which is also open to all.
Podcast
Check out the latest episode of club podcast Look Blues Talking for a preview of Tuesday’s game, along with all the talking points from Stair Park.
Coverage
If you’re further afield, follow our live matchday updates on X (formerly Twitter).
The manager’s post-match reaction will be available on YouTube following the game.
Club 1870 subscribers get a first look at the goals, along with full match footage, and extended highlights will be available via YouTube on Wednesday afternoon.
Photos: Bill McCandlish
