Goalkeepers
Lewis Budinauckas
Brought in on loan from Rangers to provide competition for Martin McDonald.
Named on the bench in September as Stranraer went down 2-0 to Forfar Athletic. Handed his first Stranraer start the following week at Dumbarton and was given permission to play in Scottish Cup at Civil Service Strollers – where he was previously on loan. Trip to Christie Gillies Park brought first clean sheet for Stranraer as well. Helped club make it back-to-back wins as they then defeated Elgin City.
Increasingly grew in confidence as the season progressed and formed a solid partnership with his defence, particularly after the turn of the year. Stunning save to deny Robert Thomson in second leg of play-off final proved vital as Stranraer went on to win.
Returns to Ibrox all the better for 33 games, including in a competitive League Two and the two-legged play-off final.
- Appearances: 33
- Minutes: 3000
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Martin McDonald
One of Scott Agnew’s first signings of the close season as he made the step up from Hurlford United.
Eager to make the step up, the shotstopper made an impressive start. A clean sheet on his league debut at Elgin City was followed by a late mistake which allowed East Fife to equalise after Stranraer had been down to 10 men for nearly 80 minutes.
Bounced back with a second clean sheet against Clyde and helped Stranraer to a win over Peterhead. Forced off at Stenhousemuir but returned for the next game against Forfar Athletic. That would prove to be his final game for the club as Lewis Budinauckas became first choice goalkeeper.
Final appearance in a Stranraer squad was away to East Fife before he was released to join Ardrossan Winton Rovers.
- Appearances: 12
- Minutes: 1040
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
George O’Connor
An unused substitute in the first three games, 20-year-old O’Connor was brought off the bench for the final few seconds away to Kelty Hearts in July.
Played understudy to new signing Martin McDonald for the opening games. Replaced McDonald early in the second half at Stenhousemuir with Stranraer already 2-0 down thanks to goals from Matty Aitken and Gregor Buchanan. Could not help the visitors mount an unlikely comeback as Stenhousemuir won 5-0.
Loaned out to Kilwinning Rangers – managed by former Blue Chris Aitken – to gain vital experience, before being released at the end of the season.
- Appearances: – (2)
- Minutes: 40
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Andrew Downie
Regular back-up in 2022/23, during a campaign when Luke Scullion, George O’Connor and Matty Connelly wore the gloves.
An injury to Martin McDonald allowed Downie the chance to play the closing stages against Ayr United in pre-season. McDonald’s departure alongside O’Connor going out on loan saw Downie brought onto the bench.
First appearance in the squad came away to Civil Service Strollers in the Scottish Cup and he was a regular fixture in Scott Agnew’s matchday squads ever since. An unused substitute on the final day of the season and went on to enjoy his stag do later that night!
A loyal servant to Stranraer who will hope to get plenty of minutes this season as he challenges for the number one jersey at Creetown.
- Appearances: –
- Minutes: –
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Defenders
Sean McIntosh
Reliable full back was first choice right back for the majority of the season.
Captained the club against his former side Airdrie in the Scottish Cup but was unable to help Blues knock the Diamonds out.
That proved to be his final game of 2023 and he did not feature again until returning for the final 20 minutes as Stranraer thumped Dumbarton 5-0 under the lights at Stair Park. Again came off the bench at East Fife a couple of weeks later before regaining his place in the defensive line.
Saved his only goal of the season for an important occasion as he waltzed through the East Kilbride team to score a vital leveller in the first leg of the play-off at East Kilbride. Closing in on 100 appearances in a Stranraer shirt.
- Appearances: 27 (2)
- Minutes: 2467
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
Craig Ross
Third season with the Blues showed Ross back to his best.
Unlucky with an own goal on the opening day of the campaign, and was again unlucky as he was shown a red card after just nine minutes against East Fife in the first home league game of the season. Quickly settled though and became the most familiar face in Stranraer’s back four.
Scored the second to ensure progress against Civil Service in the Scottish Cup. Netted vital equaliser against Clyde in December and followed it up seven days later as he scored against Bonnyrigg Rose.
Just six yellow cards all season but more importantly found the goalscoring touch against East Kilbride in play-off final. Scored after header came back off the bar at K-Park and then headed home in extra time to send the bumper Stair Park crowd wild.
Right back or centre half, former Kilmarnock youngster showed exactly what he was capable of.
- Appearances: 42 (1)
- Minutes: 3696
- Goals: 6
- Assists: –
Kyle Girvan
Solid and dependable defender missed the opening game of the season against Ross County before settling into the back four.
Girvan kept up his record of only scoring in the Scottish Cup as he followed up last season’s goal against Fraserburgh with a header against Civil Service Strollers in October.
Struggled with injury on occasion and was forced off at half time against Spartans at the end of the year. Played more than 2700 minutes for the Blues before his season was cut short after the trip to East Fife towards the end of March. Back on the bench for the play-off final second leg and was among those enjoying themselves on the pitch at full time.
Yet to sign a new deal at Stair Park or move on.
- Appearances: 32
- Minutes: 2790
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
Cammy Williamson
Summer signing from Annan Athletic looked impressive in pre-season before suffering an injury against Ayr United.
Missed first three games of the League Cup because of that injury but came off the bench against Kelty Hearts in final group contest. Started the campaign then as first choice left back and was a regular in the team during the first half of the campaign.
Lost place in the team after defeat to Spartans in the capital but came on for the final nine minutes as Stranraer attempted to hold on to a 1-0 lead against the same opposition at Stair Park in February. Just eight of his 28 appearances came after the turn of the year.
Williamson provided the corner for Craig Ross’ memorable header in the 117th minute of extra time against East Kilbride.
Among those to have been released.
- Appearances: 23 (6)
- Minutes: 2119
- Goals: –
- Assists: 3
Finn Ecrepont
Loan signing last season returned on a permanent basis in January after departing Ayr United.
Ecrepont had played six games for the Honest Men but felt the time had come for a change of scenery. Quickly snapped up by Scott Agnew and, along with Chris McQueen, made his ‘debut’ at Borough Briggs on January 6.
Scored a goal that will live long in the memory when he lobbed Neil Parry from deep inside his own half to secure three vital points against Clyde in February.
Steady defender with a good delivery with his left foot, has already extended his deal to stay at Stair Park.
- Appearances: 16 (2)
- Minutes: 1409
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
Chris McQueen
New Year signing arrived at Stair Park from the K Park home of East Kilbride.
Solid, no nonsense defender was brought into the heart of the defence and partnered Kyle Girvan. McQueen’s debut came in the form of a controversial defeat at Elgin City, where the hosts were awarded two second half penalties. Kept Rory McAllister and Kieran Shanks quiet in home debut against Peterhead as Stranraer won 2-0. Named on the bench for trip to East Fife but was an ever-present thereafter.
Played a big role in the tense play-off final against his former club, including marshalling the defence superbly and a clearing tackle in extra time. Made a difference to porous defence on his arrival.
- Appearances: 20
- Minutes: 1830
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Blair Sneddon
Brought in to provide competition for Cammy Williamson at left back.
Financial struggles at Berwick Rangers opened the door for Sneddon to swap Shielfield for Stair Park. Came off the bench at Dumbarton for his debut and then started against Spartans at beginning of October. Unfortunately, played a role in the Edinburgh side’s winning goal in a seven-goal thriller but kept his place for defeats to East Fife and Stenhousemuir.
Came off the bench late on against Clyde and Bonnyrigg Rose as Stranraer picked up four vital points. Not helped by being cup tied and missing Civil Service Strollers and Airdrie games.
Returned to Berwick Rangers.
- Appearances: 3 (3)
- Minutes: 312
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Midfielders
Mackenzie Strachan
Signed on loan from Rangers alongside club mate Lewis Budinauckas.
Midfielder Strachan made his first appearance before Budinauckas as he came off the bench during the home defeat to Forfar Athletic in September. Brought into the team the following week when Stranraer travelled to Dumbarton but was part of a double change just after the hour mark with the Blues 3-1 down.
Substitute appearances against Civil Service Strollers and Elgin City followed before he was named in a stretched Stranraer midfield as future champions Stenhousemuir came to Stair Park.
Played final six minutes against Airdrie in the Scottish Cup and three minutes against Bonnyrigg Rose before returning to Ibrox.
- Appearances: 2 (5)
- Minutes: 184
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Ben Hughes
Summer signing from East Kilbride came off the bench for the final four minutes as Stranraer lost 5-1 to Ross County on the opening day.
Hughes then made his debut in the midweek League Cup tie with Greenock Morton and gained more minutes coming off the bench against Edinburgh City. Late sub against Elgin City, Bonnyrigg Rose and Peterhead was handed a start as a severely depleted Stranraer side travelled to Stenhousemuir. Played at left back and was brought off at half time.
Was then sent out on loan to Hurlford United – joining former Blues Sam Lidington, Jack Whittaker and Michael Mullen. 27 appearances for the West of Scotland Football League side and one goal as well.
Returns to be part of the squad again.
- Appearances: 3 (7)
- Minutes: 241
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Josh Walker
Looked impressive under Scott Agnew as the season came to a close and Stranraer pushed clear of potential relegation.
Forced off injured in the opening game of the season against Ross County and was unavailable for the remaining League Cup ties. Started league game against Bonnyrigg Rose in August and kept his place for contests with Clyde, Peterhead and Stenhousemuir.
Found minutes hard to come by and made last start for the club away to Dumbarton at the end of September.
Made the switch along the A75 to Annan Athletic in January and clocked up a further 15 appearances. Scored last minute winner against Hamilton Academical and against Cove Rangers in 4-2 win as the Galabankies stayed up. Was among those cheering on Stranraer in the play-off final but future lies away from Stair Park after making 93 appearances in a Blue shirt.
Joined League One Queen of the South.
- Appearances: 7 (11)
- Minutes: 548
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Scott Robertson
Player/coach scored Stranraer’s first goal of the season when he nodded home James Dolan’s cross against Ross County on the opening day.
Turned provider when he crossed in for Tom Orr to score against Peterhead and also provided the cross for Ben Armour to find the net against Dumbarton at the end of September.
Found the net in the Scottish Cup at Civil Service Strollers to wrap up the scoring and celebrated with a forward roll.
Played in midfield and defence over the course of the season and provided the pass for Dolan to score a vital goal at Clyde in a 2-2 draw.
36 year old has now made 365 appearances for the club and stepped into the role of assistant manager with Peter Weatherson’s departure. Could yet add to his appearance total over the coming season.
- Appearances: 33 (3)
- Minutes: 2920
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 3
Grant Gallagher
Skipper featured in three of the four League Cup games and helped Stranraer get off to a solid start in the league with a win at Elgin and hard fought point against East Fife.
Unfortunately, the game against the Fifers looked as if it could spell the end of his season after he was forced off after just two minutes of the second half.
Did not feature again until the beginning of March when he got the last 16 minutes in the 5-0 win over Dumbarton. Two more substitute appearances followed before returning to the team against East Fife. Gradually got his match sharpness back and, of course, scored stunning volley in play-off final with East Kilbride.
Ten seasons with the Blues has brought 309 appearances (297 starts) and 14 goals.
- Appearances: 13 (3)
- Minutes: 1194
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
Dean Hawkshaw
Featured in three of the opening cup games but injury saw his first league appearance of the campaign delayed until October.
That came off the bench at Bayview Stadium before starting in the Scottish Cup at Christie Gillies Park, where his free-kick led to the opening goal. Became a regular throughout November, December and January before a health scare at home to East Fife saw him again forced onto the sidelines.
Did not appear again until the end of March when Stranraer picked up a vital point at home to Bonnyrigg Rose.
Featured throughout the closing weeks of the season and was involved in Sean McIntosh’s vital goal at K Park.
- Appearances: 17 (8)
- Minutes: 1517
- Goals: –
- Assists: 2
Dylan Forrest
Combative midfielder proved a vital part of the Stranraer midfield as he played in 41 of the club’s 45 games.
Had already picked up six yellow cards before he scored an important penalty against Elgin City after just four minutes on November 4.
Increasingly became an integral part of Scott Agnew’s squad and enjoyed a memorable night against Dumbarton. Waltzed through the visiting defence to score a contender for goal of the season before then finding Deryn Lang for the final goal in the 5-0 triumph.
Sent off at home to Elgin in March but returned from suspension to cement his place at the heart of midfield.
Moved on to Peterhead at the end of the campaign after making more than 75 appearances in a Stranraer shirt.
- Appearances: 40 (1)
- Minutes: 3592
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 1
Matty Grant
Injury-disrupted season, but the energetic midfielder still made 33 appearances during the campaign.
Featured against Ross County and Greenock Morton but his first league appearance did not come until a 4-0 thumping from East Fife in October. On the scoresheet against Elgin City, when he somehow evaded some half-hearted defending, and netted a stunner in a 3-1 triumph against Bonnyrigg Rose.
Teed up Kyle Fleming for vital goal in 2-0 win over Clyde before finding the net against Dumbarton in a 5-0 win under the floodlights. Final goal of the campaign was a direct free-kick at East Fife in a 2-1 defeat.
Struggled with injury towards the end of the campaign but helped the Blues over the line against East Kilbride.
- Appearances: 30 (3)
- Minutes: 2589
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
James Dolan
Summer signing from Ayr United began the season in fine fashion.
Assist for Scott Robertson on the opening day of the season was followed by setting up Ben Armour against Edinburgh City. Found the net in the opening league fixture at Elgin City and then provided the pass for Tam Orr to score against East Fife as well.
Creative spark in Scott Agnew’s side scored against Spartans and also found Orr for his strike in the game with the capital club. Netted against Elgin City in a 3-1 win and also scored to round off a fine team move against Clyde. Helped Chris Johnston to mark home debut with a goal.
Featured in 45 games over the course of a busy season but limped off against East Kilbride.
Finished the season with five goals and seven assists but looks like his future could lie elsewhere.
- Appearances: 36 (9)
- Minutes: 3260
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 7
Kyle Fleming
Another one of Scott Agnew’s summer signings became a key fixture, particularly early in the season.
Marked his 10th appearance with a well taken goal at home to Peterhead as Stranraer picked up three points. Followed that up by teeing up Deryn Lang in a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat at Stair Park to Spartans.
Scored another well taken goal in an important 2-0 win over Clyde. Provided the cross for Ryan Blair’s own goal in a 5-0 win over Dumbarton, where he also set up Matty Grant.
Increasingly in and out of the team as the season wore on but played a vital 45 minutes in play-off clash with East Kilbride.
Rejoins former club Annan Athletic, where he will work with former Blue Willie Gibson.
- Appearances: 29 (7)
- Minutes: 2624
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 2
Chris Johnston
Former Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers midfielder made the switch from Annan Athletic to Stranraer at the turn of the year.
Johnston made his debut at Elgin City in the first game of 2024 alongside Chris McQueen and the returning Finn Ecrepont. Showed his class with a well taken goal in his home debut against Peterhead seven days later and set up Tom Orr for the second that day as well.
Clocked up another six starts for the club but final appearance came away to East Fife when the home side scored late on to win 2-1.
Injury brought curtain down on his season and was among those released at the end of the campaign.
- Appearances: 8 (2)
- Minutes: 585
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
Murray Miller
Australian-born midfielder made a loan switch from Stirling Albion to Stranraer at the end of February.
Made 11 appearances for the Binos in League One but had to wait for his debut in the blue of Stranraer. Miller finally got minutes when he replaced Dean Hawkshaw for the final 13 minutes of the goalless draw at Ainslie Park in April. Started the following week against Dumbarton and played 78 minutes before being replaced by Kyle Fleming.
Final appearance came in the deeply disappointing trip to Station Park on the penultimate day of the season and injury saw him miss out on the final league game and play-offs.
Has swapped Stirling Albion for League One Kelty Hearts.
- Appearances: 2 (1)
- Minutes: 135
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Scott Agnew
Manager had to pull on his boots when Stranraer’s numbers were depleted at times.
Wore the number 15 shirt when Edinburgh City made the trip south in the League Cup but remained on the bench alongside Carter McKane, Connor Phillips and George O’Connor. Had the 21 shirt when Spartans visited in October. Last appearance in the matchday squad was when Stenhousemuir came to Stair Park in November.
No appearances and unlikely to add to his tally of more than 130, as he concentrates on the management side of the game.
- Appearances: –
- Minutes: –
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Carter McKane
Regular in the South of Scotland squad, McKane was brought in by Scott Agnew at the beginning of the campaign as the Blues were hit by injuries and unavailability.
Named on the bench for the trip to Cappielow in the second game of the season where the Blues went down 3-0. He was also among the replacements when Edinburgh City visited as Stranraer deservedly won 2-1.
Finally got on the park for the closing seconds as Stranraer rounded off their League Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Kelty Hearts.
- Appearances: – (1)
- Minutes: 1
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Liam Clive
One of just three players to be named on the bench for Stranraer this season but not to play a game.
Member of the South of Scotland Football League squad was called up alongside Connor Phillips as Stranraer faced an injury crisis early in the campaign. Was part of the squad at Ochilview as the eventual league champions went on to win 5-0.
- Appearances: –
- Minutes: –
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Forwards
Tam Orr
Back for a second spell at the club, former Greenock Morton and Stenhousemuir man finished joint top scorer.
First spell saw him score 11 goals and it only took him 169 minutes to add to that figure with a penalty against Edinburgh City. Scored a good solo goal against East Fife when the Blues were down to 10 men after Craig Ross was sent off in the opening 10 minutes. Also netted against Peterhead and Spartans, but was sidelined by injury in the lead up to Christmas.
Goal early in the second half against Peterhead wrapped up three points for Stranraer before his final goal of the campaign came against Spartans.
Back for another season and will be hoping to better his total of six goals during the 2023/24 campaign.
- Appearances: 21 (16)
- Minutes: 1917
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 1
Ben Armour
Brought in as part of an entirely new frontline and got off the mark on just his third appearance when he set Stranraer on their way to a cup win over Edinburgh City.
Opened the scoring at former club Dumbarton before Stevie Farrell’s men came back to win 3-1, with goals from former Blues Tony Wallace and Ryan Wallace. Also found the net at Peterhead, where Stranraer lost 3-2 thanks to a late free-kick.
Campaign was brought to a halt on November 18 when he was forced off injured after just 11 minutes against Stenhousemuir. Did not pull on a Stranraer shirt again until mid-February.
Final goal for the club came in a 5-0 win over Dumbarton and it looked as if season was over when he was forced off at Forfar Athletic. Surprise appearance in play-off second leg proved his final appearance for the club.
Rejoined Peterhead where he will link up again with Dylan Forrest.
- Appearances: 28 (4)
- Minutes: 2077
- Goals: 4
- Assists: –
Deryn Lang
Stepped up from Lanark United and the West of Scotland Football League Third Division.
Only took him 25 minutes to find the net after making five-division upwards move as he smashed home at New Dundas Park to rescue Stranraer a point.
Made 36 appearances over the course of the season with 22 of them coming from the bench. Substitute found the net to bring Stranraer level in a 4-3 defeat at home to Spartans. Marked start at Borough Briggs with a goal before two controversial second half penalties turned the game on its head.
Became internet sensation after scoring against Dumbarton in 5-0 win and then netted an impressive header to rescue a point against Bonnyrigg Rose.
A willing runner at all times, he has extended his stay at Stair Park for another season.
- Appearances: 14 (22)
- Minutes: 1850
- Goals: 5
- Assists: –
Connor Phillips
Called into the first team squad as Stranraer found themselves stretched early in the season.
Having already modelled the new Stranraer home top for a pre-season kit launch, Connor wore the number 24 shirt when Stranraer travelled to Greenock Morton, but was not chosen to come off the bench. Also named among the replacements when Stranraer won 2-1 against League One Edinburgh City.
Debut came on July 25 when Stranraer made the midweek trip to the New Central Park home of Kelty Hearts. Replaced Tom Orr for the final few seconds. Phillips was also an unused substitute in September when Stranraer lost heavily at Ochilview.
- Appearances: – (1)
- Minutes: 1
- Goals: –
- Assists: –
Olly McDonald
Former Clyde frontman was brought in to provide competition to Tam Orr, Ben Armour and Deryn Lang.
Debut came at home to East Fife, where the hosts played more than 80 minutes with 10 men. Scored against Annan on his first start when he tucked away the rebound after his penalty had been saved by former Stranraer man Greg Fleming. Was among the subs brought on to rescue a point at Bonnyrigg and came off the bench to net a late winner against his former side at Stair Park in August.
Failed to cement his place in the first team but popped up with another important goal when his deflected free-kick won a point at Forfar Athletic at the beginning of December.
Final appearance came away to Spartans two days before Christmas and he moved on to Edinburgh City, where he found the net on four occasions.
Has since joined up with Elgin City for the new season.
- Appearances: 3 (15)
- Minutes: 461
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 1
Aiden Gilmartin
Loan signing from St Mirren was brought to the club following the departure of Olly McDonald.
Had spent time on loan at East Kilbride earlier in the season but made his Stranraer debut when coming off the bench for the final nine minutes at Ochilview in January. Made 11 appearances over the second half of the season, with his only start coming in a goalless draw at New Dundas Park in February.
Brought on against his former club in both legs of the play-off final and added the icing on the cake when he curled home the decisive third as the game reached its 120th minute.
- Appearances: 1 (10)
- Minutes: 227
- Goals: 1
- Assists: –
Ryan Edgar
Regular goalscorer for the Stranraer side in the South of Scotland Football League.
Edgar followed in the footsteps of his team mates by being selected for the first team. Debut came away to Forfar when he replaced Deryn Lang for the final 22 minutes in a 2-0 defeat.
Added a decisive second with a powerful header through the legs of former Stranraer goalkeeper Curtis Lyle on the final day of the league season against Stenhousemuir. That proved not enough to keep the Blues off the bottom spot.
Instead, was used as a substitute in both legs of the play-off final and won the corner which led to the Craig Ross header to put Stranraer 2-1 up.
Earned a first team contract for the 2024/25 season and has started pre-season strongly.
- Appearances: – (4)
- Minutes: 82
- Goals: 1
- Assists: –
See how the new-look squad is shaping up for the 2024/25 season over on our Squad page.
