Now that pre-season is over and we look forward to the Premier Sports Cup I would like to give the supporters an update. 

Firstly on behalf of everyone at Alloa Athletic, I’d like to thank all of the players who left the club at the end of the season. Conor Sammon, Dave McKay, Daniel Church, Andy Clarke, Phil Ogayi, Kalvin Orsi, Reece Mullen, Callum Burnside, Charlie Dewar, Liam McFarlane, Calum Adamson, Lewis Stewart and Josh Gentles. 

We have been working hard to bring in new players and I’m delighted to welcome Ross Stewart, Josh Walker and Flynn McCafferty to the club. We hope to add to this ahead of Edinburgh City on Tuesday and Stranraer on Saturday. 

There’s no doubt this will be the toughest and most competitive League One in a long time. However, that’s exactly the kind of challenge we want to embrace. Football is about pushing yourself to the limits and I believe we’ve got a squad with the character, work ethic and quality to compete.

The players came back in very good condition, they’ve pushed themselves in every session. That’s all anyone can ask. There will be highs and there will be setbacks, but if we can all stay together, remain positive and keep believing in what we’re doing, there’s every reason to be optimistic about what we can achieve.

I ask you as supporters to play your part in helping the team on the pitch. Whether you’re travelling the length of the country or backing us at home, your support genuinely makes a difference. The players notice it, the staff appreciate it and it can really make the difference in the tight games. Together, I hope we can create an atmosphere that every visiting team finds difficult to play.

Unfortunately, a small minority of people let themselves down at times last season and more recently at the Stirlingshire cup final. Those actions do not reflect the values of the vast majority of our supporters.

We all have a part to play in protecting the reputation of Alloa Athletic. The focus should always be on backing the team positively, getting behind the players and creating an environment that everyone—families, young and old supporters can enjoy safely. We need passion, noise and commitment, but always in the right way.

Off the pitch we hope to embrace and engage with our supporters as well as try and attract new ones. 

Myself and the coaching staff will do our best on the pitch to  try to improve players and create an environment that players flourish in. 

Having spent over a decade of my life with Alloa I understand how privileged I am to be in the position of Manager and we will give everything to be a success.

Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to welcoming you back for the upcoming campaign very shortly. 

Andy Graham