Brian Roach was buzzing to tell us all about his beloved Wasps from Clackmannanshire.
How would you assess your club's 22/23 season so far?
I’m really encouraged by the campaign so far. This is Brian Rice’s first full season as manager, and he has put together a decent squad with a good blend of youth and experience.
The manager makes no apologies for going all out to win each game and there’s rarely been dull moments or quiet spells in games.
The league is really cut-throat this season but Alloa are kind of where I hoped they would be. We have the best home record in the league but were outclassed in recent games against Falkirk and Dunfermline.
While I’d expect the full-time clubs to compete for the title, Alloa should have enough to compete for one of the remaining two promotion play-off places.
Main Man: Favourite current player and why
On current form Luke Donnelly is probably Alloa’s most effective player. He has a real physical presence and links the play to the front two very effectively. Conor Sammon is probably my favourite “cult hero”- despite having played at a higher level for much of his career, his work rate is second to none and he’s Alloa’s current top scorer this season.
However, my favourite player is undoubtedly Kevin Cawley. Initially joined the club in 2011 and holds the club record for post-war appearances. He’s seemingly been deployed everywhere but goalkeeper so far this season but continues to shine every week and is very worthy of his legendary status at the club.
What is your earliest memory supporting your club?
The first match I remember my Dad taking me to is Alloa vs Kilmarnock in Alloa’s First Division campaign in season 1983/84 - a 4-0 defeat. Alloa were a classic yo-yo team in the 80s, with three promotions and subsequent relegations from the 2nd Division to the First. Not much has changed overall in that regard, but we did have a real decade to remember in the 2010s - consolidating in the Championship for three successive years on two occasions.
Explain the nickname
The nickname “The Wasps” is due to Alloa’s black and gold hooped kit.
Alloa deviated from this for a significant period though - the wasp kit design disappeared in the early 1970s, only returning in season 1999/2000. It seemed to bring the team good fortune though - Alloa had one of the most memorable campaigns in their history - winning the Challenge Cup, promotion from the 2nd Division and defeating SPL club Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.
Almost Famous – What is your club best known for?
In more modern times, Alloa are probably most well-known for giving Rangers a hard time in their journey back up the leagues. They have given plenty of big clubs a bloody nose in recent years, sending Rangers, Hearts, Hibs and Dundee United back up the road from Alloa empty handed.
Greatest Gaffer: Your favourite/most loved boss watching your team
Paul Hartley. He joined as manager in 2011 after finishing his playing career at Aberdeen.
Alloa were at a real low point having just been relegated to the 3rd Division following a disastrous campaign. Hartley rebuilt the playing squad from scratch, putting together a hugely successful team who won the 3rd Division title followed by promotion to the Championship the following season. Hartley left the club in the top half of the second tier - a terrific achievement in less than three seasons.
He also introduced a level of professionalism that still flows through the club today.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about your club which other fans may not know?
Alloa won the last Scottish domestic trophy of the 20th century, beating Inverness to win the Challenge Cup Final in November 1999.
Who would make your ultimate all-time 5-a-side team?
- Scott Bain - signed by Paul Hartley while plying his trade in Aberdeen reserves. His development was pretty staggering as Alloa moved up the leagues before Hartley took him to the top league at Dundee. Of course he went on to be capped by Scotland and has picked up an abundance of medals at Celtic. The best goalkeeper I’ve seen at Alloa.
- Craig Valentine - one of Alloa’s record appearance makers, Valentine played for Alloa in the mid to late 90s/early 2000s. He gets in for his all-round defensive versatility - he could play both full-back and centre half. Could have easily played in the Premier League at his peak.
- Steve Ramsay - Steve “Spider” Ramsay was tough tackling terrier of a midfielder, and a cult hero amongst Alloa fans of a certain age. Had two spells at the club in the late 80s and 90s winning promotion on both occasions. As most supporters of the club would say, Spider would “kick his granny” to win a game of football.
- Iain Flannigan - the “Cathcart Pirlo”- ability wise he was the best player I’ve seen in an Alloa shirt. An expert in finding space and being available for a pass as well as a deadball maestro. Ran Alloa’s midfield for years before breaking our hearts by unfortunately retiring at a reasonably early age.
- Stevie May - a bit of a cheat entry this, as he only had a six-month spell on loan at the club in season 2011/12- but scored 19 goals in that period, which obviously played a huge part in Alloa winning the Third Division. Scored all kinds of goals and another who has gone on to be capped by Scotland and plied his trade at many big clubs.
What is your all-time favourite match?
Alloa 3 Rangers 2, December 2014, Challenge Cup Semi Final.
Less of a game and more of a Hollywood script. The match was re-arranged to midweek, and Alloa were down to the bare bones squad-wise - absolutely depleted by injuries. Trailing to second-half goals by Kenny Miller and Dean Shiels heading into the last twenty minutes, Alloa levelled the game through goals by Ryan McCord and Greig Spence. Spence then side footed home the winner in the final minute of the game for a shock win. Truly great times - losing the final 4-0 to Livingston didn’t even take the shine off the magic of that evening.
What should visiting fans make sure they see/do when visiting your club/town?
Joyces pie hut is the place to be in the ground. Great stovies and a fine pie on a roll at great prices. Very popular amongst home and away supporters alike.
What makes your club special to YOU?
Although I love top level football with the larger crowds, nothing really beats the intimacy of lower league football games.
Following Alloa up and down the country with like-minded people, where everyone knows each other.
You can also get closer to the manager, players and others who help run the club. There’s a real community spirit involved, and it feels like it’s OUR club - at a higher level with bigger clubs it’s just not the same.
You can follow Alloa Athletic’s progress every week in our SPFL Lower League Round Up – watch the latest edition now!
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