Former Recreation Park assistant manager interested in manager's position

Former Alloa Assistant Manager John Coughlin is looking to return to the Recreation Park club as their new manager following the removal of Allan Maitland from his post at the weekend after the Clackmannanshire side fell into the relegation Play-Offs. 

The 48 year old was second in command to manager Tom Hendrie when the Wasps romped away with the Third Division in 1998, before the duo moved onto St. Mirren later that year and he has been out of work since resigning from Stenhousemuir last December as he wanted to take a break from the game.

Coughlin, who eventually replaced Hendrie in charge at the Paisley club before carving a reputation as a successful part-time manager as he steered both Berwick Rangers and the Warriors to promotion, said, “I was sorry to hear about what happened to Allan and it is unfortunate that the only way back into football is when someone loses their job but I am ready to come back. I enjoyed my last stint at Alloa and would like the opportunity to talk to them about what I could do regardless of what Division they end up in.”

Another name that is interesting the Alloa board is Allan McGonigal, who enjoyed success with local Junior sides Sauchie, Camelon and Bo’ness as well as being the manager of the Hamilton Accies under-19 side. There is a strong accent on the development of Youth players at Alloa and McGonigal’s record this season of working with New Douglas Park manager Billy Reid has not gone unnoticed at Alloa.

Senior players Scott Walker and Brown Ferguson are in charge of the club’s bid to escape relegation via the Play-Offs with the first leg of their Semi-Final against Annan being played tomorrow night.