It seems that most football fans enjoy a spot of fantasy football, if my Twitter feed at the beginning of August was anything to go by. The imaginative team names, which take hours to craft and give seconds of mirth are always worth a look. Pathetic Bilbao, Unreal Madrid and the like. Not all team names are amusing though. Managed by Jack Ross, the latest addition to ‘League One’ (password unknown) is Alloa Athletic. Perhaps the ‘Clackmannan Catalan’ would have been a more appropriate name.
Following their relegation from the Championship after a three-year spell with the big(ger) boys, the part-timers were left with some squad building to do. Wasting no time, it was announced that six players were to be released. Jack Ross then embarked on a remarkable signing spree. The kind of signing spree that comes from a football manager ‘contract status: expiring’ search, highlighting the best talent to hoover up.
In true fantasy football style, Ross went and did just that. A short nine days after the season ended, he swooped to complete the signing of Kevin Cawley. The diminutive attacker, after having played a key role in Dumbarton’s survival in the Championship the previous year would add trickery, pace and a level of creativity that would improve any League 1 side. Next up was the signing of Neil Parry to fill the vacant position in goal left by the departing Scott Gallacher. Parry added experience to the Alloa team as well as a dependable pair of hands, with significant experience in the third tier.
A flurry of signings followed. Within five days of each other Jordan Kirkpatrick, Jon Robertson and Jamie Longworth were snapped up. There was a definite pattern forming. All three of these players had significant experience and had proven that they could do it in the league Alloa would be playing in. For most managers five impressive signings to complement the remaining squad members would have been enough. The Wasps were eyeing up more.
Scott Taggart, the third arrival from Dumbarton was next. The versatile defender having played most of his career in the Championship without looking out of place. Andy Graham, an important part of the Ayr United team that won promotion would arrive later to strengthen the defence further.
Topping the calibre of signings so far was going to take something very special indeed. The manager didn’t only manage that once, but twice.
First up was Greig Spence. Despite having played for relegated Cowdenbeath he was a standout in the division in the previous season. His 17 goals and nomination for player of the season in the division meant that there was likely to be significant interest in the player. This was a definite coup for Alloa.
The last signing of pre-season was arguably the best. The experienced Jim Goodwin arrived having been an important player for St Mirren for several years. Putting it politely, his ‘combative’ style makes him a formidable player perfectly suited for midfield battles with the part time professionals in League 1.
This was truly fantasy football. Alloa arguably made the best signings in the league in each third of the pitch, building on an already strong group of players.
All that remained then, was for the competitive action to begin. The ‘Clackmannan Catalan’ have more than lived up to that moniker so far. Four consecutive wins from their first four league games combined with progress to the quarter final of the revamped League Cup are not a fluke.
The football the Wasps are playing has been absolutely breath-taking. They have blown teams away with a fast, possession based style. With the quality of squad they have available to them they are favourites to bounce straight back up.
If their first four games are anything to go by, a quick return to the Championship looks like a safe bet.
Written by Stuart Monteith