ALLOA defender Colin Hamilton believes the club will be contenders in League One next season as they look to bounce straight back from relegation.

The ex-Brechin City star is hopeful of sealing a new deal at the club this coming week and admits he would love the chance to help get the club back into the Championship.

Hamilton told Advertiser sport: “It has been a long season for us, but we have ended it positively and fingers cross I have done enough to show the gaffer I'm worthy of a new deal for next season. I would be delighted to stay for another year and I feel like I have improved as the season has gone on. If we could keep the core of this side for next year then I think we will be right up there challenging for promotion. A couple of the lads have been in the Championship for three years so we will be a vastly experienced side in League One. I have enjoyed the year here and it has been a challenge to come and play at this level for the first time.

“I felt like I was struggling with the pace of the games initially, but as soon as I adapted to it I feel like I have improved with every game and improved massively as a player. I don't think we have anything to fear in League One. I have three years experience in that league as well as this season and a lot of the boys are the same so there is absolutely no reason why we can't be right up there challenging. We will obviously have to wait and see who stays and who goes this week, but the gaffer knows what he is doing and I have full faith he will steer the club back in the right direction.”

Hamilton has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of Jack Ross in the Wee County and he says there is no question his new gaffer has improved him as a player.

The former Hearts trainee was shifted into centre back last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Dumbarton and says he would be happy to play there again more often.

He said: “I have played at Centre back at Hearts in the youth games so I was perfectly comfortable in there. The manager asked me to go in there with Jason being out and I feel like I did well. I would be happy to play there again if required as well and maybe as I develop that could well be my main position in the future.

“I am 110% behind the gaffer and the job he has done at the club. Working with him and Lee Sharp has improved me no end because they were both full backs themselves. We are all right behind him here and I think he has brought back a feel good factor despite the relegation. I em enjoying my football again and I can't thank him enough for that.”

The 23-year-old revealed the whole team were left disappointed not to win the game after drawing with rivals Dumbarton in their final SPFL Championship match.

Hamilton added: “It was frustrating not to end with a win. We were the better team and had two chances right at the end with Hynd. He did really well to get there, but unfortunately was just slightly wide with his headers. We played some great football and had some chances to kill the game off, but it just wasn't to be and we have still ended the campaign with five games unbeaten.”