RETURNING Alloa Athletic hero Greig Spence says he is out to prove former boss Danny Lennon wrong for releasing him after rejoining the Wee County side for a third spell earlier this week.

The Wasps' favourite, who scored 19 goals in League One for relegated Cowdenbeath last season, is determined to build on that excellent season last term and he reckons new gaffer Jack Ross is the man to help him kick onto to the next level.

The former Raith Rovers star revealed how he knocked back approaches from a whole host of clubs including full time offers to return to his second home.

Spence told Advertiser sport: “I am delighted to be back at the club and to be fair I was absolutely gutted to leave 12 months ago, but it was out of my hands. When the opportunity came up to return it was a no brainer in the end. I obviously I had a really good season last year and so throughout the summer I have had calls from 14 or 15 clubs enquiring about me. To be honest, there wasn't many that caught my interest and even although I had offers to go full time, I have a good job at the moment and so staying part time was always going to be the more viable option with the various wages on offer.

“I ruled out going full time on a financial basis, and so it was an easy decision for me once I had made that choice and as soon as I spoke to Jack and Paddy about rejoining Alloa, my mind was made up. I fell right out of the team as soon as Danny Lennon came into the club so he clearly didn't fancy me and then got rid of me in the summer. I felt like I was having a decent season up to that point barring a few injuries that held me back a wee bit so I was obviously gutted to leave, but last season I got through the season having played every game and if I can do that this year then that is where people will see the very best from me again.

“They didn't need to sell the club to me or anything, I know everyone here and it is a brilliant club that is like a second home to me now. The chance to come and work under Jack Ross was also a big attraction for me. Everyone I have spoken to about him have only had nice things to say about him and all the lads who have been here have said how they really enjoy his training. Sometimes that is all you need and while you can maybe go to a club for more money, it might be someone who doesn't get the best out of you. I am definitely a confidence player so I believe the gaffer will be able to bring the best out in me.”

Spence is delighted to see so many attacking options in the side already and believes his partnership with Jamie Longworth can bring out the very best him.

The 23-year-old has been impressed by the business the manager has already done in the transfer window this summer and says that will only help attract more quality players as they look to challenge for promotion.

He said: “The manager's signings have really impressed me and there is no doubt that has a huge impact on a player's decision to come here. To see Kev Cawley back here as well as the quality of the rest of the boys who have come in then it is clear for all to see that the gaffer is not looking to be messing about in mid table. We want to be up there challenging for promotion and the title so I cannot wait for the season to start now and do my bit for the team.

“I always feel like I don't better playing alongside an experienced striker. I got that last season with Gordon Smith and I definitely had that here last time with Liam Buchanan. I am at my very best when I have a partner who can create the space for me to run into and so hopefully Jamie Longworth can fit that role perfectly. He is very experienced at this level, he has quality and has a fantastic goal record so I think it will be a good mix. Obviously, Isaac Layne did really in League 1 with Brechin last year and he has bags of ability too so having played with him before I know we work well together so there will be some great competition for places along with the rest of the lads in the squad.”

The prolific hitman was quick to thank the Wasps faithful for welcoming back with open arms for a third spell at the Indodrill Stadium and says their support is a major part of his strong affinity with the club so he hopes to beat last year's goal tally to give them something to shout about once again.

Spence added: “The fans have been great with me even when I have left both times, they still wish me well and check in on how I am doing. They still remind me of all the good times I have had here and their backing has been brilliant throughout the years.

“I know they will get right behind us again this coming season, so hopefully I can repay them with goals on the park. The club is a perfect match for me at the moment and hopefully I can make up for missed time.

"I set myself 20 goals as a target last season and got to 19, so I will give myself that same goal again and hopefully in a more attacking team I can break through that barrier.”