NEW Alloa striker Jamie Longworth is hoping a fresh start in Clackmannanshire can help him rediscover his best goalscoring form ahead of the upcoming League One campaign.

The prolific hitman admits he had a frustrating season at Stranraer last term after falling out of favour in the latter half of the season.

But he now hopes the switch to work under the highly-rated Jack Ross can help him get his career back on track.

Longworth told Advertiser sport: “I am delighted to join up at Alloa. I was really down when I found out I was being released by Stranraer and I wasn't sure about what the future would hold for me next season, but as soon as Jack got in touch, I met up with him and my mind was made up to come here almost straight away. Alloa have been in the Championship for the past three years and so will be looking to get straight back there having come down last season so it is exciting to come and be apart of that. For the manager to still show an interest in me after the disappointing season I had, meant a lot to me so that went a long way to making my decision for me. I am just delighted it is all done and dusted now.

“I am definitely coming here with a point to prove. Last year was difficult because I had two cracking strikers in Mark McGuigan and Craig Malcolm in ahead of me, so I didn't get the chance to play as many games as I would've liked, but maybe the change of scenery and a fresh start is just what I need. I definitely have something to prove to myself and hopefully I can get back to doing what I love and that is to score goals to help the team win games. I was disappointed with my goals return last season so the aim is to improve on that this term and hopefully if I can get a few early on then I will get the fans on my side as well. It will be a great challenge, but one I am looking forward to now.”

Longworth is preparing himself for an emotional return to Stairs Park to face his former club at some point in the new season and while he expects it to be sooner rather than later, he is fully focused on doing his bit to fire Alloa towards promotion in an exciting division.

He said: “The league is going to be almost a full new league and there is no doubt it will be a highly competitive league. The likes of Peterhead, Stranraer, Airdrie and Livingston will all likely be up there competing so there is loads to look forward. It is great to be at a club who have the ambition to not only challenge for promotion, but also for the title and with the players the manager has brought in there is no doubt we can do that if we hit the ground running.

“I am obviously wary of having to go back to Stranraer next season and I am half expecting it to be our first game! At the end of the day, I am now an Alloa player and while I loved my time there, I will be professional and look to do my best for my new club.”

The former Queen's Park striker revealed he will seek the advice of friends and former team mates Mark Docherty and Daryll Meggatt on life at the Indodrill Stadium before the season begins.

The 28-year-old star is also happy to impart some wisdom on the younger players at the club over the coming season.

Longworth added: “If I can help any of the younger lads with my experience then I am happy to do that. I am well used to playing alongside younger players from time at both Queen's Park and Stranraer and hopefully I can do the same here.

“Any of the boys I know who played here such as Mark Docherty and Daryll Meggatt have always raved about the club and how much they enjoyed it here, so hopefully I can have a similar experience and the same success.”