ALLOA Athletic stalwart Graeme Holmes says he would love to end his career at the club after agreeing a new deal for next season.

The 32-year-old midfielder is now approaching his sixth season with the Wasps and admits he is honoured to have served the club and their fans for so long.

The former Dundee United trainee has made 187 appearances for the Wee County outfit and has now set his sights on reaching a landmark number this season on route to promotion.

Holmes told Advertiser sport: “We might not get the biggest crowd here at Alloa, but the ones who follow us through thick and thin mean a lot to the players who have been here. It has been an honour to play for the club this long and the fans had a big part in making my decision to stay much easier. I would love to see out my career here at Alloa if that is possible and really leave a lasting legacy at the club because they have been a big part of my life for a long time now. I am ready for a long season and hopefully it is full of rewards for the fans.

“I am on 187 appearances for the club so I would be delighted to get to the 200 mark this year. That is my aim and I feel good at the moment and my fitness is still there so who knows maybe I can aim for 250 after that. The main thing though is that I will be doing my best to be an important player for this club and try to help them win the league. If I can do that and play my part in it then I would like to think I would earn another crack at the Championship so that is my aim.

“It is crazy to think that I am entering my sixth year with the club, but I think we have got to aim for the title. There is no point in thinking about anything else. I think we have to be positive from the outset and aim for the top because there is not much between three or four of the teams in the league and if we fall just short then we will almost certainly be in the playoff shake up so that has to be the aim. Success is finishing first and it is the only thing we will be focusing on.”

Holmes revealed that the return of Kevin Cawley to the club as well as the influence of manager Jack Ross were both big factors in him sticking around for another year in Clackmannanshire and he hopes the gaffer can continue the progress he made at the club towards the end of last term.

He said: “To be honest I was convinced to stay by the re-signing of Kevin Cawley as much as anything else. He is a close friend, but also someone I have a great understanding with on and off the pitch. We had four years playing together before he left so I know better than anyone what he is capable of and we link up well on the park.

“The manager was another big draw for me. He had to to pick us up off the floor when he came in and it will be exciting to see what he can accomplish in his first full season at the club. I am excited and looking forward to the new season and hopefully the fans are too.

“I think the signings he made last season with the likes of Scott Gallacher coming in, it only gives you great faith that he can attract the right players this summer. After having seen Gallacher play and the performances he put in at the club, I am actually surprised we got him in the first place. I will be shocked if he doesn’t get a full time club, but if he doesn’t it will be their loss and Alloa’s gain because he is a top class keeper.

“I think the gaffer also had a huge impact on Michael Duffy. I know it was Danny who brought him to the club, but I am sure Michael will agree that it was under Jack that he came to life and the gaffer really gave him the confidence to kick on and flourish.”

The Wasps midfield maestro revealed that he has urged the rest of the current squad to snub better financial offers and commit to the club so they can go after the League One title next season and has warned them that the grass is not always greener at other clubs.

Holmes added: “I am sure the gaffer has a few things up his sleeve over the summer months so we will be raring to go come the opening day. I know he is trying his his utmost to keep as many of the boys as he possibly can from last season.

“Some of them will have other offers, but I know it will be a difficult decision for them to leave the club because the last four months under Jack have been top class. The training is excellent and that is a big draw for players. I think players sometimes have to weigh up what is more important. Whether they want £30 or £40 more in their pocket or prefer being happy and enjoying their football. There is always a risk going to a new club that you won’t fit in so I prefer being valued at a football club and that is what I would choose in their position.”