Hartley plans more signings in January
Hamish Hutchinson • Published 22 Dec 2011 08:00
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Stevie May - celebrating his first goal for Alloa with team-mate Graeme Holmes at Berwick - has been a good addition to the squad.
ALLOA Athletic's Paul Hartley will be looking to the January transfer window to strengthen his squad.
The manager recently brought in Kevin McHattie and Stevie May on loan until the end of January from SPL clubs Hearts and St Johnstone.
The pair have already made an impact in the past fortnight; May in particular, who was instrumental in the victory over Queen's Park and scored on Saturday in the 2-2 draw against Berwick Rangers.
Hartley said he was delighted with the signings and hoped to extend their on-loan period until the end of the season.
He told Advertiser Sport, "They filled in two positions I wanted to strengthen a little bit and I'm not stopping there.
"We will try and strengthen the squad in the January transfer window and that may mean one or two players are going out to free up money. I am definitely on the lookout to add more quality to the squad."
One player he is keen to see back on the park is midfielder Stevie Masterton.
The 26-year-old, whose contract ends this month, has been out of action since he picked up an ankle injury against Clyde in November.
Hartley added, "He'll be back this week hopefully. He has been training and doing a lot of rehabilitation work with the physio with the view to play on Monday. He picked up a nasty one against Clyde but he is another player I want to keep. Hopefully I can get him tied up to the end of the season."
Next up for the Wasps is Elgin on Boxing Day at Recreation Park.
The last time the teams met Alloa succumbed to their biggest defeat of the season.
They went 5-0 down in a game in which defender Mark Docherty and goalkeeper Scott Bain were sent off.
It was also the last time the Wasps lost in the league - since then they have gone undefeated in eight matches.
Hartley said, "At the start of the season I had to bring together a full squad so I'm pleased with the progress. The good thing is we are not getting beat. When that happens it becomes a habit.
"I'd like to have turned some of those draws into wins but we have a good squad.
"We couldn't see the game out on Saturday (against Berwick) but that's what happens in football sometimes. We should do better but we've got to forget about it and focus on Elgin.
"Hopefully there will be a good crowd on Monday. It'll be a big game and a hard one. We have to make sure to get a home win and keep that home form going."
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 21 Dec 11
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