Alloa aim to improve on and off the pitch
Published 5 Jan 2012 08:00
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Alloa players congratulate Stevie May after the second of his three goals against East Stirling on Saturday.
ALLOA Athletic's Martin Ross is eagerly looking forward to changes that are likely to be implemented this year as the club continues to aim to improve both on an off the field.
Vice chairman Martin joined the club as a director almost five years ago this month, writes John Simpson.
He told Advertiser Sport of his ambitions for the Wasps and his hopes for the near future.
Although relegated last season when his club lost out to Third Division side Annan after a two-match play-off, the vice-chairman feels his favourite football club has a good chance of returning to the higher division.
Martin, however, admits he has not always an avid Wasps fan. He was born in Dundee and was a keen supporter of Dundee Football Club and enjoyed their success in the 1960s.
Speaking this week of the good days at Dens Park, he recalled, "I remember well the good days in the City of Discovery, when Dundee won the Division One title in April 1962 with a 3-0 victory over St. Johnstone which took them into the European Cup.
"They did very well, losing to AC Milan in the semi-final. They were exciting times at Dens Park when I felt my allegiance was with them.
"They had some good players then, like Alex Hamilton, Alan Gilzean, Gordon Smith Ian Ure and, of course, Alloa lad Alan Cousin. They were were managed by Bob Shankley, brother of Liverpool's boss Bill Shankley."
But football was not only Martin's favourite sport, choosing instead to be deeply involved in rugby.
After education at Dollar Academy Martin became embroiled in the sometimes tougher challenges on the rugby field with Alloa and Hillfoots clubs.
He said, "I played for Alloa and Hillfoots and later became president with both - happy times indeed."
But since being invited to join the Alloa FC board, Martin has put his efforts into helping the other hard-working directors in steering the club back into the Second Division.
His ambitions are very clear.
He said, "After a disappointing season last year new manager Paul Hartley had to put together a completely new squad, with the exception of youngster Ross Philp.
"Our manager's squad is still in the making but much of it is what he wants. I feel we are all hopeful that results coming up soon will open up a bigger gap between us and clubs near us in the league."
He added, "I know Paul Hartley is hoping to keep our young loan boys - Steven May from St. Johnstone and Hearts' defender Kevin McHattie.
"The other good news is that Steven Masterton will be remaining with us until at least the end of the season which I am sure will help our cause.
"During this season we have been playing good football in most games. I think there is certainly quality, but sometimes a lack of consistency. The main problem I feel is we have drawn matches we should have won.
"But in fairness, it is a pleasure to watch the team when they are playing their best football.
"We are going all out to win the Third Division, at the very least to make it to the play-offs - I am confident of that.
"With the exception of a few players, we have a very young team, many of them still in their early 20s, with our manager aiming to bring in some new young players.
"It is a pity more supporters are not coming as well.
"There is much more travelling in the Third Division, and there are no local deby fixtures against Stirling Albion or Stenhousemuir, which does not help."
Speaking about some moves being made in the new year, the vice chairman said, "Upgrading the ground is being looked at, particularly two new hospitality lounges downstairs.
"These lounges are a major source of income for our club.
"Of course we are always looking for additional directors to strengthen our board, all beneficial for Alloa Athletic."
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 04 Jan 12
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