Hartley seeks 'quality' signings for title push

Hamish Hutchinson • Published 19 Jan 2012 08:00 0 Comments

WASPS manager Paul Hartley says he is after "quality not quantity" in the January transfer window.

The Alloa gaffer has his eye on a few players and hopes to sign up two before the end of the month.

Hartley said, "We are still actively looking and will be right up until the end of the month. I hope to bring in one or two players, giving some competition to places in the team.

"We've made calls to add that bit of quality. I'm not just looking for numbers, we need quality. But if we can't bring somebody in we will just have to get on with it."

Hartley was speaking to Advertiser Sport after his team defeated their Annan Athletic hoodoo on Saturday.

For the first time in four matches this season against the Borders' side, Alloa won.

On-loan striker Stevie May secured the three points for the Wasps with a stunning strike, putting them back at the top of the table.

Hartley said, "It's going well but we're not getting carried away. I'm pleased with how things are progressing."

Next up on Saturday is another top of the table battle - Stranraer, away at Stair Park.

Securing victory would put Alloa four points clear at the top. And unlike last Saturday's clash, the Wasps have won all of their previous encounters with Stranraer.

Hartley said, "They (Stranraer) are a very good team. We have watched the last two games and they have a very good flowing midfield. It's a top of the table clash so hopefully it will make a cracking game. We know what to expect down there and we must be positive and keep our playing rate high. It will be tough but we have to make it tough for them."

As far as the future of on-loan stars Kevin McHattie (Hearts) and striker Stevie May (St Johnstone), it is out of Hartley's hands.

May, in particular, has been a revelation at the Recs but this weekend might be his last wearing the black and gold.

Hartley said, "It will be their last game on Saturday as far as I'm aware.Then it is out of our hands. We want to keep both of them but it might not be down to us."

One player already gone is defender Fraser Forrest. He took the decision to retire last week due to a long-term injury to his back.

Hartley knows all too well about injury issues, himself retiring at the age of 34 in May last year after suffering problems with his knee.

He said, "He (Fraser) has had a problem with his back the last couple of months. He always gave 100 per cent for the club when called upon and we respected his decision. It's sad when somebody has to retire at only 28. We thank him for his effort and he will always be made welcome when he comes back to visit."

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 18 Jan 12

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