Northampton boss Chris Wilder backs Alloa to be the surprise package in this year's SPFL Championship

The former Oxford United boss, who was enjoying his second pre-season match in consecutive years with the Wasps, reckons he saw enough from Barry Smith’s men to suggest they will be competing at the top end of the table instead of the bottom and he can’t believe they are the early relegation favourites.

Wilder told Advertiser Sport, “If Alloa go about the league in that manner then I just don’t see them being anywhere near the bottom and I think in time they will go and prove that. I knew from coming here last year with Oxford that we would get a good test because they are a good footballing side and they move the ball really well. It is a different type of game than we are used to in League Two but it was a worthwhile exercise for us. I don’t see why Alloa can’t give the league a real go this season. They have a manager who is very passionate and committed to the task and from what we saw in our game then I think the big three would do well not to under estimate Alloa. They have nothing to lose against Rangers, Hearts and Hibs where they will be big underdogs, and so that makes them very dangerous opposition especially with the way they can move the ball and counter quickly. The pressure being off them will allow them to relax and play their football and that makes them a threat to all because they have some talented individuals. It is a brilliant test for the club but I don’t think they have anything to fear from that challenge.” Wilder revealed he has been bringing teams to Scotland for almost a decade now because he believes it gives his sides the edge and give his players a chance to bond as well.

He said, “I have been coming to Scotland with my teams for six or seven years now and it is always first class facilities and you are almost guaranteed a really competitive test in the games as well. We have brought a lot of new players in this summer so it is great trip for them as well to bond ahead of the new season. I have recruited well and so hopefully we can be challenging at the top end of the table, it’s a league that is wide open and so if we can keep everyone fit then we would back ourselves to do well.” The experienced 46-year-old also believes that the Recreation Park surface itself may also have a positive impact on Alloa’s season as well and could be their secret weapon against the big boys.

Wilder added, “It is a nice surface but it certainly gives Alloa an advantage in games because they will be used to playing and training on it. I wish them all the best for the new season and I will certainly be looking on with interest as to how they fair.”