Scott Walker's thoughts on Alloa's cup game against St Mirren

Published 13 Jan 2010 12:57 0 Comments

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Scott Walker in action

THE team put in a really good performance against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup and we were unlucky to lose the game.

It was always going to be a big ask taking on an SPL side on their own patch, but I felt the lads performed well and the 3-1 score line flattered my old club.

Playing a top flight side was a great experience for the lads, especially the younger ones - it is always a buzz playing in front of a bigger crowd.

The result was disappointing, but we can take a lot of positives from our performance - at times you would have struggled to say who the full time team was. We did really well throughout the tie, scored a cracking goal and created chances going forward.

It was unfortunate that we lost a goal in added time at the end of the first half. Nobody blames Scott Buist for their second goal, though, we are a team that wins and loses together. There are no egos at Alloa.

Going in 1-1 at the break would have been great. The goal took the sting out of us a bit, but the disappointment in the dressing room at half-time was lifted by the management team who got our spirits back up and we went back out upbeat. And I thought Mark Gilhaney was going to make it two all at the start of the second period when he was clean through on their keeper, if that had gone in it would have been game on.

Staying in the tie with an SPL side up until the 87th minute was good though. The main difference was they possessed a striker who was clinical. Other than that there wasn't a huge gulf in class between the sides - certainly not in a one off game.

I was gutted to see Saints drew Rangers - if they get past Hamilton - in the next round. It would have been amazing if that had been us. Recreation Park would have been packed to the rafters. But there's always next year.

And while the cup is nice, we're never going to win it, so brace yourself for a cliché: the league is our bread and butter. It really is the case.

This Saturday we will look to build on the performance we put in at New St Mirren Park when we travel to Broadwood to take on Clyde in the league.

My other topic this week is the managerial merry-go-round that is constantly spinning in the ever changing world of football.

My first experience of change was actually when I came to Alloa on loan. Terry Christie left and was replaced by Tom Hendry. I knew what to expect with Tom as he was my old manager at the Paisley Saints.

For me, a new manager coming in is usually a real breath of fresh air - an opportunity for all the players. It usually happens when a team is not doing well and the club needs to move forward.

With a new gaffer at the helm comes new ideas, and if you are part of a team that has been on a losing streak - which is depressing for all the players - the new team coming in will lift the place. No, it's not nice to see any manager get the sack, but when things aren't working it's the only way.

The recent managerial change at Manchester City seemed pretty reactionary, though. Mark Hughes was doing ok. But with the amount of money involved, it is big business down there, and owners as well as fans demand instant success. It is the nature of that particular beast.

And my final word this week goes to Allan Maitland on being named Division 2 Manager of the Month for December. Credit must go to the management and to the players. Allan and Wardie keep the squad happy and give us confidence. They have the respect of all the lads.

Next week, I will give my reaction to the Clyde game and talk about what it's like to captain a side.

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