PADDY CONNOLLY has loved his time at Alloa – all 300 games in the dugout.

The assistant manager joined the Wasps in 2011 and has gone on to work under five managers and has enjoyed three spells as caretaker.

His players were even able to sweeten the event with a superb victory away to Ayr United, not that Paddy was aware of the upcoming milestone.

He admitted the landmark nature of the game was only brought to his attention when one of his players made mentioned en route to Somerset Park.

Connolly told Advertiser Sport: "I didn't actually know it was my 300th game – it was only when Jon Robertson told me on the bus that I realised.

"There have been some highs and lows, but I have to say the last six years have mainly been highs. The game against Ayr will have to go down as one of those because we were excellent.

"I've had some great experiences from Paul Hartley through to Jim Goodwin. They have all been very good managers. Barry Smith, Danny Lennon and Jack Ross all had different qualities and characters and I have to say I've learned a lot from every one of them.

"We had the one low of relegation, but it has mainly been positives during my time here.

"We had back-to-back promotions with Paul, surviving the second season in the Championship when Queen of the South scored in the last minute against Cowdenbeath to keep us up, and the great escape under Danny.

"Hopefully this season we can another one of those high points and get ourselves back into the Championship.

"We'll need to see if I reach another 300 games, but I have massively enjoyed my time at the club so far.

"From the chairman right downwards it's a fantastic club and no matter how long I stay, I have had some great memories."

The Wasps did indeed mark the occasion with a fine victory over the League One leaders, and Connolly hailed Alloa's performance as their best of the season.

He added: "Two weeks in a row we have taken points off the league leaders. There aren't many teams go down to Ayr and get a result because they are a good side.

"They have scored a lot of goals this season but in the first half we played as well as we have all season. That's really pleasing for the manager and all the staff.

"It was also a great way to mark the 300th game that I've been involved in."

Jim Goodwin’s has also hailed the influence of his number two during his time in charge of Alloa.

The gaffer said: “I think every manager that’s came in has tried to move Paddy on, but we can’t get rid of him! He’s a really good man.

"He’s a proper football man and he’s the first one to volunteer to go and watch a game when ours are off. He’s got a great hunger and appetite for the game.

"When I first took the job it was difficult for me because I didn’t know too much about the opposition, but his knowledge of this league is second to none. As long as I’m here, Paddy will be here.”