BRIAN RICE was appointed as manager of Alloa Athletic earlier today as the club look to salvage what has been a poor season so far.

Rice's appointment comes exactly one week after the departure of Barry Ferguson, who left the club after a run of one win in 13 games.

However, the club kickstarted the post-Ferguson era with a 2-1 victory over Dumbarton on Saturday.

Asked if he's excited to be taking over, Rice said: “Of course I am. It’s a club I’ve known for a long time. I stayed in Menstrie for a lot of years, I’ve just moved.

"But it’s a club I’ve known through the years; ever since I came into football, Alloa’s always been a club that’s been here and one I’ve visited many times and played against many times, coached against many times as well.

"I know the history of the club; I know what a great club it is, how well run it is for a part-time club. It’s got a good name for itself about Scottish football."

Rice confirmed he was in attendance for Saturday's victory and now wants the club to kick on.

He continued: "It was a great result for the boys on Saturday in very testing conditions for both teams but I thought the boys’ attitude, their application, the way they went about their business, they deserved to win the game.

"It was a good atmosphere in the dressing room and we’ve got to carry that on.

"The next game is always the most important. Not the one you’ve just won, not the one in two weeks’ time, the only one you can affect is this Saturday and for me that’s the only one you should focus on.

"Don’t look too far ahead; the weekend’s gone. It’s done and dusted. It’s all about this Saturday and we’ll try to pick up as many points between now and the end of the season, that’s our focus."

The new boss added: “I spoke to them before, at half time and after the game. I didn’t say too much, just told them two or three things that I’m looking for.

"Paddy [Connolly] set the team up fantastically well and got the result so great credit to Paddy and the rest of the staff.

"It was a good response from the lads and it was good to come in and see them win a game. We’re looking forward to tomorrow night to get started."

Connolly told Advertiser Sport he'd been asked by Rice to stay until the end of the season and Rice is counting on his support.

“Paddy’s staying, he’ll be a massive part of it," Rice continued. "I’m coming in myself, I’m going to work with Paddy and I’m going to expect a lot from Paddy.

"I need his support, he knows the club inside out and the players inside out.

"There’ll be three or four players I don’t really know so well, their character and things like that, so he’ll be someone for me to lean on and rely on and I know I can do that.

"Paddy’s got a good name in the game; I know him outwith the game.

"I’m not here to change everything, we’re here to win football games. Try and put a structure together that wins us football games and me and Paddy will do that together.

“There’s a lot of good players in a lot of the teams but it’s getting it on a Saturday. You’re only a good player if you turn up on a Saturday and play well.

"You look at the squad and think why are they sitting in the position they’re in? Well, there’s always a reason for things but that’s the past.

"We can’t affect the past, we can only effect the future. That’s what we’re here to do and that starts on Saturday."

Rice continued: "We’ve got to get the best out of people and it’s finding out how to get the best of people.

"First and foremost, we go and we coach them – coach them in a way I want them to try and play and then it’s down to the hard work and endeavour.

"I just want them to come in with a smile on their faces, look forward to their training, look forward to the games on a Saturday and go and give it everything they’ve got."

Rice's objectives for his new squad are simple: “Just work harder than the other team, give it everything you’ve got and don’t have any regrets when you go home on a Saturday.”

Mike Mulraney, chairman of Alloa Athletic, spoke his excitement at getting Rice on board.

He said: "He’s got a track record in coaching that speaks for itself. I’m absolutely confident that he’ll take us forward.

""We’ve got to win football matches and, as Brian says, it’s the next one that matters.”

Rice continued: “I came because it’s a club I know well, a club I respect. I just think it’s a great opportunity, they’ve got some good players. I used to love coming to watch the games so everything about Alloa attracted me to it.

“I’ve got expectations in my head but I don’t want to put any pressure on the players, everything’s got to be realistic.

"I think we’re in a false position but results don’t lie. We are where we are and we need to improve, and like I said it’s always about the next game.

"I’ve got my own thoughts for further down the line but at this minute in time I’m not going to put any expectations on the players."

Rice has already had a close look at the squad and knows what he wants from the players.

He continued: “I know the personnel that’s available, I’ve looked at it. I know exactly what I’m going to try and do and the players will need to come and buy into it.

"There’s 10 games to go, we just need to get organised, get everybody knowing what we’re doing and give it everything we’ve got.

“As a staff we create an environment where the players want to come in to work, but the players have got to bring something to the party.

"They’ve got to bring enthusiasm, endeavour and a willingness to work. I’m sure we’ll get that.

"There’s nothing better than looking forward to going to your work.

"I always enjoyed playing with a smile on my face and you do that when you work hard. That’s all I’m asking from the players, come in, give it everything they’ve got and play to a structure.”