A look back on Kevin Cawley's time at Alloa

Cawley joined a whole host of ex Wasps in the Legends team taking on the current Alloa squad, with the Mighty Atom scoring the equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

With a 12th season on the horizon for Cawley, Advertiser Sport caught up with him to look back on his career so far.

He said: "I was a Celtic fan growing up, I always went to the games with my old man. We were season ticket holders and I got to play for Celtic when I was younger.

Cawley in action for the Celtic youth side. Picture from SNS

"When I started playing on Saturdays, I couldn't go to the games but I still try to get to a game occasionally whenever I can.

"When I was growing up, my footballing idol was Henrik Larsson since I was going to the games and seeing him play.

"When I got a bit older, my idol became Zinedine Zidane and I looked up to those two players mainly."

Cawley signed for Ayr United and spent a season on loan at Stranraer before signing for East Stirlingshire.

Cawley playing for Scotland U19s. Picture from SNS

After one season at the Shire, Cawley signed for the Wasps under Paul Hartley in 2011, kicking off his first four-year spell at the club.

Cawley said: "At that time, Alloa had just been relegated and they were undergoing a full rebuild. Hartley came in and I signed straight away.

"I got a good feel about the club and Paul said he wanted us to win the league which we went on to do, it was a great season.

"Personally, it was a great season as well as a good few of us got nominated for player of the year and a couple other awards, so it was good overall."

Cawley celebrates with his Alloa teammates after winning the Third Division at the end of the 2011-2012 season. Picture from SNS

After four years with Alloa, Cawley departed to sign for fellow Championship side Dumbarton, spending one season there before returning to the Wasps.

Recalling the circumstances of his return, he said: "I text Graeme Holmes and told him I had been let go and within an hour, Paddy Connolly phoned and asked if I wanted to come back.

"Jack Ross was the manager and he was keen – it was a no-brainer.

"I knew how well the club is run and it was a very easy decision for me to go back.

"I've been here since and I'm really thankful to have the opportunity to go back again."

Cawley is part of a strong backbone within the Alloa squad of players who have been at the club for a long time.

Andy Graham, Jon Robertson and Scott Taggart all have a number of seasons under their belt and Cawley says that is due to the good atmosphere within the club.

"You want to go to a club that is well run," Cawley added. "Alloa is just really professional. It also comes down to the players that are there and the camaraderie at the club.

"You want to enjoy the environment you're in and I've been lucky enough to have been in changing rooms with managers and players that have been successful and worked well together.

"It's a really good club to play for and the fans are brilliant. The turnout for the testimonial which was brilliant. We've got a good connection with the fans and I think that's why so many people stay so long."

Cawley looked back on his 11 seasons in Alloa and walked Advertiser Sport through some of his standout moments at the club.

The Wasps win promotion to the First Dvision at the end of the 2012-2013 season. Picture from SNS

He said: "Winning the league the first year I was at the club, which was my first bit of silverware, was really good.

"Back-to-back promotions was probably the best time I've had. There's definitely been a few other moments as well but those really stand out.

"My favourite goal I scored was my goal in the 4-4 away match to Greenock Morton. I did a kind of Cruyff turn in the middle of the pitch, then I let loose and it went into the top corner.

"Wheeled away with a rubbish celebration as usual but that goal stands out the most!

"It's hard to name just one player to be the best I've played with, there's been so many.

"Names that stand out are Graeme Holmes, Ryan McCord, they were at my testimonial. Iain Flannigan, he's a great player. Even big Andy Graham, big skilful centre half – Scott Taggart, Jon Robertson, Steven Hetherington.

"I can't pick just one but I've been lucky enough to play with a lot of really good players at my time in Alloa."

Cawley up against John McGinn. Picture from SNS