TWO more players will be needed before Alloa’s squad is complete, but this may also mean some outgoings.
Andy Graham has been busy since the summer in adding to the team for the campaign ahead, bringing in a number of talented youngsters from senior clubs.
And, he confirmed to the club’s supporters’ Q&A evening on Monday (August 17) that he was not far away from the squad being fully ready.
The Wasps boss is eyeing up two more players – a third co-operative loanee from Rangers and a forward.
“It can be really difficult this time of the season,” he said. “You need to be patient as well. Sometimes you can dive in too quickly.
“Between now and the end of September, it’s staying calm and making sure we get the right one in.
“I don’t think we’re far in terms of squad completion, there are two players for every position.
“We know there is one more co-operation agreement coming in which I’m really excited about.
“He’s had a few injury problems, very similar in style to Calum Adamson. He’s excellent, we just need to get him right.
“That’s one we know is coming in the door round about the start to mid-September and we probably need one more forward player to complement the group in terms of that focal point.
“You need that big squad depth to go and compete. That’s something we’re looking to do over the next month or so is bring two more in, I’d say.”
One supporter asked about the number of players currently on Alloa’s books and queried how morale is kept high if players cannot play consistently.
He asked about Steven Buchanan, with the winger having spent most of last season behind Lewis Stewart in the pecking order.
Graham responded that every player has a fair chance to earn a spot in the team in training or in bounce games.
One example he pointed to was Josh Walker – who got a start against Montrose after impressing against Stranraer in the KDM Evolution Trophy the Tuesday prior.
He said: “It’s a massive thing for me, squad harmony and making sure it’s fair for everybody.
“You have honest conversations with people. Steg is one I’m very mindful of – I’ve spoken to him on numerous occasions.
“At the same time, they’re not just not playing and I give up on them. It’s important they know that.
“You understand why you’re not playing and you understand how you get in the team. That’s how I keep them all happy – just making sure we’ve got that team element about them.”
He added that “one or two” may go out on loan until Christmas in order to ensure minutes.
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