The Andy Graham Alloa Era Begins
Alloa Athletic have announced that club legend, Andy Graham, will be the new manager.
Following the shock news of Brian Rice's departure to Livingston last Thursday, supporters quickly turned to the fan forums to discuss and debate who would be his successor. Like many of the recent vacancies, a familiar name in Andy Graham was seen throughout the discussions. However, this time it felt different.
The 40-year-old centre back has been a stalwart for the Wasps since joining the club in 2016. This whole article could relay some of his greatest moments in the black and gold during his 254 appearances, but we will touch on a few. A promotion under his belt, Championship survival and, 2 inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year are only some of what he has achieved as captain of the football club.
So where did this success story start and what can we expect going forward?
Graham joined the club in what was an off-season to remember under Jack Ross. 2nd June 2016, was pictured alongside a suave, Iain Flannigan, as the club's latest signings for their first season back at League 1. By his own admission, already written off by his former sides, Graham still had fire in the belly to contribute and restore Alloa's Championship status.
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Very quickly Alloa fans realised that the player we had acquired was special, and just as our love-in started, his time at Stirling Albion became a distant memory. A goal in his debut in a 4-0 victory over Cove would kick start a successful period for the club. Promotion wasn't to be in that first year but with the departure of Graeme Holmes, Graham stepped up to skipper the year after, and it is safe to say, the rest is history.
44 appearances that year, a mainstay in the team, he was the rock and heartbeat of the promotion winning side. He'd go better the next year as he proved age is just a number with 46 appearances in the Championship survival season.
The period that followed prior, and during, Covid, is one of real note. A time to forget for Andy himself, but for me, shows the testament of the man who is now in charge of our club. At the age of 37, Graham was diagnosed with a rare spinal infection, a illness affecting only 1 in 150,000 people. A few weeks on the drip in hospital and 10 months out the game, it would be no surprise for the mere mortal to decide to hang up the boots.
For the Alloa captain though, he returned to the side and still plays his part today in the playing squad. The determination of character, never-say-die attitude and enthusiastically optimistic view on football and life has been a major asset to Alloa and maintained his place as a playing professional for this long.
His inspirational leadership skills are seen in how he conducts himself on the pitch. Playing through injury and blooded strips, we have seen the skipper do it all for this football club. When a youngster makes his debut, it is always Graham there to congratulate. When the club stepped into the unknown of Covid, it was Graham there to pull the squad together, keep morale high and get the players through it. Oh, and when an outfielder needs to pull the goalkeeper gloves on - Andy is there!
You can't talk about Graham without talking about the qualities that he brings to the club off the pitch. That enthusiasm and warmth has made him one of the most likeable men across the lower leagues. To quote A View From A Terrace host, Craig Telfer, 'I would follow big Andy Graham into the fires of hell'. This is an opinion replicated across the game. Without any managerial experience, you can see the natural leader qualities in Graham. A warrior on the pitch but off the pitch the ability to motivate, connect, and inspire not only his teammates but also the community around him.
We took a deep dive into what his former teammates and managers had to say about the new manager during his time at Alloa, it is clear to see his standing in the game:
"He is fanatstic. He loves his football, the training and this club. He's a leader in the dressing room and brilliant to have around. I can't speak highly enough of him and I think every manager that's worked with him will probably say the same" Brian Rice, 2023.
"I've missed a lot of football so I need to make up for the experience and guys like Andy (Graham) have been brilliant with me since I've came here, he can help me out and help me improve as a footballer" David Devine, 2022.
"Andy is unbelievable and so experienced. He keeps you right through the 90 minutes and he doesn't switch off. He is always talking to you and keeping you going. For me, that is what you want. On and off the pitch, he has been massive." Sam Roscoe, 2018.
"Andy is superb. He talks to me all the time. Before the game and after the game about what I did well and what I need to work on. He is great with me and I really enjoyed playing with him He is a joy to watch when he is on the ball." Robbie Deas, 2019.
"Anybody who knows Andy knows he is the most upbeat guy ... he is our leader. I know how hard he works, if someone was due to be out for 11 weeks, he'll get back in 9" Neil Parry, 2020.
"There aren't any defenders or leaders better in the league than Andy Graham." Peter Grant, 2019.
"Andy will be club captain this season. He is very reliable and has great leadership qualities. He leads by example and he's the perfect role model for any young player. He's exactly the type of player and captain we need." Jim Goodwin, 2017.
There is no denying how this news will land with those connected to the football club. It is a decision that although seemed the obvious one to make, is one that will continue to unite the fanbase and the team as we set our sights upon the play-off spots.
Albeit a fairly big squad at the moment, most, if not all, of those players will have been influenced by the captain in some way during their time at the club. I do not think it is a stretch to say that Graham would have single-handedly convinced several of them to join the club in the first place. The immediate respect that he will receive in that dressing room is unquestionable.
Few supporters will need convincing of this decision too. During his 7 years at the club, he has given his all to the cause in defence and attack, but also dedicated so much time to getting to know fans and being a role model to children in the local schools and community clubs. Everyone is behind him to take this club forward.
It is a step into the unknown though and that may mean some slight measures on expectations levels. I wrote previously when Barry Ferguson departed the club that it felt right for experience to take charge, and it was in Brian Rice. He stabled the club from a truly chaotic time and brought it back to a place where we can be optimistic going forward. The foundations of a really good squad have been made and now we pass on the baton to Andy Graham to take it that one step further.
Experience in management is the only question mark, however, when has that ever stopped a successful Alloa manager in the past. Paul Hartley, Jack Ross, and Jim Goodwin all boast Alloa as their first club and cement themselves as the club's most successful managers in the last decade or so. Graham will need to be given that time to learn on the job, make mistakes, and adapt his style.
Similar to the last senior player promoted to boss, Goodwin, we had a season to bed in and learn, before securing promotion the next year. Now I am not saying promotion isn't possible this season, it most certainly is. However, there must be that leeway to allow the new boss to adapt. Under the guidance of Paddy Connolly and the ability that Graham has, I am sure this will be a quick process.
Most interesting to me will be the style of play that is employed by Graham. As you watch him take the drills at the end of the game, there is always an emphasis on high tempo passing excercises. Similarly, when you think of him as a player, very rarely did Graham revert to 'hoofball'. My outstanding memory of Graham is not only a brute warrior, willing to put his body on the line, but a player who didn't mind a marauding run forward, or the odd Cryuff turn, or roulette. I expect that stylish, nice on the eye, passing tactic to be implemented under Graham. It is a trend of young managers and I expect us to follow suit.
Where we may see the initial benefit is his knowledge of the game. If there is something in Scottish football that Graham doesn't know, then it isn't worth knowing. I expect the non-league gem to fall Alloa's way, or the League 2 hidden diamond to sign up at the Recs. His personality and pedigree in the game makes him a very well connected individual. Furthermore, he is no doubt a man that players want to play for.
It is exciting times for Alloa. An era that many of us have waited for a long time. Andy Graham has given so much to this football club and personally, I am delighted that it is going to continue in this new role. On the pitch, we can ask no more of his dedication, in the community we can admire his willingness to involve himself, and in the coaching side, it has been great to see him slowly but steadily taking on more responsibilities to prepare him for this moment.
Bumps on the road are expected with any new manager, especially one giving it a go for the first time, however, as we have seen over his time at Alloa, a bump is temporary. His class and skill always prevails.
There is no need to encourage anybody to back the new boss, we are all behind him. The excitement and anticipation for this new era is palpable!
Our new leader, Andy Graham. Photo by David Glencross.
Thank you to David Glencross, @dgxwasp on Twitter, for the photos.
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