Andy Graham set to remain as Alloa Athletic player for next season
ANDY GRAHAM will continue to be registered as a player for Alloa Athletic next season.
The Wasps gaffer has already extended his contract as a manager, but confirmed to Advertiser Sport that he will remain as a player as well.
Since coming into the job in November, the boss has named himself on the bench several times this season due to injuries to David Devine and Dave McKay.
He hasn’t had to come on, however, but he did play himself in Saturday’s dead rubber against Falkirk, enjoying a full 90 minutes for the first time since Dunfermline last May.
With McKay, Neill and Scott Taggart already signed up for next year, Graham spoke with Advertiser Sport to explain that he will remain registered as an emergency option at centre half.
“It’s testament to the guys round about me,” Graham said. “They help me, I thought Cammy O’Donnell had a fantastic game.
“I had David Devine and Dave McKay round about me in both halves and I utilised that, we used our experience and we talked and that’s what
helps you get through games.
“It was enjoyable, it was great to get out and play a game of football again because you can’t ever take that away from me.
“I train every Tuesday, Thursday which is really important if we’re going to go up with a smaller squad next year then there’s no point in me not registering as a player.
“I’d be mad not to because all it takes is a wee spell through the season where we’ve got four injuries and you’re thinking ‘oh no, we’ve got no centre halves, why did I not register myself ?’
“It would just be to play for a game or play for half a game or whatever it might be, I’d be mad not to register myself.
“So I will stay as a player/manager, I’ve reregistered again and it’ll be exact same as this season I’ll not be looking to play but if needs must.
“Saturday was a good example Devine needed 45 minutes to see how he was and McKay got 45.
“But why would I risk playing Morgyn Neill when we’ve got a game on Tuesday so I was happy to risk my 40 year old body for 90 minutes to make sure they were okay for Tuesday.
“I’ll play if required and it’ll be very much only if required.”