Play season to a conclusion, boss Robbie urges
Both Robbie Neilson and Peter Grant aired their views over the controversy regarding the possibility of the Championship season following the lower leagues and being suspended.
An email sent to all second-tier clubs by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell (see more on page 17) has caused rancour.
But Jambos boss, Robbie Neilson insisted: “Of course we want the season to continue. “I understand the reason for the email, but I think it’s been hit on the head now. “People are stuck at home with nothing to do, so at least we can give them something to be interested in.
“We have a responsibility to follow all the protocols during the week and look after the players and the team. “We’ve had plenty of money to do testing, so everything has been done to keep the Championship going.” His Alloa counterpart, Peter Grant, said: “We all love the game of football and we wish fans were here watching games. “But we also understand the health issues 100%. Nobody knows which way the virus is heading in. “We wanted to finish the season last year because it’s fair to everyone, but it’s probably not just a football decision now.”
On the pitch, Andy Irving’s New Year goal at Dens ultimately failed to prevent a rare Hearts defeat, but yesterday’s spectacular strike at the Indodrill Stadium proved much more valuable as the Gorgie side moved seven points clear of Dundee and Dunfermline at the top of the Championship table. Elliott Frear soon doubled their lead and sub Josh Ginnelly finally clinched victory in stoppage time after Kevin Cawley’s late header had given 10-man Alloa a glimmer of hope despite Lucas Williamson’s red card.
“We knew how important it was to go seven points clear and we did it,” smiled Irving. “It was a great time for me to get the opening goal because we were struggling to break them down at that stage. I’ve been working a lot on my shooting in training, so I was happy to get a chance to shoot today. Luckily I caught it well and it went in. “Andy Halliday was a big help to me today. He’s such an experienced player and I enjoyed slotting in beside him in the middle of the park. “You also need players who can do something a wee bit different and break down tough defences, especially away from home.
“I’m still only 20 and I know I need to make plenty of improvements in various areas.”