The train has now left the platform at Station park and gaffer Turps and his new Loon troops are joint bookies favourites for the 2nd division title this season. The current squad inherited has descent players in every department, but the influx of new talent will add competition for places and strength and depth for the forthcoming campaign. The preseason and start of such games are mostly tedious affairs but some descent signing's were captured in the transfer frenzy thats is the Scottish netgame.
Initially the squad was streamlined and many players deemed inferior for the task were discarded or on the transfer list to make way for the new. Some of the existing squad who remained in the gaffers plans accepted lower longterm deals as the club strived to attain a profitable playing field. The whole backroom staff were deamed not good enough and were promptly releaved of their duties to make way for the new. Gaffer Turps is pleased to announce that Joe McLaughlan and Ray Clemence will be joining him in the dug out as assistants. A whole new scouting staff were employed along with some descent young coaches, as gaffer Turps believed that getting the backroom right would benefit the club greatly in the longterm.
Preseason went well with the team reaching fitness fast. of the friendlies played some good results were achieved. A few players left immediately and some out of contract players were secured in the process. Gaffer Turps has some funds to spend but will only use wisely, when the right players become available. The squad has been streamlined and taylored to fit the new system. The clubs's training has had a radical overhaul and the young players look set to benefit and improve as the club moves forward. The whole club is being transformed to play at a higher level and as a result players like Porhalsson of Iclandic club Por have agreed to join when their contracts terminate. His fellow country man Kristiansson agreed terms also only to controversially switch to lower division Queens Park! Heres who came and went in preseason...
STAFF OUT
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>1.8.2003Miller, Ian- Sacked <LI>1.8.2003Castle, Peter- Sacked
<LI>1.8.2003Mitchell, Derek- Sacked</UL>
STAFF IN
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>14.7.2003Colley, DaveFree Transfer <LI>14.7.2003Jarrett, DavidFree Transfer
<LI>14.7.2003Clemence, RayFree Transfer
<LI>14.7.2003Barnes, DavidFree Transfer
<LI>15.7.2003John, IanFree Transfer
<LI>15.7.2003Field, SpencerFree Transfer
<LI>16.7.2003Hughes, JeffFree Transfer
<LI>16.7.2003Berry, TrevorFree Transfer
<LI>16.7.2003Brandts, ErnieFree Transfer
<LI>17.7.2003Allan, HughFree Transfer
<LI>18.7.2003McLaughlin, JoeFree Transfer</UL>
PLAYERS IN
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>14.7.2003McAdam, StevenFree Transfer <LI>14.7.2003Bell, AndrewFree Transfer
<LI>15.7.2003McAllister, RossFree Transfer
<LI>15.7.2003O'Donnell, PhilFree Transfer
<LI>17.7.2003Gibson, BillyFree Transfer
<LI>17.7.2003Barclay, JohnFree Transfer
<LI>18.7.2003Paliczka, SeanFree Transfer
<LI>19.7.2003Macdonald, BillyFree Transfer</UL>
PLAYERS OUT
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>18.7.2003Williams, DavidHamilton£4K <LI>18.7.2003Mann, PaulPeterhead£1K
<LI>19.7.2003Duncan, GeorgeAnnan£6K
<LI>3.8.2003Tovey, ScottStranraer£1K
<LI>4.8.2003Scott, DarrenOakley Utd£2K
<LI>6.8.2003Stewart, DavidCove Rangers£5K</UL>
CHALLENGE CUP OPENING GAME
The 1st game of the of the season was at home to Tracy's Hamilton. The game was very tight and after 90mins was a 0-0 stalemate. Both teams had chances but when the game went to a penalty shoot out, Hamilton kept their nerve and dumped the Loons out the low league cup. Not a great start but the competitive match gave the 1st team a good run out ready for the season opener.
, he’s signed everyone. That list brings tears to my eyes :eek: and I had to laugh when I actually had to scroll down such a listing (thats some dam good work Ally). God it makes my one loan and four staff signings look pitiful. I’ll have to be more active on the old free signing front next time.
Alloa Anouncement 
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