BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Isaac Layne has described the arrival of Jack Ross is “the best thing that could have happened” to Alloa Athletic after accusing previous boss Danny Lennon of losing the dressing room.
Lennon, who steered the Wasps to Championship safety last term, left the club following a run of one win in 19 matches and with Alloa adrift at the foot of the table.
However, Layne, who was farmed out on loan to Brechin City by Lennon before being recalled by Ross, believes the new man at the helm has made an immediate impact.
Ahead of their visit to another of Lennon’s former clubs, St Mirren, the 20-year-old said: “Jack is the best thing that could have happened to the club and a lot better than Danny [Lennon], in my view.
“He is a lot more positive and has us playing positive football, rather than with Danny, who kind of over-complicated things and lost the changing room.
”You can see that change in performances. We went to Raith Rovers and won there for the first time in 10 years and we were beating Morton at home – and could have scored two or three – before that match was abandoned.
“Last week we lost 1-0 to Queen of the South but I thought we were really unlucky.
“That is the effect the new gaffer has had on us, he has created a positive environment and all the boys are happy to be there and loving their football.”
Layne was used sparingly by Lennon, making just 10 appearances in black-and-gold during his eight months in charge before being farmed out on loan to Brechin in November, where he scored four goals.
However, Ross recalled the former Hayes and Yeading attacker from Glebe Park and has made him the focal point of Alloa’s front-line.
Layne, who is still chasing his first Alloa goal, continued: “Jack brought me back from Brechin and has given me a chance, so I really appreciate that and I feel like I’ve done alright. Hopefully the goals will come.
Positivity
“He is a really good guy, easy to talk to and is all about positivity. I spoke to before my last game at Brechin and asked how he saw things for me – and he told me he wanted to give me a chance and thought I could score goals in the Championship.
“I want to repay him. I feel like I’m doing well and the boys are creating decent chances, so I’m sure the goals will come.”
Five points separate rock-bottom Alloa ninth-placed Livingston, albeit the Wasps have a game in hand, however Layne has no doubt Ross is the man to guide them to safety.
He added: “We can definitely still get out of this position. I think Jack has given us a real belief that we can stay up.”
