FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | FACEBOOK
ANDY Graham has worked twice with Jack Ross and has absolutely no doubts the new St Mirren manager will prove a success.
Graham was at Dumbarton when Ross was kicking off his coaching career as assistant to Alan Adamson and then Ian Murray, and was reunited with the former Clyde and Falkirk defender when he joined Alloa in the summer.
Though he is disappointed the 40-year-old will leave after Saturday’s IRN-BRU Cup clash away to Welsh outfit Bala Town, Graham is convinced the Buddies have made an astute appointment.
The experienced defender told Capital City Press: “It’s a great opportunity for him at a big club and a club that should be higher than they are at the moment.
“I have absolutely no doubts he’ll do a fantastic job there.
“He’s very thorough in what he does and that was one of the main reasons I signed for Alloa in the summer. Jack sold it to me and I’m sure he’ll be able to do that at St Mirren.
“He’s a very good up-and-coming coach and manager. I’ve seen both sides because he was assistant at Dumbarton when I was there and then my manager at Alloa and he was fantastic in both roles.”
Alloa began the season with 10 straight wins and pushed Celtic hard in their Betfred Cup tie last month but have stuttered in the league in recent weeks.
CHALLENGE
However, no matter who comes in as his replacement, Graham insists Ross has put in place the groundwork that can see the Wasps go on to achieve their goal of promotion from League One.
He added: “We’re disappointed to lose the manager. He’s done a great job since he came here and has assembled a good squad.
“He thanked the boys for their efforts and reflected on the fact that he was being touted for jobs because we were doing well. He was very appreciative of that.
“And we know he’s assembled a good enough squad to challenge for the league and, we feel, that will happen regardless of him leaving.
“The plan for the boys will be to not let it affect us or our goal of trying to win the league.
“We got on really well with him and hopefully we can send him out on a high tomorrow – and also we want to get through. It’s a cup game and that’s the most important thing.”
