Continuity the key for Alloa boss Jim Goodwin as he makes managerial bow against Brechin City

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

JIM GOODWIN is adamant he will not “reinvent the wheel” at Alloa as he prepares to take charge of his maiden match in management.

The 34-year-old was afforded the reins in Clackmannanshire this week following Jack Ross’s switch to St Mirren and could not have been handed a more testing debut, with a trip to league leaders Brechin City.

However, Goodwin believes continuity is the key to success as he aims to carry on the excellent work done by his predecessor.

And he reckons his familiarity with the club and his teammates can ensure he claims the League 1 crown in his first campaign as a boss.

The former St Mirren stalwart said: “We’re extremely disappointed to lose Jack because he was doing fantastic things for us here. They’re big shoes to fill but he’s left us in a great position. He’s left behind a fantastic squad of players that I’ve got great respect for.

”Little things will change but they won’t change dramatically. There’s not an awful lot needs doing. It’s not as if I’m going into a dressing room where morale is low. I don’t need to go in and pick anyone up off the floor.

“Still being a player, I know what the boys want and what they expect. I’m not going to come in and try to reinvent the wheel, that’s not what’s required here now. I think the way Jack [Ross] was, as a person and a manager, I’m very similar.

“Our expectations don’t change, either. Our ambition is to get out of the league – ideally, that would be winning the title.”

Goodwin, meanwhile, insists his new role will not affect his playing commitments.

The combative midfielder has impressed since arriving at the Indodrill this summer, making 12 appearances and helping Alloa to challenge at the summit of League 1 and reach the last eight of the Betfred and IRN-BRU Cups.

Nevertheless, he is adamant he will happily axe HIMSELF if he feels his dugout duties are having a negative impact on his displays.

Goodwin added: “I still think at this point in my career I’ve got something to offer as a player.

“But I won’t be guaranteeing myself a place on the team, it won’t work like that at all. If me being selected or playing is having a detrimental effect on the team then I’ll be the first one to hold my hands up.

“I’ve always been my own biggest critic anyway, so it goes without saying that if I’m not playing well then someone else will take my place in the team.”