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Alloa player/manager Jim Goodwin insists dropping himself is the reason for the upturn in the Wasps’ fortunes – but admits he is not ready to retire just yet.
The former St Mirren midfielder has been named Ladbrokes League One Manager of the Month for February after guiding the promotion hopefuls to three wins and a draw during that period.
Goodwin had endured a difficult start to his first job in management after collecting only four victories in three months following his appointment as Jack Ross’ successor last October.
But second place Alloa have won six of their last nine matches to close the gap on leaders Livingston to seven points.
And Goodwin, who has not played since the January 7 win at Stranraer, insists leaving himself completely out the squad has helped.
Speaking to league sponsors Ladbrokes, Goodwin said: “Since I took myself out of the team we’ve started playing well.
“I was finding it difficult at the beginning to do both. I wasn’t giving 100 per cent to either role.
“When you’re out there playing and trying to manage at the same time, you’re trying to do everyone’s job rather than concentrating on your own.
“I felt it was better for me if I was going to give the opportunity the best crack then I should take myself out of the playing side of it, which has benefitted me greatly.
“I’m now able to see the bigger picture from the side of the park and able to have more of an influence on tactical decisions and substitutions.
“It was a no brainer really – I’m not making an official announcement that I’m retiring. I still keep myself fit and train with the boys twice a week and, if needs must and if we get a number of suspensions and injuries between now and the end of the season, I want to be able to play.
“At this moment in time the lads who are in my position are playing extremely well and I couldn’t justify playing myself.”
