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Ross McAloone: A Tale of Redemption

Started on 12 February 2021 by ScottT
Latest Reply on 8 May 2021 by TheLFCFan
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Incredibly written pieces about promotion and the celebrations that ensued. It's a great achievement for a manager of limited experience in McAloone but he's more than earned the praise. It's always a sense of mixed emotions when it comes to contracts of a newly promoted side given that you are essentially releasing the same men that lifted you up, but Annan will be better off with a more open budget going forward.
ScottT's avatar Group ScottT
3 yearsEdited

Scottish Premiership: A Review


The Scottish Premiership was bound to be full of excitement this year with Celtic intent on claiming a tenth consecutive title and extending their dominance over the Scottish game. Rangers meanwhile, guided by Steven Gerrard, were keen to spoil the party.

It would be the blue-side of Glasgow that would be celebrating at the end of the season as they claimed a first Scottish Premiership title since Walter Smith's side lifted the title in 2011. The Gers stormed to their fifty-fifth success in style as they finished seventeen points clear of Neil Lennon's side, losing just three games in the process.

Celtic's misery was further compounded as they failed to claim a single victory in an Old Firm clash with Rangers prevailing in the final meeting between the two with the other three meetings all ending in a share of the points.

Gary Holt's Livingston enjoyed a fairy-tale campaign to finish the season in third-place and seal a place in next season's UEFA Europa League. Livi also claimed memorable victories over Celtic and Rangers - even beating the champions at Ibrox thanks to a goal from former Rangers midfielder Jason Holt.

Hibernian and Kilmarnock finished comfortably in fourth and fifth, respectively. As a result, they confirmed their places in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Conference League next season. Ross County rounded-off the top six.

St Johnstone's twelve-year run in the Premiership came to a crashing end as they finished bottom behind Hamilton Academical.

Callum Davidson was relived of his duties just 184 days into his reign after a run of just one league win in ten games. He was replaced by the former Icelandic international Hermann Hreiðarsson who initially looked to steady the ship at McDiarmid Park before The Saints sank to five losses in seven games to end the season, confirming their relegation on the final-day with a 1-1 draw against Hamilton.

Hamilton will join St Johnstone in the Championship next season after they lost to Hearts in the relegation-playoff. A 1-1 draw at Tynecastle was followed-up with a 2-2 draw at the Fountain of Youth Stadium. Hearts would later prevail on penalties to seal an immediate return to the Premiership and confine Academical to a return to the second-tier after a seven-year escape.

Scottish Championship: A Review


The story of the season was undoubtedly belonged to Inverness Caledonian Thistle as John Robertson's men sealed a return to the Premiership for the first-time since their relegation in 2017. The likes of James Keatings and Aaron Doran were crucial in aiding their bid to return to the top-flight as they finished seven points clear of Hearts in second.

Robbie Neilson's side deserve plenty of credit for the way they responded in light of their relegation last term. They proved to be a tricky side to master and ultimately came through the play-offs after beating both Arbroath and Hamilton on penalties.

Arbroath and Raith both claimed unlikely play-off berths at the end of the season as they edged-out the chasing pack led by Dunfermline Athletic. The pair can both be extremely pleased with their efforts as they were predicted by most to be fighting it out to survive in the second-tier with Raith in particular proving their credentials after a rather controversial promotion to the Championship last season.

The PPG (points-per-game) system, used to decide promotion and relegation at the end of the curtailed 2019/20 season in light of the coronavirus pandemic, listed Raith as champions over Falkirk by 0.03 of a point which caused significant backlash.

At the bottom, Dundee were shockingly relegated to the third-tier after finishing on a measly seventeen points. Stuart Campbell was unable to save an already-damaged ship as he replaced James McPake in January. They were relegated alongside Queen of the South who, despite navigating the semi-finals of the relegation play-offs comfortably with a 3-0 aggregate victory over Airdrieonians, lost 5-2 on aggregate to Partick Thistle.

Ladbrokes League One: A Review


Following the controversies of last season, Falkirk were able to 'write the wrongs' and seal promotion back to the Championship at the second attempt under the stewardship of David McCracken. The Bairns scored an impressive tally of forty whilst only conceding nineteen across twenty-seven games to finish five points clear at the summit.

They are, of course, accompanied by Partick Thistle who sealed promotion with a victory over Queen of the South after initially evading the challenge of East Fife with Kieron Bowie scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 aggregate victory.

East Fife and Airdrieonians will remain in League One next season after losing-out in the play-offs. They finished comfortably ahead of Forfar Athletic in fifth who finished on thirty-one points, recording tallies of forty-nine and forty-two respectively.

Dumbarton were relegated to the fourth-tier after amassing just seventeen points and two victories in their name. It was a nightmare season from start to finish for The Sons of the Rock who will be playing at the lowest level they have played since 2009 as a result of their relegation.

Montrose finished above them in ninth, separated only by a single goal in goal-difference over Peterhead. Stuart Petrie will be a relived man as the Montrose board stuck by him in spite of a rather underwhelming campaign at Links Park Stadium.

They avoided relegation after defeating Edinburgh City in the semi-finals 3-1 on aggregate. Quinn Coulson and Iain Campbell guiding them to a 2-0 home victory after initially being held at Ainslie Park.

Queen's Park would be the opposition in the final as The Spiders coasted past Stenhousemuir to book their place in the final.

A 1-1 draw in the first-leg had the tie tightly poised in the return-leg at Hampden Park but it would be the League One side who would show their quality to run-out 2-0 winners as Lewis Milne and Quinn Coulson sealed Montrose's status for next season. Queen's Park would ultimately have to settle for yet another season in League Two.

A final point to note with regards to League Two, Albion Rovers survived relegation from the SPFL after a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bonnyrigg Rose.

Cup Competitions: A Review


The William Hill Scottish Cup threw up very little in the way of surprises en route to the final. Arbroath enjoyed perhaps the feel-good story of the competition to add to what was an incredible season for Dick Campbell in his final season in management as he bowed up in style. They beat Motherwell and Aberdeen to reach the Quarter Finals before they were ultimately dumped out by Dundee United.

Rangers would go-on to meet Celtic in the final at Hampden Park with the Scottish champions coming out victorious in a 2-1 win. A James Tavernier penalty and Ianis Hagi cancelling-out a Ryan Christie strike for Steven Gerrard's side.

In the Betfred League Cup, Celtic were surprisingly beaten by St Mirren in the second round. The Buddies would then beat Ross County to make the semi-finals before crashing out to Motherwell. Ayr United also recorded a fantastic run in the competition as they also made the last four. They ultimately lost-out 2-0 to Rangers who went on to beat Motherwell 4-2 in the final, claiming a domestic treble.

Scotland in Europe: A Review


We turn our attention to how the Scots faired against Europe's elite next. Celtic represented Scotland in the Champions League once again this year and began their campaign with a crushing victory over Sileks Krotovo of North Macedonia. They went on to beat FC Midtjylland 2-1 at Celtic Park to progress into the Third Qualifying Round where they beat CFR Cluj 4-0 thus earning a place in the Play-Offs.

Celtic would beat Qarabag of Azerbaijan 4-2 on aggregate after initially being held 2-2 at home. They were rewarded with a group containing Juventus, Manchester United and Club Brugge at the Group Stage ceremony.

Neil Lennon's side fought valiantly but would ultimately finish bottom of Group A despite victory in Glasgow against the Belgian champions alongside a point against the Italian champions, Juventus. Brugge finished ahead of Celtic on goal-difference to claim third with Juventus and Manchester United progressing as expected.

Rangers began their UEFA Europa League adventure by defeating North Macedonian opposition in Shkupi. They would then coast past Armenian side Alashkart before being paired with Sporting CP in the final qualifying round.

Sporting would prove to be a step too far for Rangers as the Scots fell to a 2-0 defeat in Lisbon with goals from Jovane Cabral and Zouhair Feddal.

Motherwell reached the Third Qualifying stage after a 3-0 victory over Maltese outfit Sirens and an extra-time triumph over Maribor. They would crash-out of the competition thanks to a 2-0 loss at Fir Park to Jablonec of Czech Republic.

Aberdeen fell a stage earlier after they initially beat Icelandic side Breiðablik 2-0 at Pittodrie before losing 3-1 to Beitar Jerusalem of Israel.

Scotland's overall coefficient remains unchanged with the Scottish Premiership remaining fourteenth in the overall standings behind the Danish Superliga.

Comments

Jack: Much appreciated mate. You know that means a lot coming from yourself - mutual appreciation ;) It was a sensational campaign for McAloone in his debut campaign in management but the job doesn't end there, of course.

A new challenge awaits in League One where survival is bound to be the main objective. It's obvious that he felt that a step-up in quality meant a lot of his squad were suddenly surplus to requirements. You're quite right in stating that it frees up the wage-bill. Annan had one of the smallest budgets in League Two so you can only imagine the financial challenge they face in the coming season.
Some tough decisions already made in regard to a few of the lads that have departed, but the ability to make those decisions is what will help Ross continue to take Annan higher up the Scottish pyramid. Rangers blew Celtic out of the park on the game too, which is a bit of a surprise [I thought it might be a bit closer], and it's no surprise to see Inverness and Hearts return to the SPL. Dundee and Queen of South dropping down is a big task to compete with, and I'm surprised to see Clyde at mid-table rather than closer to the top-3.

An exciting season awaits you in League One, and I can't wait to see what happens!
Nice structure way of writing, interesting to learn from. How is the relation with the Rangers lately? More chances to hire them?

Annan Athletic: Gareth McAuley Agrees Coaching Role


Annan Athletic have confirmed that former West Bromwich Albion and Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley has accepted a coaching role at the club.

Ladbrokes League Two champions Annan Athletic have looked to strengthen the backroom staff at the club as they begin to prepare for life in the third-tier with the arrival of the experienced Northern Irish international on a one-year-deal.

The 41-year-old made eighty appearances for Northern Ireland over a twenty-two year playing-career that saw him play for nine clubs including Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion and Rangers. The defender retired in the summer of 2019 following a single season at Ibrox after making nine appearances.

Ross McAloone has also named non-league journeyman Chris Sharp as his new assistant after his one-year absence from football.

Sharp left Northern Premier League side Hyde at the end of the 2019/20 season after making fifteen appearances. He scored five goals during his time with the club before announcing his retirement. He has since been studying for his coaching badges and currently holds a National 'B' License.

The 35-year-old replaces Chris Holland who was allowed to leave the club alongside long-serving fitness coach Karen Robertson, physio Craig Bourner and scout Willie Owens at the end of last season.

Annan also welcomed a further four additions to the non-playing staff at the club.

Former Dundee assistant and Head of Youth Department, Roy Farningham, has joined the club as part of the scouting team at Galabank alongside 35-year-old Roddie Cooksley. The pair have both agreed a one-year-deal.

Recently retired defender Eddie Malone has been recruited as the club's new reserve-team boss, whilst Heather Gouck has joined to support the physiotherapy team. She was previously on the books of Ladbrokes League Two side Stranraer.


Comments

James: I don't think Ross was under any illusions that he would have a few difficult decisions to make. The step-up from League Two to League One is quite surprising although you have to remember that Annan never had the best squad to begin with.

Rangers were incredible this season and thoroughly deserved the treble they claimed. Celtic will come back with a vegance though, I'm sure. Hearts bouncing-back didn't surprise me. Inverness were a team I expected to challenge but I'm a little surprised to see them back in the Premiership. Dundee are a massive side and to see them drop into the third-tier is alarming. They should have the budget to make an immediate return. David Goodwillie is still on the books at Clyde. That alone makes them a dangerous side!

Mauve: Much appreciated! The link with Rangers is still there heading into next season. Annan have just received their first annual payment from them. There's a few players available but whether they are up to standard remains to be seen.
Nice to see you getting some experienced field-players into your staff. Special to see you took Chris Sharp, who was out of a job for a year. Roy Farningham is a great guy, lovely to have in every staff.
A strong backroom staff goes a long way, and Ross has made the right call in strengthening. It's something that I've been guilty of neglecting in the past, so on FM21 I'm making a genuine attempt to keep on top of things. With the backroom now sorted, I can't wait to see the signings that you make :D
Intrigued to see if a chance to come work with McAuley will help Ross attract some better players for the season! Other than that good to see the club being shaped into more of a professional outfit than it was when McAloone took over.
ScottT's avatar Group ScottT
3 yearsEdited

Annan Complete Double Swoop


1st July 2021

Ross McAloone has opened the club's account for the summer with the signings of goalkeeper Fraser Currid and defender Lee Hamilton.

Currid, who joins on a loan-deal that will run until the end of the season, will provide competition for Joshua Bradley-Hurst who started all twenty-seven games on route to claiming the League Two title last season.

The 20-year-old began his career at Dundee United and signed a professional deal at Tannadice in 2018. However, he failed to make a single appearance for United prior to being released at the end of the 2019/20 season with the club returning to the Scottish Premiership.

Alloa Athletic moved quickly to recruit the youngster and the two parties agreed a three-year-deal. He was allowed to depart the club on loan with Elgin City attaining his services for the season.

The Scotsman made twenty-five appearance last season for City as they finished in a rather disappointing position of eighth. A rather lacklustre defence certainly didn't offer Currid much protection but he would go on to record just three clean-sheets over the course of the campaign before returning back to The Indodrill Stadium.

Currid will be made available for the upcoming games against Cliftonville and Newry City AFC as the team begin to prepare for their first season in Ladbrokes League One following promotion last campaign.

Lee Hamilton has also completed a move to Galabank after signing a two-year-deal.

The versatile defender, who is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-half, also spent last season in League Two. He made twenty-seven appearances for Edinburgh City and scored twice as City earned a play-off opportunity before they crashed out to Montrose following a 3-1 aggregate defeat.

Hamilton will be seeking some stability with his most recent move. He has recently been on the books at both Stranraer and Edinburgh City following his re-release from Stirling Albion. A brief spell at Berwick Rangers split two separate spells which total at six seasons of service at Forthbank Stadium.

The 25-year-old's experience, according to manager Ross McAloone, will be a real necessity this season for his side as they look to survive in the third-tier.

"Lee brings plenty of experience into what is primarily a very young side. His know-how will be a very important tool as we look to steady ourselves and use the momentum sustained from last season to survive this year. We are assembling a well-balanced squad and the type of experience as Lee has will be crucial."

The annual pre-season clash with Carlisle United is due to go ahead once again this summer. The game has been arranged for Tuesday 20th July. Elsewhere, Annan recently discovered their opponents in the League Cup group phase with games against Airdrieonians, Greenock Morton and Edinburgh City to navigate. Airdrieonians will also be Annan's challengers in the Tunnock's Challenge Cup which returns this season after a one-year hiatus.

Dundee will be Annan's first opponents of the impending League One season. Stuart Campbell's side were relegated last season as they finished almost double the number of points behind Greenock Morton amassing a mere seventeen points. The season will close-out with successive home games against Airdrieonians, Cove Rangers and Peterhead.


Comments

Mauve: Experience will be crucial this season as Annan take a step into the unknown of the third tier. Although, Chris Sharp will be going into his first non-playing role since retirement, as will Gareth McAuley.

James: Behind every great man is an even greater team!

Shep: Great to have you here, mate. McAuley certainly has a decent reputation - it'll be interesting, I agree, as to whether he will be enough to make Annan a more attractive destination. At the moment, Annan lag behind with being a semi-professional side and having a modest budget.
2 very solid signings to start your preparations for next season, they both look like solid upgrades on your options from last season. Hopefully other potential signings are impressed too, and will sign on the dotted line as a result
ScottT's avatar Group ScottT
3 yearsEdited

Quinn Departs Galabank With Trio Arriving


Annan Athletic have announced that defender Aidan Quinn has completed a £3,000 move to join Scottish Championship side Arbroath.

The Ladbrokes League Two champions have suffered a devastating blow to their pre-season preparations with the departure of central-defender Aidan Quinn who initially joined the club in September last year from League One side Montrose.

Quinn featured in all twenty-seven league games last season as Annan lifted the title at the end of the season. The 23-year-old formed an excellent partnership at the heart of the Athletic back-line with Steven Swinglehurst as they conceded just thirty-one goals, only marginally bettered by Queen's Park (25) and Stenhousemuir (29)

A 2-0 victory over Cowdenbeath also marked Quinn's first and only goal for the club. A free-kick from Aaron Splaine found the defender at the back-post who rose highest to divert his header past Ross Sinclair.

He departs to join Scottish Championship side Arbroath who proved to be the surprise package of the division last season. The Red Lichties claimed a third-place finish to cement a play-off opportunity, however Dick Campbell's men fell to eventual successors, Hearts, in the second-round after initially beating Raith Rovers.

Campbell announced his retirement from management following the penalty-shootout defeat. 41-year-old former Glasgow BSC manager Stephen Swift has taken the reigns at Gayfield Park and has primarily turned his attention towards lower-league players with fees already having been spent on Jamie Masson (Cove Rangers) and Jamie Watson (Spartans).

Ross McAloone shared his disappointment following the announcement but wished Quinn the very best.

"It's a huge loss for us. Aidan was a terrific player in his short-time with us and was a key figure in our success. He will depart as a part of last season's heroic squad and the supporters, I'm sure, will be appreciative of his efforts in an Annan shirt.

I was made aware of Arbroath's interest by Aidan and he was very honest with me. It was an opportunity he couldn't afford to turn down and I wasn't going to be the person who stood in his way of playing in the second-tier. Ultimately, I think all parties will be pleased with how negotiations proceeded but losing a player of Aidan's quality is always disappointing.

I wish him the very best. He's a bright talent and I'm sure he'll impress in the Championship. Stephen and the staff over at Arbroath are very fortunate to have him - he will serve them well"


The departure marks the end of a very active week at Galabank. Annan previously announced the arrival of three players as Tom Wilson and Connor Allan joined on loan until the end of the season from Carlisle United and Rangers, respectively.

Veteran full-back Andy Geggan has also completed a one-year-deal following his departure from Glasgow BSC. The 34-year-old spent the end of last season over in Iceland playing for Njarðvík of the 2. deild karla - the third-tier of Icelandic football.

Geggan has made over 400 league appearances having played for Dumbarton, Ayr United and Dunfermline Athletic alongside his stints with BSC Glasgow and Njarðvík. He initially began his career with St Johnstone before moving to Livingston but failed to make an appearance for either side.

Annan also began their pre-season preparations with games against Northern Irish outfits Cliftonville and Newry City AFC.

Aaron Splaine and Matt Yates both converted for McAloone's men but this wasn't enough as Cliftonville claimed a 3-2 victory at Galabank. Three days later, Annan travelled to Newry and returned as 3-1 winners. Shaun Struthers accompanied a Matt Yates brace to cancel-out Lee O'Hare's early strike.

The Galabankians return to action tomorrow night as they kick-off their League Cup campaign against Airdrieonians.


Comments

James: A decent start to proceedings. There is a definite gulf in terms of the quality of players Annan can bring in compared to most of the other teams though. It's bound to be a challenge recruiting players who are up to the standard required for McAloone and co.[/img]
Well firstly, massive congratulations on securing, what seemed for a short period to have got away from you, the league title. A nerve wrecking game for sure, but one that the team came through and impressed, so again, congratulations!

The squad building has taken some interesting turns already with a club legend, club captain and a key man from last season all leaving already, but full trust in Ross, to bring together a team that can compete at this new level!
Champions of Scootland soon.
1
Really impressed with Quinn as a signing for the back line, some really good defensive ability on him there.

Congratulations on your Story of the Month victory! Very well-deserved and you certainly had my vote :D

McAloone: "We Aren't Just Here To Make Up Numbers"


Speaking ahead of Annan's opening-day clash with promotion-favourites Dundee, Ross McAloone has also offered further insight into the club's recruitment plans before the window closes on 1st September.

McAloone's side host Dundee at Galabank next weekend as they begin their League One campaign following promotion from League Two last season.

Dundee, managed by former Tampa Bay Rowdies head-coach Stuart Campbell, will be keen to begin their season with all three points as they search for an immediate return to the Championship. The Dee suffered a surprising relegation last season as they slumped to the foot of the table, finishing fifteen points behind Greenock Morton and amassing just three victories over the shortened twenty-seven game campaign.

Dundee have seen a fair turnover of players this summer. Osman Sow joined the list of casualties to leave The Kilmac Stadium after joining Premiership side Ross County with Peter Grant, Declan McDaid and Jordan McGhee all having departed the club following the expiry of their respective deals to join Raith Rovers, Hamilton Academical and Charlton Athletic, respectively.

The two clubs couldn't be in much more contrasting positions with Annan reaching the highest-level of football in their history. Despite amassing that feat, McAloone has played-down suggestions that his side are purely aiming for survival.

"Last season was a magnificent effort from everybody involved with the club and we'll be looking to use the momentum we gathered to serve us well. We're actively recruiting to strengthen in a few different areas and I think the players we've already brought in and those we are looking to welcome should provide enough of a statement to suggest we aren't just here to make up the numbers and be content with staying in the division.

Annan brought their tally of additions to nine after four more players arrived in the past fortnight.

Ryan Thompson and Daniel Higgins arrived in a double-swoop before winger Aidan MacFarlane completed a season-long-loan move from St Johnstone. The fourth addition was announced yesterday with once Manchester United defender Adam Eckersley putting pen to paper on a one-year-deal after leaving Cove Rangers alongside Higgins this summer.

McAloone was also asked to reflect on how his side performed in the League Cup as they finished fourth in the group.

Annan initially impressed claiming victories over League One and Championship opposition in Airdrieonians and Greenock Morton before suffering an embarrassing 5-1 defeat against Edinburgh City. The group campaign was finally capped-off in a much-expected loss against Hamilton Academical.

"Honestly, I am disappointed. We put ourselves in a fantastic position with how we played against Airdrie and Morton only to put in, quite frankly, a shambolic performance against Edinburgh. We certainly learnt a lot from that game and albeit disappointing and unacceptable, I am pleased that the performance came when it did.

We have been able to analyse that game and identify the areas that let us down the most in preparation for the league season to begin."


Discussing Saturday's opponents Dundee, McAloone shared his thoughts on the club's demise to the third-tier.

"They are a fantastic club, one that shouldn't find themselves at this level and as such, they have the infrastructure that we could only dream of. It wasn't too long ago they were in the Premiership! We expect a mightily tough game but we have and will approach it in the same way we do any other. We know that we can take all three points and hope to have them at the end of ninety minutes.

We'll go into the game with a fearless mindset. We can't afford to show them any form of respect - just as can't any opposition we face. Nothing changes in that respect,"
he said.


Comments

Seb: Much appreciated mate. It was certainly a nerve-wracking game to play but I couldn't have been happier with the result. It would have been gutting to have conceded the title given we had control of it for most of the season.

You're right in the sense there has been a lot of upheaval of some pretty key players, however, you can't afford to be sentimental in football sometimes and they aren't quite up to the standard required. Hopefully the new recruits will be able to handle the third-tier as hoped.

Justice: I suppose that's the eventual aim!

Jack: He was a great signing ;) He'll be a huge loss to the side for the upcoming season.

Cheers mate! Thank you to everyone for allowing the story to be selected as this month's Story of the Month. It is a pleasure as always and I am delighted that people are enjoying the story as much as I am. I'm looking forward to sharing more with you over the coming month and beyond.

You are reading "Ross McAloone: A Tale of Redemption".

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