Brian Rice replaces Barry Ferguson as new manager at Alloa Athletic

Brian Rice has been appointed as the new manager of Alloa Athletic.

The former Hamilton Academical boss takes over in Clackmannanshire following the departure of Barry Ferguson.

Rice said: “I’m very pleased to be here, until last week I stayed local – in Menstrie for many years. It’s a club I’ve known for years and one I’ve visited, played and coached against. I know its’ history, how great a club it is and how well run it is for a part-time side. It’s got a good name in Scottish football”

“I know the squad very well, I go to games whenever I can, I keep my eye on all the divisions and all players and here there’s a few players I’ve worked with before. There’s no surprises in the squad.”

“My expectations are simple: Win the next game we play. There’s nothing more important than that. If we focus on that obviously we’ll maintain our status in the league.”

Rice enjoyed a long playing career, turning out for Hibs, Nottingham Forest and Falkirk, before spells as assistant to John Hughes at Falkirk, Hibs and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

He resigned as Hamilton boss last August and takes over at the Indodrill Stadium with Alloa in seventh position in the League One table.

He replaces former Rangers midfielder Ferguson, who quit the cinch League One club last week following a run of one win in 11 games.

The Wasps did pick up three points on Saturday, however, with a 2-1 away victory at Dumbarton.

“Saturday was a great result in testing conditions for both teams,” said Rice.

“I thought the boys in terms of attitude and application about the match deserved to win the game. It was a good atmosphere in the dressing room and we’ve got to carry that on and we’ll look to pick up as many points as between now and the end of the season.”

“Paddy Connolly, will be a massive part of the team, I’m going to work with him and expect a lot, with his support and knowledge of the club. He’ll be someone I can rely and lean on and he’s got an excellent reputation in and out the game.”

“We’re not in to change everything, just build a structure that will allow us to win football games, and between Paddy and I, we will do that together.”