Paul Hartley delighted about Alloa Athletic move

Paul Hartley last night thanked Alloa Athletic for giving him his first chance in management after he was appointed player-manager at Recreation Park following a whirlwind 24 hours.

The Wasps, relegated to the Third Division after losing the play-off semi-final to Annan Athletic, have pulled off a stunning coup by landing Hartley.

The former Scotland, Celtic and Hearts midfielder announced last week he was hanging up his boots after an injury-troubled season at Aberdeen and was looking to move into management after studying for his coaching qualifications.

He immediately secured the Alloa post, succeeding Allan Maitland and Hartley, 34, who won 25 caps in an illustrious playing career, says the prospect of rebuilding a team at Alloa fills him with the same excitement.

Hartley said: "I can't wait to get started. The club have been relegated, but it doesn't bother me. I want to try and cut my teeth somewhere. It's a great little set-up here, the chairman is ambitious and I'm ambitious."

Hartley, who won Scottish Cup winner's medals with Hearts and Celtic, as well as two SPL titles and a League Cup with the latter and also turned out for Hibs, Hamilton, St Johnstone and Bristol City, could go back on his decision to quit playing.

He said: "Our main aim is to try and get promoted. It's going to be a lot of hard work and we need everybody in it together."

Regarding playing, he added: "We'll wait and see."

Chairman Mike Mulraney said: "I would hope this is a boost for the fans. It's certainly a reflection of the fact we want to get back to the Second Division as quickly as possible."