Ross County may have won the title, but for many Alloa were the team of the season. Part-time Alloa arrived in the Championship via the play-offs, and like Brechin City the previous season, they were expected to accumulate very few
points. No wins in their first eight matches seemed to confirm this wisdom. They were awkward opponents, but crucially Falkirk and Partick had started badly too and that gave them a chance. Form improved over the festive season and survival seemed a distinct possibility. However, an awful run of seven defeats in eight matches had them installed as relegation favourites again. Against the odds Alloa produced four consecutive wins that proved crucial and a point on the final day installed them in 8th place.
Alloa were expected to struggle scoring goals and this seemed correct after failing to hit the net in five of their opening seven matches. Veteran midfielder, Alan Trouten, seemed a strange acquisition but he had scored 28 goals for Albion Rovers the previous season. After a slow start he began putting chances away and scoring vital penalties to finish the season with 19 goals in all competitions. Although Alloa were hardly prolific, they scored more than Falkirk, Morton and Dunfermline. Wins against Falkirk and Queen of the South in April proved vital as five teams were dragged into the relegation fight. Alloa could have been relegated on the last day, but they earned a point and survived.
Jim Goodwin proved a shrewd manager and great motivator over the season. Andy Graham was a rock in defence and a threat a set plays. Neil Parry enhanced his reputation with solid displays in goal. Alloa were fortunate other teams had unusually poor form, but for a part-time team to survive is special.
