ALLOA ATHLETIC have dished out new contracts to 15 first-team players - but stalwart midfielder Iain Flannigan has announced his retirement from football

Flannigan, who also turned out for Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle, Morton and Falkirk, is hanging up his bots following seven years and 221 appearances and 36 goals for the Clackmannanshire club. 

The 32-year-old had the option to continue playing, having been a regular last term, but the Wasps legend has decided the time is right to call it a day. 

Flannigan said: “Choosing to retire was not an easy decision but I think it’s the right time for me. 

“I’ve had a great time at the club and I’d like to thank the chairman [Mike Mulraney] and the board, managers and assistant managers - both past and present - the back room staff, the supporters and all my teammates throughout my time at Alloa Athletic.”

However, boss Peter Grant has managed to retain the vast majority of the squad which secured Championship survival last term. 

Captain Andy Graham, experienced goalkeeper Neil Parry and defensive mainstays Scott Taggart and Liam Dick have committed their futures to the Wasps.

Midfielders Steven Hetherington, Jon Robertson, Alan Trouten, Adam Brown, Blair Malcolm and attackers Kevin Cawley, Liam Buchanan, Robert Thomson have also signed on for next term.

And younger prospects Andy Wilson, Cameron O’Donnell and Nathan Gilhooly have also been handed extensions to continue their development .