Australian Striker Set for Trial at Ayr United

Jun 4 2008 Ayrshire Post

A FOOTBALL mad Aussie is ready to fly 22,000 miles round the world to play for Ayr United.

And Ayr hope the strapping six foot striker from Adelaide can prove himself a Wizard of Oz.

Two players from America and one from Canada are also heading to Somerset Park for trials.

Manager Brian Reid, who spent Monday evening sifting through 255 applicants, admits he is impressed at the calibre of response for two trial dates.

The would-be Honest Men have been whittled down to 38 for an open trial and 28 for a closed trial.

Reid admitted: “There has been a great feedback to our plan and there are a definitely a couple of names that interest me.”

Associate director Calum Torrie revealed: “One or two of the invitations are going less than a 100 yards, a large number will be heading out to Ayrshire while others are heading across the pond to the USA and Canada and one is even going as far as Australia.”

He added: “The number and quality of professionals applying has been very encouraging.

“However, some players still don’t know where they lie with clubs and it would be crazy for us to shut the door prematurely. For this reason we are keeping one or two spots open.”

The group invited to the open trial consists of a number of players who would also be eligible for the under 19 Academy team.

The plan will be then to invite several players from the open trial to join the closed trial one week later. Players who stand out may even be offered further opportunities.

Meanwhile, Ayr hope their first round Challenge Cup tie away to East Stirling can be brought forward. The game is scheduled for Saturday July 26 but Shire groundshare with Stenhousemuir who are also at home that day.

Ayr are against the game being put back 24 hours as they are at home to Rangers on Monday July 28 in the Davie Harkness testimonial.

Reid’s hunt for a goalie has been dealt a blow after the former Newcastle youngster he was chasing joined Kidderminster.

Interest in former Ayr number one Craig Nelson is still alive but the veteran is under contract for another season at Brechin.

And Ayr wouldn’t be willing to pay a hefty transfer fee.

Similarly, Reid admits interest in former Alloa midfielder Jamie Stevenson who is available at Morton. Reid said: “He is a player who would do well for us and I have good connections at Morton. But until they decide what they are going to do with him, it is out of my hands."

Freed Ayr players David Dunn and Gareth Wardlaw have joined East Stirling and Raith Rovers respectively.

A new Ayr supporters' club is being launched in the Ship Inn. Harry Hood and Dougie Greenwood will host a meeting at 3pm on Saturday to form committee.