United looking for freshness in Ayr

Aug 8 2008

AYR boss Brian Reid is stepping up his hunt for fresh faces after allowing former skipper Eddie Forrest to leave the club.

And he admits he would love to add a couple of players before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

Forrest, 29, left last week with a year left on his contract after reaching mutual agreement to terminate his deal.

Reid said: “Quite simply, we had too many centre-halves and Eddie wanted to play every week. It was just unfortunate but that’s what happens in football. A decision had to be made and I felt we were a bit top heavy in central defence.”

The Ayr gaffer is currently running the rule over former Auchinleck Talbot striker David Gillies who was freed by Airdrie United. Gillies has been training with Ayr as he tries to impress.

Reid was set to shuffle his team for Wednesday night’s visit of Berwick in the CIS Cup with full-back Allan Dempsie on a one match ban. Scott Agnew was available after suspension but Ally Woodburn is still feeling his hamstring despite being able to train on Monday night.

Reid said: “Berwick will be dangerous after getting a good result last weekend but we want to go on a cup run and the financial benefits that would bring.”

On Saturday, Ayr are back in league action with a trip to Alloa’s all weather pitch. Alloa are quietly fancied to do well this season but last weekend suffered a shock 4-1 defeat away to Arbroath.

Looking back at the opening day 0-0 draw against Raith, Reid said: “I know we can play a lot better, even 20 per cent better would probably have been enough. But four or five didn’t play at their best.

“Perhaps if Alex Williams had scored early on, we would have won well but there are fine lines in football.”

Meanwhile, freed Ayr striker Andy McLaren WON’T be joining big money juniors Irvine Meadow. A report that he had been offered a lucrative deal was rubbished by Meadow general manager Iain McQueen.

lShip Inn supporters are running a bus to Alloa on Saturday at 12 noon. Seats from Harry or Dougie (tel: 885766).