Ayr United boss Mark Roberts welcomes £7500 transfer kitty from Allanvale Land Investments

Jan 18 2013 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Mark Roberts has vowed to use a £7500 transfer pot injection to bring in experienced players.

And he has warned Ayr’s current crop: “You’re not giving me enough.”

But the man behind the cash boost has told the Post: “I have no interest in taking over the club - that will never happen.”

A woeful run of just one win in eight games has left United only two points above the relegation play-offs with disenchanted fans up in arms.

The Somerset boss is targeting a defender and a striker, who have both played in the SPL.

Roberts said: “It’s a fantastic gesture and gives us a right good chance on top of the money we’ve had from Somerset Boab.

“I know the players I want - I played with one of them and know the other one very well.

“I want them now but a lot of players are holding off until the end of January to see if they can get full-time deals in the First Division.”

The windfall comes from the club’s development partners who will hold a consultation meeting with fans before the end of the season to discuss stadium plans.

Allanvale Land Investments bought the Somerset Park car park and office areas in 2010 for a six figure sum.

Their managing director is Jim Kirkwood who is also manager of junior side Troon FC.

But, Jim, 36, has flatly ruled out a takeover bid for United.

He stressed: “I’ve been an Ayr supporter since I was six and like many people have a great affinity with the club.

“However, I have no interest in taking it over - that will never happen.

“We are a land development company and want to demonstrate to fans that we have a financial model that can be delivered for the club’s future.

“Between Heathfield, where the club have a missive to purchase 20 acres, and Somerset Road we want to develop plans that will create an improved facility for Ayr United. But there are other options as well.”

Jim added: “We have been working in partnership with the club and its partners to ensure that all the development options are being assessed both within the current planning framework and financial parameters.

“Discussions have taken place with the local authority at various levels and we will be in a position very soon to have an open meeting to discuss options with fans and supporters’ groups.

“The sensitive nature of the discussions to date and lack of a fixed financial framework would have made any discussions premature and without substance.”

Kirkwood continued: “Times are tough financially for all clubs in Scotland at the moment, and there are very few who manage their budgets as prudently as Ayr United.

“Working in partnership with those who have the club’s interest at heart has been a success as can be seen with the shop and hospitality suite operations.

“We would hope that Mark can use this budget to good effect in January.

“It is clearly his decision if he signs one or multiple players with this addition to his budget but we based the sum of money on allowing him to sign an experienced player who is currently in full time football either on loan or until the end of the season.

“Mark has worked very prudently with a limited budget so far this season so we are confident he will make the most of this cash injection.”

Club chairman Lachlan Cameron added: “We have been working closely for a period of time with Allanvale Land Investments and to date this has been to bring together a plan to secure our future development plans.

“ It is encouraging to see this level of support on the playing side and it is welcomed at this stage of the season.”

Meanwhile, Roberts has blasted plans for a 12-12-18 set-up which leaves Ayr’s future up in the air.

If the plan comes into being next season, it means United will play in the bottom rung of Scottish football for the first time since season 1968-69.

If it’s not implemented until the following season, Ayr will have to battle for their lives to stay in the Second Division between now and May.

Roberts said: “It’s a joke that this is being talked of for next season. How can you change the leagues half way through?”

The gaffer has also quashed speculation linking Robbie Crawford with Kilmarnock but refused to rule out a move to bring back Chris Smith, who is now out of favour at Falkirk.

Ayr are monitoring Jonathan Tiffoney’s move, apparently as an amateur to Alloa.

As the defender is under 23 and his signature was retained, Ayr are due compensation if he signs a pro contract within 30 months.

Roberts added: “We need to bring in two experienced players to freshen things up. At the moment, I’m not getting enough out of the present squad.”

On Saturday, Ayr are due to entertain Stenhousemuir but freezing temperatures mean the game is already subject to a weather watch. Ayr are 11/10 to win with Stenny 2/1. McBookie.com make the draw 5/2.