MOORE THE MERRIER

Apr 11 2007 Ayrshire Post

AYR boss Neil Watt says speculation linking him with Michael Moore is inevitable...because he has already signed him twice.

But the Somerset chief won’t be drawn if the prolific Stranraer marksman is on his summer shopping list for a third time.

Reports claim Ayr will battle Kilmarnock and a string of English clubs to bring the 26-year-old hit man to Somerset.

Watt raked in £35,000 for the cash strapped Stair Park club when he sold him to St Johnstone and then bought him back a year later.

He said: “I know Michael very well, in fact better than most after signing him twice. I signed him for Stranraer when I was first there and then brought him back from St Johnstone on a 2½ year contract.

“Obviously, I know all about what he can do but there is nothing at all happening. However, it is inevitable that a manager will be linked with players at his former club.

“It happened with Martin O’Neill when Petrov and Maloney followed him to Aston Villa.”

With three games to go, Watt stresses he is still evaluating his current squad.

He said: “Players are under contract to the third week in May so there is plenty of time to make decisions but I am obviously mindful of one or two players that I would like to add.”

Around nine of Ayr’s 22 squad are under contract for next season with the others becoming free agents. Such is the nature of Bosman that movement is guaranteed as players weigh up their options.

Meanwhile, Watt wants to keep Ayr’s unbeaten six game run going as they finish the season against Stirling (home), Cowdenbeath (away) and Morton (home).

He said: “If we can take the second-half performance against Brechin into the Stirling game, we will do fine. I would love to end the season on a high and it would be great to head into the summer on the back of three wins.

“It’s great that people are still talking about promotion play-offs but only a few weeks ago, they were looking at the other end of the table.

“That’s the nature of a ten team league but it’s not good for managers who are looking to blood young players.”

Only a horror collapse by Brechin - they would have to take only one point from three games while Ayr would have to win all three - would let United claim the fourth play-off spot.

Realistically, the chance is gone but Watt is urging his men to press on.

He said: “I have taken a lot of heart from the second-half display against Brechin and the spirited show at Raith.

“Although our chances are getting slimmer each week, we don’t want the season to peter out.

“I am delighted that we are still in with a chance because it gives us another game when hopefully the fans can get right behind the team.”

Martyn Campbell and Brian Reid will again miss the Stirling visit with thigh strains.

David Lowing didn’t train on Monday after feeling unwell but should be OK for Saturday.