AYR SNAP UP FIVE

Apr 25 2007 Ayrshire Post

AYR boss Neil Watt has made his first five signings — by tying Mark Casey, David Dunn, Jerome Vareille, Eddie Forrest and Andy McLaren to new one year deals.

And he will speak to other players this week as he tries to firm up next season’s squad as early as possible.

Ayr now have 14 players under contract but some departures are inevitable as the decks are cleared to make space for fresh talent.

Stranraer striker Michael Moore, who has twice played under Watt, continues to be strongly linked although the boss will not be drawn.

The re-signing of McLaren will be seen as a major coup as his arrival sparked a seven game unbeaten run that ended only with Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Cowdenbeath.

Watt said: “I don’t want to single out any players but Andy had opportunities to go back full-time.

“I have spoken to him at length and told him of my plans. I never put him under any pressure but Andy was keen to commit himself. He is infectious on the pitch and other players can respond to his enthusiasm.

“The fans will see it is a big signing but he is one of a number of players I am happy to keep.”

Forrest, Vareille, Dunn and Casey have also played their parts in Ayr’s revival which sees them going into Saturday’s final game bidding for a top five finish.

However, Watt strikes a note of caution and adds: “While I am happy to keep these players, I am not going to get too over ecstatic.

“We have to remember that we are finishing only fifth or sixth in the league and these players have been part of that squad.

“I don’t want to go shouting from the roof tops and I would prefer to do the talking on the pitch because next season we want to do much better.

“Like every new manager coming in, I want to keep the players who can do a useful job but then add others.

“We have 23 players on the books so I still have nine to speak to but contracts don’t expire until May 21 so I don’t want to rush and perhaps make the wrong decisions.

“Finishing mid table proves we need a shake-up. I only have a certain quota so I have to make room for others.”