FORREST FIRES UP AYR FOR HOT START

Jun 28 2007

SKIPPER Eddie Forrest has called on Ayr United to hit the ground running when pre-season training starts on Saturday.

But he reckons the players will report back fitter than ever as they gear up for a crunch season.

Ayr have been backed into 5/1 with William Hill to win the Second Division title and Forrest says nothing less than the play-offs will be accepted.

Forrest, 28, said: "There is no doubt this is a massive season for the club and we really have to get promoted.

"I’m convinced the boys will come back in good shape as we have all kept ourselves ticking over during our break.

"I work in a sports centre near Murray Park doing a bit of everything and I’ve also been doing some running.

"It’s changed days for footballers and the close season is shorter than ever so we should be able to pick up easily and get off to a good start."

Forrest reckons Raith Rovers are the team to fear but believes full-time Ross County and Airdrie United will also be in the shake-up.

He said: "I was very impressed by Raith when we played them last season and think they will do very well next term.

"I’m glad we go to Ross County on the first day of the season rather than mid winter when the game could easily be called off by bad weather.

"Airdrie United have lost a few players from last season but I would expect them still to be strong."

Forrest reckons last season was fraught with disappointment for Ayr after they fell away following a good start.

He said: "We had a spell at the turn of the year when we couldn't win a game and that really killed us although we finished very well.

"A club the size of Ayr shouldn't be in the Second Division so we have to make sure that this time we get off to a good start and then keep it up.

"The manager has brought in new signings all of whom he knows from working with them before.

"We've assembled a good squad and I'm looking forward to playing alongside Michael Moore.

"He was a difficult opponent to play against and is a strong target man who scores goals."

Ayr's first action comes in the Brewers Cup at Annan on Saturday July 14 when they play Queen of the South. The following day, they take on either Annan or Stranraer.

That's followed by a trip to Firhill on Saturday July 21 to play Partick Thistle.

There is a home double header against Motherwell (Wednesday July 25) and Gretna (Saturday July 28).

Season tickets are now on sale from the Somerset Park office.

Alan Campbell

Ayrshire Post

01292 262200

07711 503686