RYAN LOVES FRESH AYR

Oct 10 2007 Ayrshire Post

FANS' favourite Ryan Stevenson has told Ayr United he would be happy to play for life with the Honest Men.

And while SPL neighbours Kilmarnock are circling, Stevenson says his special relationship with the United fans means he is in no rush to quit Somerset Park.

Six goal Stevenson this week lapped up his first ever major award when he was named 'phenomenal player of the month' by league sponsors Irn Bru.

Ryan, 23, revealed: “This means so much for me and I can honestly say I am proud to play for Ayr and in front of the fans who appreciate me.

“I have still got almost three years left on my deal at Ayr and if I was to finish my career here, I would be very happy.”

Stevenson admits SPL interest is something he couldn’t ignore but while Killie’s Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown have watched him in recent weeks, he has heard nothing concrete.

Stevo said: “I’ve only heard speculation but it could be Alex Williams or Michael Moore they are watching as they are both playing well.

“I’m only concentrating on doing as well as I can for Ayr who I reckon are a big enough club to get to the SPL in their own right.

“Of course I want to do as well as I can in my career but the main thing is to get Ayr to the First Division and if we don’t at least make the play-offs I would be devastated.”

Spectacular goals against Alloa and Raith capped with a superb showing in the Challenge Cup win over Partick helped clinch Ryan the award.

He said: “I was sitting in the dressing room after the Dunfermline game last week feeling gutted when the boss told me I had won the award.

“I’m thrilled as it’s the first I have ever won and means so much for me. I think the fans know that I am giving 110 per cent and they are right behind me.

“I’ve watched a DVD of my goal against Alloa and now realise how special it was. I don’t think I’ll ever score another one like it again.”

Boss Neil Watt said Stevenson’s award was well merited for his overall play.

Watt said: “A lot of players go through their professional careers without getting an award and this is a hard one to win.

“Only ten managers can win the boss of the month award but there are hundreds of players in contention.

“Ryan has scored some special goals but he deserves the award for his overall play.”