New boss Reid chases players

Nov 1 2007 Ayrshire Post

NEW boss Brian Reid is hunting desperately for players as his wafer thin squad is stretched to the limit.

And he wants the issue resolved on walkout keeper Barry John Corr who hasn’t been back since being subbed at half-time during the 4-1 defeat by Ross County.

Reid admitted he has also yet to meet David Hamilton who missed his debut 2-1 win over Brechin.

The absence of the two former Stranraer men, who were brought to the club by ex-boss Neil Watt, left Reid with only 15 players for his first game.

He was forced to draft in teenage keeper Ally Caldwell from United U19s and is preparing to do the same again for Saturday’s trip to basement team Berwick.

Reid said: “We need to get the Corr situation sorted this week but there are contractural issues for the Board to resolve.

“I haven’t yet set eyes on David Hamilton who had a family illness at the weekend so I need to speak to him at training on Wednesday.”

With the transfer window shut until January, Reid can bring in only emergency loans or unattached players.

He said: “I have spies out looking for me and will be tapping into my contacts as we really need some bodies.”

One of his top priorities is to appoint an assistant manager and he has a couple of names in the frame.

Eddie Forrest, who led the team against Brechin with former skipper Murray Henderson on the bench, is set to continue with the skipper’s armband.

Henderson, who was suspended by Watt after an alleged training ground incident, played the 90 minutes when Ayr lost 4-1 to Queen of the South on Monday night.

Four trialists played the first-half, including Academy kids Caldwell and Alistair Woodburn, before Reid went with a more recognisable team after the break.

Gareth Wardlaw, who has been troubled with a groin problem, worked with the physio on Monday and is close to a return.

Meanwhile, Reid has welcomed the Scottish Cup third round trip to Partick Thistle on November 24 despite it meaning no games at Somerset during the month.

Reid said: “We beat them in the Challenge Cup so the players are really looking forward to it. I had a good success rate there as a player.”