GIVE US A HAND

Nov 7 2007 Ayrshire Post

NEW boss Brian Reid wants the town to get behind Ayr United and has urged the council to play their part.

But the rookie gaffer has revealed deep frustration that the team can’t train at Dam Park.

And his views were backed by managing director Lachlan Cameron who said: “We are not asking for anything for free. We’re happy to pay.

“There is no suitable training place in the town other than Dam Park but we’re not allowed to train there.”

Reid is concerned that Somerset Park will suffer if the team continue to train on it twice a week.

He said: “The lack of training facilities is a real problem and I’m worried about the effect it has on us.

“Dam Park would be perfect for us but it seems strange that we can no longer use it like we did last season.”

On Monday, Ayr played a closed doors bounce game against Gretna at Somerset.

Then on Wednesday, they planned to head to the Glasgow Science Park where the artificial surface is similar to that at Alloa who they face on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Reid has turned to the Old Firm as he tries to boost his wafer thin squad which is creaking at the bare bones.

He said: “I have feelers out all over the place but the problem is availability.

“Rangers have said they will help us if they can but aren’t putting players out until January.

“We certainly need to strengthen but it is difficult to get players, other than under 19s, who are going to make a big impact.

“We need width, particularly on the left side and also have an eye on the goalkeeping situation.”

Barry John Corr, who hasn’t been back since being subbed at half-time during the 4-1 defeat by Ross County, was released from his contract on Monday.

That leaves only Ally Caldwell from the United Academy under 19s as cover to Mark McGeown.

Reid is moving closer to appointing an assistant manager and had talks on Monday evening.

He said: “I’m hoping something might happen in the next day or so but at the moment a lot of people are helping me behind the scenes.”

Looking back at Saturday’s 1-1 draw with bottom club Berwick, Reid revealed he had warned his team beforehand that they faced a tough task. He said: “We got off to a great start but by all accounts Berwick played out their skins and I knew they would be up for it with a new manager to impress. We needed to kill the game but in my opinion it was never a passback which led to them equalising. Everyone will get their chance but while I would like to freshen things, there are only so many changes I can make.”

Groin victim Gareth Wardlaw is almost fit but unlikely to be risked on Alloa’s artificial surface.

Martyn Campbell, who has been out for close to seven months, trained on Monday but still wasn't ready to play against Gretna.