IT’S MAKE OR BREAK

Nov 28 2007 Ayrshire Post

AYR boss Brian Reid has warned his players they face a make or break December to get their season back on track.

And he is still searching for an assistant after top target Derek McInnes was appointed manager of St Johnstone on Tuesday.

Reid is urging his squad to bounce back from Saturday’s 2-1 Scottish Cup defeat by Partick Thistle, their best performance since he took over.

He declared: “It’s vital we look ahead. December will be an important month to decide if we are going to be up there challenging or also rans.

“I was pleased with lots of aspects of the tie at Firhill and felt we defended well apart from switching off at two set pieces. That is something we have to eradicate.

“It would be easier to take if we had been beaten by a bit of brilliance or a wonder goal. Instead, it’s big lumps into our penalty box which are causing us problems.”

McInnes, a long time friend of Reid, was thought to head Ayr’s wanted list but that went up in smoke when he has named as Owen Coyle’s successor.

That has forced Reid into a re-think but he revealed: “I would like to have someone in by the weekend, if not next week.”

Ayr stepped up their preparations for Saturday’s visit of Cowdenbeath by playing Morton in a bounce match on Monday.

Long term crocks Martyn Campbell and Gareth Wardlaw both played the whole game and came through unscathed.

However, there was no place for David Hamilton who is out with ankle trouble while Stephen Swift missed out through work commitments. But Swift will be OK for Saturday.

Reid said: “Anyone who thinks Cowdenbeath will be easy is wide of the mark. We will have to work harder than ever as they have experienced players in John O’Neill and David Hannah while Pat Clarke is a prolific scorer.”

Reid’s words have been echoed by defender Murray Henderson who says confidence is high.

He said: “We must improve our league position and I know we have the players to do so.”