REID MAKES TWIN RAID

Dec 27 2007 Ayrshire Post

BRIAN REID went Christmas shopping this week and came back with two new signings.

And the Ayr United boss pledged there are more on the way as he tries to turn around the club’s crumbling season.

Morton utility man Dean Keenan is set to sign on an emergency 93 day loan and was in line to make his debut against Queen’s Park at Hampden on Boxing Day.

Joining up on January 1 will be winger Iain Anderson, a one time £500,000 signing for Preston, whose last club was Ross County.

Reid is also tracking a Premier League club’s young winger who could be available on loan and is being linked with a former Ayr fans’ favourite who is currently playing in the First Division.

Reid is determined to bring in as many fresh faces as he can which means it could be time up for some of the present squad.

Speculation persists over the future of Michael Moore who has been marked absent in recent weeks. He hasn’t played since December 1 and is now on the transfer list.

Reid said: “I only want players who are committed to the cause. My priority is to get everyone pulling in the same direction.

“There is no room for disharmony in the squad and I do not want players who would rather not be here.

”I am finding out as I go along the players who want to be part of the club.”

Keenan, 22, can play either midfield or defence and comes with a reputation as a no nonsense tough tackler.

Anderson, 30, trained with the squad at Somerset on Monday morning and Reid is happy at what he sees.

He started his career with Dundee before heading to Toulouse and then returning to England in a big money deal. He had a second stint at Dens Park and also played for St Mirren.

Reid said: “Iain looks very sharp, is experienced and has a good pedigree. He can play right, left or up front so gives us a few options.

“I’m not yet finished in the transfer market and there are plenty of others I am interested in but it depends on the situation at their clubs.”

Ryan Stevenson, who was stretchered off with leg nerve damage in the 3-0 defeat by Raith, has made a double quick recovery.

On loan Gretna winger Ryan Baldacchino has shaken off a calf strain while man of many clubs Colin Marshall could again feature as a trialist. David Hamilton and Martyn Campbell remain sidelined while Gareth Wardlaw was due to complete his two match ban on Wednesday.

After the trip to the national stadium, Ayr face the bottom two, travelling to Brechin on Saturday and hosting Berwick on Wednesday January 2 (3pm).