SORT OUT THIS MESS

Jan 3 2008 Ayrshire Post

DESPERATE Ayr United boss Brian Reid spent his New Year on the phone trying to rescue his team’s sinking season.

And he hopes a succession of calls to clubs all over the country can land him the fresh faces he so urgently needs.

Saturday’s 5-1 humiliation at Brechin brought down the curtain on a miserable 2007 that plunged Ayr to second bottom.

It was the sixth defeat in seven games and the continuation of a dismal run that has brought only one win in 13 games.

New signing Iain Anderson, who first made his name at Dundee, was set to make his debut in Wednesday’s visit of bottom team Berwick.

And if Reid gets his way other newcomers will join him.

Hearts youngster David Templeton, the son of Ayr legend Henry, continues to be linked as a possible loan signing.

Other targets are being invited to training but Reid admits bringing in new players is no easy thing.

He revealed: “A couple of players I had in mind have now got back into their own teams but I will keep trying.

“When I took over, I felt the current crop of players could do the job although there were a few issues to be settled and there still are.

“However, the league table doesn’t lie and it is clear we need to bring in players.

“After a result like Saturday, we need a reaction from the squad. The goals we are losing are unacceptable but it is not just the defence, we have to defend as a team.

“Losing a goal in only two minutes and then three in four minutes is not good enough.”

Unhappy striker Michael Moore remains on the transfer list and while others will also surely move, Reid must first get in others.

He revealed: “We were down to only 16 players for Brechin and that is the bare bones.”

David Lowing served a one match ban at Brechin after being sent off in the Boxing Day 1-1 draw at Queen’s Park.

Ayr face another crunch on Saturday when they travel to third bottom Cowdenbeath.

Another defeat is unthinkable.