Reid rages at Ayr United flops

Apr 16 2008 Ayrshire Post

RAGING Brian Reid has accused his Ayr players of looking out their sun hats in readiness for their summer holidays.

And he blasted their attitude in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Peterhead as totally unacceptable.

The boss is ready to ship out a bundle of under-performers and says talks to bring in new faces for next season are going well.

Players from two First Division clubs are among his targets — Morton’s Dean Keenan heads the list — but some squad spaces will be kept back to later in the summer as Ayr bide their time.

Reid, the Second Division’s manager of the month for March, blasted: “The players went to Peterhead and thought they had only to turn up to win. It was the totally wrong attitude and Peterhead were much hungrier and fully deserved their win.

“Our one bright light was 18-year-old Ally Woodburn who went on when we were 4-0 down when it perhaps wasn’t fair to him but he showed good maturity.

“But others had their sun hats on thinking about their holidays and if I could dock their wages and pay for the fans who travelled then I would do so.

“I can accept bad performances but not ones caused by lack of effort and commitment. We never seem to be in between. When we are bad we are really bad.

“We have two games to go and I have stressed to the players that I want to win them both. Everyone has something to play for — even those who will not be here next season should be trying to impress other managers who may be watching.

“The club needs a fresh injection in the summer as I don’t want to be scrapping about at the bottom.

“I’ll try to bring in the right players and we’ll be up there challenging — if not there is something wrong.”

Murray Henderson returns from suspension for Saturday’s trip to Queen’s Park while Willie Easton, who had been out with a knee injury, trained on Monday and could be back.

However, Jerome Vareille, who missed the game at Peterhead with a knee injury, is set to stay on the sidelines with fellow crocks Iain Anderson and David Dunn.

After Saturday, Ayr close at home to Airdrie United on Saturday April 26.

Looking ahead to pre-season, Ayr have been invited to the Annan tournament on July 19 and 20.

The Davie Harkness testimonial against Rangers is also planned for July while the club are hoping to arrange a weekend trip to England.