Ayr Utd boss set for player clearout

Apr 23 2008 Ayrshire Post

TOUGH-TALKING Ayr United boss Brian Reid is ready to sweep the decks with a major clearout.

A host of out-of-contract players will be told their time is up and fresh faces drafted in.

Pre-contracts have already been agreed by a number of exciting targets as Ayr spread the net far and wide.

Morton midfielder Dean Keenan, who was a huge hit during his 93-day loan stint, is tipped to be on his way back.

And Alloa’s Scott Agnew, who has played for Rangers and Hamilton, looks set to join his hometown team.

Ayr have also been linked with Stirling hot shot Chris Aitken and are one of many clubs who have been impressed by Queen’s Park youngsters this season.

Brechin defender Scott Walker and Queen of the South star John O’Neil are also rumoured targets.

Reid will sit his squad down on Monday evening and tell them of his plans.

But it seems certain that the majority of those whose contracts are up will be on their way.

Looking certain to stay is powerful defender Martyn Campbell, whose return to fitness after a long stint on the sidelines, has coincided with the team’s improved form.

Reid also wants to chat with veteran Andy McLaren who has made the bench in the last four games after returning from a cruciate ligament injury.

McLaren is set to get a longer runout in Saturday’s final game at home to Airdrie United, despite being only a three point booking from a three game ban.

Reid is playing his cards close to his chest but it is clear he is ready to call time on Ayr’s under achievers.

He said: “There is no doubt we need a fresh injection of players and myself and Scott MacKenzie are working flat out to do so.

“I am looking at players from all levels and certainly wouldn’t rule out anyone from the Third Division.”

Reid added: “I have never hidden my admiration for Martyn Campbell who is a solid centre-half.

“A fit Martyn would get a place in most Second Division teams and some in the First Division.

“He has battled back from injury and done very well, showing his worth to the team.

“I’ll also be chatting to Andy McLaren who is an experienced player at a top level.

“My only concern is his fitness after his long time out injured but he has been forced back ahead of schedule when he is still not 100 per cent.”

Only six of the current squad have contracts that take them beyond the summer - Ryan Stevenson, Alex Williams, Eddie Forrest, Willie Easton, Paul Weaver and Ally Woodburn.

Gareth Wardlaw, who is the club’s longest serving player, has attracted interest from play-off hopefuls Brechin.

Meanwhile, youngsters Ally Woodburn and Lloyd Kinnaird, who featured in the 3-1 win at Queen’s Park, will keep their places on Saturday.

Airdrie have already booked second-top place to take them into the play-offs against the team just below them.

They could be tempted to rest players but Reid reckons they’ll want to keep winning. He said: “Knowing their manager Kenny Black he will want to win the last game to keep their confidence up.

“But we want to put on a final day show in front of our own fans and end on a high against a team we haven’t lost to this season.”