Ayr United axe nine players

Apr 30 2008 Ayrshire Post

AYR United have freed nine players and vowed to make their last season at Somerset Park one to remember.

Goalie Mark McGeown, long serving striker Gareth Wardlaw (pictured) and play anywhere Chris Roberson head the summer cull.

Also on their way are Jerome Vareille, David Dunn, David Lowing, Craig Pettigrew, Iain Anderson and Colin Marshall.

On loan Paul McLeod is returning to SPL new boys Hamilton where he is under contract for another season.

Martyn Campbell and Murray Henderson have signed new deals with Andy McLaren, Neil McGowan and back-up goalie Fraser Stewart set to follow.

Three players, currently with other clubs, have signed pre-contracts and more targets are being hotly pursued.

The hit list is believed to include Morton’s Dean Keenan, a huge success during his 93 day loan stint, Stirling skipper Chris Aitken, Brechin defender Scott Walker and Alloa midfielder Scott Agnew.

Boss Brian Reid said: “Letting some of the players go is a gamble but one that is worth taking. We need new blood and want to make sure we don’t suffer another season like the one just past. Next season is our last at Somerset before moving to our new stadium and we want to make sure it’s a good one.

“There are no false promises but myself and Scott MacKenzie want to take the club forward and it won’t be for lack of trying.”

Reid revealed his delight that McLaren, who missed seven months with a cruciate ligament injury, is set to stay.

He said: “A fully fit Andy will give everyone a huge boost. Hopefully, he will get a good pre-season and prove his fitness but he is quite happy with what I have offered.”

Reid praised the commitment of the enthusiastic Wardlaw who travelled long miles from his home in Kinghorn after being given his first senior chance by Ayr.

He said: “Gareth is a great lad who was often leaving home at 2pm to get to training which was a great credit to him. It’s in the best interests of Gareth to get a club nearer home.”

There are no other real surprises among the frees. Lowing’s days were always numbered after a second red card while Dunn didn’t start a game since January.

Robertson, who joined the club as a striker from Hurlford United, also turned out in central defence and midfield but failed to stamp his mark.

Pettigrew was touted as an up and coming centre-half when recruited from Lugar but more recently had been deployed in a wide right midfield role where he struggled.

Anderson started only five games before being hit by injury while Marshall was off the scene last month.

The goals had dried up for Vareille whose appearances were limited in a disappointing season.

Meanwhile, Ryan Stevenson, who scooped three player of the year awards, is playing a waiting game as transfer speculation mounts.

Stevo, who is under contract for another two years, has been linked with old club St Johnstone and Hartlepool United.

He said: “Full-time football in England appeals to me and my agent has told me Hartlepool have been watching me.”

Chairman Lachlan Cameron stressed there had been no contact from other clubs but vowed that Stevo wouldn’t be sold cheaply.

He said: “Exciting players attract attention and I know that Ryan wants to play at the highest level but there has been no direct interest.”