Aitken vows to get Ayr Utd promoted

May 7 2008 Ayrshire Post

PENALTY king Chris Aitken has vowed to fire new club Ayr United to the First Division.

The prolific midfielder, who never missed from the spot during four years at Stirling Albion, says his goals can make the difference at Somerset Park.

And Binos skipper Aitken revealed it was United’s ambition that tempted him away from Forthbank, where he was a firm fans’ favourite.

The 27-year-old admitted: “I loved it at Stirling and enjoyed four great years there, so this was a very tough decision for me.

“But Ayr are a big club and I knew from the moment I spoke to Brian Reid and the chairman that they had huge ambition.

“I had a few offers but Ayr stood out and I wouldn’t have left Stirling to come here and under-achieve.

“Ayr should be a First Division club at the very least and with the players they already have, plus the ones they’re trying to sign, I firmly believe that can happen.”

Aitken, who hit 15 goals in the Stirling side that has just been relegated from Division One, has agreed a two year deal with United.

And the dead ball specialist had pledged to bring plenty of firepower to an already attacking Ayr side.

Aitken revealed: “I took 22 penalties in my time at Stirling and scored every one of them, so I guess you could say it’s my speciality.

“But there’s more to my game than that and I was given a fair bit of freedom at Stirling to play behind the front two or sit deeper when required.”

And he added: “There’s no doubt about it — I’m coming here to give the title a shot. I wouldn’t have made the move otherwise and hopefully we can achieve it.

“If we’re not up there challenging then questions will certainly be asked.”

Meanwhile, boss Brian Reid has admitted he will take players from around the world as he bids to improve his squad.

Reid said: “If anyone shows a willingness to come in and train with us and show what they’ve got, then I’ll consider them.

“My plans are taking shape but I won’t be rushing in for the sake of it. If we signed everyone now we would end up regretting it.”

Experienced defender Neil McGowan has re-signed while youngsters Fraser Stewart and Lloyd Kinnaird have also inked new deals.

The club are still negotiating terms with Andy McLaren but hope to have the winger tied up shortly.

Pre-season friendlies with St Mirren and Partick Thistle are on the agenda, while the club are waiting to have a date confirmed with Uefa Cup finalists Rangers for the Davie Harkness testimonial.