Ayr United boss apologises for East Stirling defeat

Aug 1 2008

WE’RE SO SORRY

STUNNED Ayr boss Brian Reid has apologised to the fans for Sunday’s shock Challenge Cup defeat by lowly East Stirling.

But he pledged to get his team up and running for Saturday’s big league kick-off at home to Raith Rovers.

Reid is urgently chasing fresh bodies for his threadbare squad but trialist keeper David Thomson (Sauchie) and winger Lloyd Murphy (Ross County) won’t be pursued.

Striker Alex Williams is only 50:50 after aggravating an ankle injury in the 2-1 cup exit. Scott Agnew is suspended, Ally Woodburn is out with a hamstring strain while Neil McGowan is doubtful with a knee knock sustained in Monday’s testimonial against Rangers youths.

And former skipper Eddie Forrest looks set to move on after losing his place in central defence.

Now Reid is desperately chasing reinforcements and admits he would love some of the Ibrox babes on loan, if he could afford the cash.

Reid said: “I should have been sitting with a cigar and a four or five goal lead on Sunday. We must have created 12 chances but took only one of them. On another day, we would have won well but unfortunately everything was hit straight at their keeper.

“Hopefully lessons will have been learned but it was most disappointing especially as we had a superb support who got right behind us.

“However, I would be more concerned if we hadn’t created chances. At the very least we should have taken three or four of them and that would have put us in easy street.”

In the frame for Saturday is Glenafton striker David Gormley who officially becomes an Ayr player on Friday, despite the clubs still haggling over a fee. Ayr have offered £1000 but Glens want £3000 and a 50 per cent sell-on so a tribunal could be waiting.

Reid admits: “We are needing two or three players at least who can come in and compete for the first team.

“I have spoken to Rangers about their youngsters and I will be trying again for loan deals but the problem is even half of what these boys are on is a lot for ourselves.

“Raith will give us a tough start but if we keep creating chances, and this time take more of them, we should be OK.”

Ironically, Ayr are top heavy on central defenders and Forrest, who sat out the East Stirling defeat, could be about to leave. With Martyn Campbell, Scott Walker, Murray Henderson and Neil McGowan all vying for central berths, Forrest has been out in the cold.

Ayr host Berwick in the CIS Cup next Wednesday (August 6) without Allan Dempsie who has a one match ban to serve from his days at Elgin.

nAyr have been fined £1000 by the SFA after running up ten red and 82 yellow cards last season.