Ayr United to receive Sky windfall

Jan 16 2009 by Mike Wilson

OVERJOYED Ayr United are rubbing their hands at a £100,000 boost but have warned they still face financial strife.

Chairman Lachlan Cameron says Sky TV money from televising next Thursday’s Scottish Cup replay against Kilmarnock will ‘definitely help’.

But he stressed the club still face tough times after the collapse of their deal to sell Somerset Park and move to a new home at Heathfield.

Ayr will net £82,500 from Sky after their second live game in three years while gate receipts will take their lift well through the six figure barrier.

Boss Brian Reid already had plans to strengthen for a title drive and the unexpected windfall will help his cause.

Cameron said: “The money from the replay will help bridge the gap that was left behind after the stadium deal fell through. The devastation of not getting planning permission in time to secure the deal cannot be overstated.

“The cash from the replay will ease the strain but that money is earmarked. I was already talking to Brian three or four weeks ago about a couple of areas he wants to strengthen so the replay money is irrelevant. They are two separate issues.

“We went for quality rather than quantity in the summer and are working with a smaller squad than recent seasons. Brian doesn’t want to let anyone go and I want to support him if he is looking to bring in a couple of specific players.

“We can’t afford to leave ourselves short for the bench so we’ll be doing all we can to support the team.”