Ayr United boss rallies his troops

Feb 20 2009 by Mike Wilson

Brian Reid Main 1

BRIAN REID has called on Ayr United to pump up the title pressure and put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.

And he is tapping into his English contacts as he tries to beef up the defence with an emergency loan signing.

But the United chief has dismissed speculation that towering St Johnstone stopper Kevin James is heading to Somerset on a short term deal.

Second top Ayr entertain third placed Brechin on Saturday, looking to extend their lead on Jim Duffy’s team to seven points. And with leaders Raith at home to rejuvenated Stirling, Ayr are itching to cash in if the Kirkcaldy men slip.

Ayr trail Rovers by five points with a game in hand and are desperate to trim the gap as the season enters the final third.

Reid said: “We have been unfortunate with postponements especially as Somerset was perfectly playable on Saturday when our game at East Fife was off. We just want to get going again and put points on the board.”

Bryan Prunty, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since the cup replay against Kilmarnock, scored in a bounce game away to Petershill Juniors on Monday night. And Martyn Campbell, who has missed the last two games with a thigh strain, is back fighting fit.

However, Alex Williams is toiling with a recurring ankle ligament injury, and could face a few weeks on the sidelines.

Reid said: “Bryan is a great pro who looks after himself well. He played 65 to 70 minutes against Petershill and scored a good goal. We also have David Gormley who was on fire when he came on at Alloa and scored twice while Mark Roberts is a good, experienced player so it’s a happy striking problem for me.

“Having Martyn Campbell back is also a big boost but I have got my feelers out for an experienced centre-half on loan and have a couple in mind.”

A 19-year-old defender from Blackpool, one of Reid’s former clubs, has returned south as he didn’t have the experience that is needed.

Reid said: “I am still friendly with the Blackpool chairman and he has promised to help me if he can. However, wages that Championship players are on could be a problem and it’s a question of what we can afford. With Martyn back, there is no panic but I do feel we need to give ourselves some defensive cover.”

Talk of a move for St Johnstone stopper James is wide of the mark although Reid is a close friend of Perth boss Derek McInnes.

The 33-year-old 6ft 7in stopper has had a wretched time of late with injury and that puts him out the frame.