Ayr United looking for a target man

Jun 12 2009

AYR United are hunting for a target man to spearhead their assault on the first division.

Boss Brian Reid wants a physical presence to lead the line next season.

And talks have taken place with St Mirren striker Jim Hamilton as Reid prepares to beef up his squad.

However, Ayr may find themselves priced out of a move for the SPL hitman.

Reid revealed: “There’s no great panic for us to buy a striker because we have three good ones at the club.

“But I feel we need the type of player who’s a big tall battering ram up front – someone to give us a different dimension.

“I’ve spoken to Jim and he’d be perfect for the role, but I’m not sure we can match his wages.

“We’re now competing with other clubs who can pay a lot more than us, so it’s going to be tough.”

However, Reid is more positive on fellow target Billy Gibson.

The Clyde captain is wanted to form the latest part of United’s new-look defence alongside Kevin James and Andy Aitken.

“Billy is a good player and I won’t deny that I’ve spoken to him, “ said Reid.

“He seems positive about coming here, so we’ll wait and see, and he’s a versatile player who would give us a number of options.”

James, 33, and Aitken, 31, remain Ayr’s only signings of the summer so far – but Reid is delighted at getting the men he wanted.

He insisted: “They’re two very experienced players and you need that for the first division.

“Apart from Neil McGowan, there’s not many others in the squad above 30, so it’s important we strike that balance.

“Andy and Kevin will strengthen us at the back, and I’ve also seen Kevin being a right handful up front when required.”

United also made an offer to former Alloa keeper Ray Jellema, but work commitments in the north of Scotland meant he couldn’t sign for his hometown team.

Youth keeper David Mitchell will go out on loan next season, so Reid wants another stopper to challenge Stephen Grindlay for the gloves.

Alex Williams left the club earlier this week after requesting his release from Somerset.

The striker, who achieved cult status among United fans after scoring against Kilmarnock, had grown frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities.

And Reid claims a poor attitude stopped Williams from going further at Ayr.

“Alex didn’t like sitting on the bench, and I can understand that,” admitted Reid.

“But his attitude towards the end wasn’t great and he was constantly chapping my door asking when he’d get back in the team.

“I told him to knuckle down and that everyone would come back for pre-season with a clean slate.

“But I was hearing stories about him and other clubs, and I only want players here who want to play for Ayr United.”

Meanwhile, Reid continues to look at the prospect of taking Ayr abroad next month.

France remains the favoured option and Ayr plan a Friday-Monday trip, which includes a game against the “highest possible” opposition.

Reid also wants to play a top notch English team and may make a bid to bring Middlesbrough to Somerset.

He’s also refusing to rule out the chance of landing a glamour game with a Premiership outfit.

Ayr’s pre-season game at home to St Johnstone has been re-scheduled for Monday, July 20.

UNITED plan to start selling their season tickets on Monday.

Reduced prices apply for the first two weeks of sale.

Tickets are for all areas of the ground.

Adult: £220 (£205 reduced rate); OAPs: £120 (£110); Student under-23: £110 (£100); Under 16s: £50 flat rate; Panda Pals under 12s: £15 flat rate.