Ayr United skipper heads to Stirling Albion

Jan 8 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SKIPPER Chris Aitken is leaving Ayr to rejoin his former club but fans’ favourites Ryan McGowan and Ryan Stevenson are set to stay.

And boss Brian Reid plans to beef up his frozen out squad with a couple of transfer window signings.

But he faces competition from Carlisle United to land former Hibs striker Tam McManus who was training at Somerset before the big freeze bit.

A move to take Aitken back to Stirling Albion on loan until the end of the season was thrashed out on Monday.

Boss Brian Reid revealed: “Chris hasn’t been playing for us in recent games. Unfortunately, that’s what happens in football and with Stirling keen to take him back, he goes with our best wishes.

“It allows me to bring someone else in and it’s always been my intention to get fresh faces during January.”

Despite being club captain, Aitken never won over a section of the fans and was the subject of some fierce terracing criticism.

Binos boss Allan Moore admitted: “I don’t think Chris has been enjoying it at Ayr recently and that’s why this opportunity has arisen. He will give us a goal threat from midfield and if we get a penalty, it’s as good as a goal.”

Reid is delighted that Hearts have agreed to extend McGowan’s loan deal until the end of the season and is convinced Stevenson will see out his contract.

Queen of the South and Dundee are on the midfielder’s trail but it will take a big deadline busting offer to force Ayr’s hand.

Reid said: “I’m confident that Stevo will be with us until the end of the season although I accept that in any walk of life, it someone offers to double your wages, it’s very difficult.

“However, I have spoken to Ryan and he is quite happy to help us stay up.”

Teenager Stephen Reynolds has now returned to St Johnstone after completing his loan. Ironically, the arctic blast meant he never kicked a ball after extending the deal by three weeks.

Scott Agnew is back at Ayr after completing his loan deal at Alloa but could move on again if there is no likelihood of first team football.

Stirling are keen to extend Bryan Prunty’s deal beyond the middle of January while Reid is waiting to hear from Albion Rovers about their plans for David Gormley.

McManus remains clearly in Reid’s sights but Ayr fear they could be thwarted by English interest.

The manager revealed: “Tam knows I would like to sign him but the problem is that even a poor offer from an English club will be higher than what we can afford.

“In an ideal world, it would be great if supporters could sponsor a player and make it more affordable for us.”