Brian Reid urges Ayr United to kick on for safety

Mar 12 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

DETERMINED BrianReid has urged Ayr United to kick on for league safety.

And longest serving player Martyn Campbell claims fresh blood in the dressing room has brought a new lease of life.

Ayr went into Wednesday night’s visit of Partick, knowing a win would haul them out of the bottom two for the first time this season.

And that would leave them in great heart for Saturday’s trip to basement team Airdrie United.

Boss Reid said: “It’s another huge week for us but then all the games are massive. We’ve hit a bit of form and hopefully we can keep the momentum going.

“The only worry about bringing in so many new faces was how they would settle but they have all gelled quickly.

“I was kidding on Ryan Stevenson that results have picked up since he went to Hearts. Ryan was a big, big player for us but the time had come for him to move on.

“I knew I had to bring in others to get better quality into the team and make us better. Hopefully that will show in thecoming weeks.”

Saturday’s 2-0 win overMorton made it seven points from nine although Reid is still bitter that it wasn’t three victories on the trot after the injury time penalty debacle atInverness which earned the hosts a 3-3 draw.

He said: “It’s no consolation to know that it was a refereeing mistake because the two dropped points could be vital at the end of the season.

“We have to put it behind us and move on for there are still a lot of points to be played for.”

Meanwhile, lion heart Campbell believes Reid’s shrewd transfer dealings have given the club a major shot in the arm.

Campbell said: “We’re on a great wee run. The players who have come in have made adifference.

“I’m happy to sit in the background and let Mark Roberts and Tam McManus get the goals and take the credit.

“It was a wonder goal by Marko against Morton but that’s the ones he always seems to score.

“I’ve been here a while and there have been a few faces in and out but it doesn’t worry me that I’m part-time.

“I just try to keep myself as fit as I can. It’s a hard division with most players full-time but I do that little bit extra.”

Ayr had four SPL loan signings on show against Morton – debutant full-back Danny Lafferty (Celtic), Ryan McGowan (Hearts), Chris Mitchell (Falkirk) and Danny McKay (Kilmarnock).

And that will be boostedfurther when Rocky Visconte (Hearts) recovers from a hamstring strain.

The energy and enthusiasm of veteran Steve Bowey has been the find of the season and his non stop drive has played a huge part in recent results.

The classy McManus has added a strike threat that was lacking before and his partnership with Roberts has goals in waiting.

Roberts was a doubt for the visit of his old club Partick after getting stitches in a hip wound against Morton. But Reid would give him every chance of making it.

Billy Gibson will make his comeback in a reserve game while giant stopper Kevin James, who hasn’t played since mid January, is now back in training.

Fans’ buses for Airdrie: Vulcan: 1pm. Seats, price £8, from John Grigor (tel: 07903 561025). Ship Inn: 12.30pm. Phone the pub on 885766.