Ayr United sign famous name from the past

Jul 2 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A FAMOUS name from the past is Ayr United’s latest signing.

Ayr fought off interest from Celtic to sign JJ Hawkshaw on a three year pro contract.

And they will be hoping he makes the same impact as his great uncle Ian 45 years ago.

Ian Hawkshaw joined Ayr from St Johnstone in 1965 and went on to score 39 goals in 91 appearances, helping them to the Second Division title.

Now his 16-year-old great nephew JJ becomes the seventh player to have been signed by Ayr from the United Football Academy.

Although JJ is a defender, he will hope to at least emulate the appearance total in the coming years.

Davie White, United’s head of youth and community, said: “He has been part of the youth academy from the very beginning since joining us from Crosshouse Boys’ Club.

“JJ is taking his first step on his professional football pathway where we hope he will continue to grow and if he continues to show the desire to succeed that he has previously shown, he has the potential to progress to the top.”

As part of the youth academy set-up, JJ has decided to stay on at Grange Academy.

He said: “The calibre of Ayr’s coaches is outstanding and without them, I would never have been able to be the player I have become.

“With their continued guidance I would be hopeful of playing in United’s first team squad at some time in the near future.”