Ayr United boss pleads for fan cash

Aug 27 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR boss Brian Reid has pleaded with fans to make his next signing.

And he wants them to dig deep and splash the cash for trialist goalkeeper Alan Main.

The veteran shot stopper looked a class apart as United kept their first clean sheet of the season on Saturday.

Now the 42-year-old could land a permanent deal – if someone stumps up his wages.

Reid revealed: “Our budget is stretched and our position on that is pretty clear.

“Our only hope is someone, be it an individual or a business, coming forward to sponsor the player.

“Whatever the proposal, we’d be willing to listen.

“Everyone could see how Alan improved us against Dumbarton. The defence took a lot of confidence from his presence alone.

“I think he’d be interested in coming here and now it’s up to us to find some sort of deal to get him.”

Reid, who can use Main as a trialist for another two games, plans to play the veteran when Peterhead visit Somerset on Saturday.

Regular number one David Crawford is now free from suspension but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

And Reid knows time is running out if he wants former St Johnstone keeper Main to sign up.

So the boss is pinning his faith on fans’ input – after they helped him bag another top name.

Danny McKay, who’s returned to United on loan from Kilmarnock, was signed using cash from the Panda Pals scheme.

Reid confessed: “What the fans are doing with that is brilliant and I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s enabled me to go out and strengthen the squad by getting a quality player like Danny, who I think will make a real difference for us.

“Hopefully the Panda Pals scheme continues to run successfully and we can gain even more benefit from it.”

Ironically, Reid now has a selection headache in attack with players returning from injury and suspension.

Willie Easton returns to midfield, meaning fit-again Andy Rodgers will battle McKay, skipper Mark Roberts and Stephen Reynolds for the two starting slots up front.

And Reid has assured star kid Aaron Connolly there’s still a place in the squad for him.

The striker failed to make the bench against Dumbarton despite starring in the opening weeks of the season.

The boss confessed: “Aaron has done nothing wrong, but it’s just a case of working hard and his chance will come.

“The players know that places are up for grabs at training and I’ve been delighted with their attitude.”

But for all the riches in attack, Reid has serious problems at the back ahead of Peterhead’s visit.

Dean Keenan begins a two game suspension, while summer signing Bobby Donnelly is at least four weeks away from a return.

That could mean a start for youngster Ross Robertson, with loan signing Scott Taggart also in the reckoning.

Reid admitted: “It’s a huge blow to lose Deano because he’s been magnificent in defence.

“If he was a few inches taller, he’d be first class for that position and I often think he’s better there than anywhere else.”

lUNITED’S Alba Cup clash at Partick Thistle has been moved to Saturday, September 4.

The quarter-final tie was originally scheduled for the Sunday to allow for Scotland fans returning from the national team’s game in Lithuania on the Friday.

However, both clubs agreed to moving the fixture when given the option by the Scottish League.