Axe falls on Ayr United promotion heroes

May 27 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

PROMOTION winning Ayr United have released almost a whole team and lost star keeper Alan Martin who wants a return to full-time.

Jim Lauchlan, Willie Easton, Bobby Donnelly, Andy Rodgers, David Crawford Alistair Woodburn and Aaron Connolly have not been offered new terms.

And no deals have yet been given to Ryan McCann and Scott McLaughlin although their situation is described as ‘not dead’ and is budget related.

Dean Keenan, who missed the last eight months with a cruciate ligament injury, is also sidelined but could win himself a short term contract if he proves his fitness.

Martyn Campbell has agreed to stay while offers have also been made to Mark Roberts, Eddie Malone and Alan Trouten.

Chris Smith and Ross Robertson, who are both under 23, are being retained as is back-up keeper Ryan McWilliams.

Two targets from other clubs have also been approached. Reid wants answers from everyone by the weekend.

Cult hero Michael Moffat, who scored the promotion clinching goal in the 2-1 win at Brechin, is under contract for another season as is Jonathan Tiffoney.

Former Girvan striker Moffat, who now has an internet hit song in his name, will be offered a better deal even although he still has a year remaining.

Reid is keen to tie up Roberts evenalthough the skipper will be 36 in October.

He said: “Marko is as fit as ever and doesn’t have an ounce of fat on him. David Weir is 41 and playing in the SPL so age is irrelevant.”

Moffat, who scored 11 goals since signing in January, will be dealt in for longer as a payback for his efforts.

Reid said: “I have spoken to Michael and he loves it here. I’m going to assess his contract and give him more as he deserves it. I want to bring up to spec with the rest and then look to extend it for another year.

“Michael has pace, power and two good feet and has the quality to go forward. I’m just sorry I couldn’t sign him earlier.”

Former Ayr fans’ favourites Gareth Wardlaw and Craig Nelson are being linked with returns to their stomping ground.

Reid admitted: “I am looking for a target man, someone with a physical presence – and old fashioned Joe Jordan to win the ball in the air. Marko and Michael aren’t the most physical so I want to improve our aerial ability.

“We also need a number one keeper with Alan Martin moving on.”

Reid’s budget for the First Division is believed to be less than what he had two seasons ago in their last foray.

He warned: “While I would like to have my team together for the pre-season games I am going to have to be patient. We’ll have to be big and strong to stay up but I’ll learn from our experience last season.

“Going up to the First Division means it’s easier to talk to the players but we won’t be doubling the wages. Just staying up will be an achievement but I’m a great believer that if you’re in it you try to win it.”

Reid hailed his promotion winners for coming back from 1-0 down to beat Brechin in a Sunday cliffhanger.

He said: “The team deserve great credit for their work over the season and there are unsung heroes as well. Our two scouts, John Somerville and Jim Gourlay, are a great help to me. All the people behind the scenes have played their part.”