Ayr United skipper Mark Roberts will sign new deal

Jun 3 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SKIPPER Mark Roberts is staying with Ayr United.

And he is backing shooting partnerMichael Moffat to strike fear into the First Division next season.

Roberts, who won the Irn Bru ginger award after his best ever 27 goal season, reckons on fire Moff can be Ayr’s trump.

He said: “I have no doubt he can easily step up to the First Division.

“I reckon teams will be terrified by his pace and scoring ability. Maybe hanging about with an old guy like me has helped him

“If Moff had signed at the start of the season he would have had 30 goals.

“Nothing gets him down. If someone smashes into him, he gets up with a smile on his face.

“I think he’s had only one bad game since he signed – in the rest, he has been outstanding.”

Roberts, 35, says Ayr will go into the First Division determined to make their mark.

He said: “There’s no point in going up there wanting to finish second or third bottom. That’s when you fall flat on your face.

“If you think struggling, you will. It will be a difficult league and we’ll be the only part-time club but we will definitely aim higher.

“I have enjoyed my time at Ayr even although we were relegated the season before.

“The support we took to Brechin on the final day was amazing. It felt like there was 10,000 Ayr fans there and was the best atmosphere I’ve known.

“These are days you never forget. I have made up mind to sign and will do so in the next few days.”

Boss Brian Reid has revealed the door isn’t closed on some of those who haven’t been offered new terms.

Dean Keenan and Bobby Donnelly could win deals if they prove their fitness.

And last week, Reid described the contract situation regarding Ryan McCann and Scott McLaughlin as ‘not dead.’

Alan Trouten and Chris Smith look set to follow Martyn Campbell and Roberts in staying while Reid is hopeful that Eddie Malone will follow.

Ayr are linked with Dumbarton midfielder Andy Geggan who has knocked back signing terms at The Rock.

Geggan, 24, won three supporters’ awards including a gong for goal of the season – a 35 yard screamer against Alloa.

The Sons have snapped up three ex-United men in Scott Agnew from Stranraer, Bryan Prunty from Alloa and Ryan Borris from Stirling.

Ayr have pencilled in pre-season friendlies against St Mirren (July 9) and St Johnstone (July 16). Then follows the visit of a Manchester United X1 on Monday, July 25.

A game against Girvan is also in the pipeline while Ayr are keen to resurrect the Ayrshire Cup. A young reserve team beat Annan 6-2 at Prestwick Academy on Sunday.

Roddy Paterson scored a hat-trick while Dale Moore, Conor Ramsay and Cammy Barr were also on target.

Ayr have signed teenagers Iain Fisher and Dale Moore on pro forms (see picture on page 117).