Ayr United sign old favourite Tam McManus for a second time

Dec 2 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR UNITED have welcomed back old favourite Tam McManus and declared: We’re not finished yet.

Boss Brian Reid plans to run the rule over a couple of French trialists.

And he is set to tap into his old contacts at Blackpool, where he was a play-off hero, to see if he can grab some gems.

McManus, 30, has signed a short term deal up until the Scottish Cup trip to Livingston on January 7.

He was set to go straight on to the bench for Wednesday night’s re-arranged game at home to Partick.

Reid admitted: “Another striker wasn’t my priority but Tam isn’t costing us much – he’s playing for claps – and that was music to the ears.

“He is a good experienced player to have around when we are down on numbers.

“Maybe he would have taken some of the chances we didn’t put away against Montrose.

“Tam scored goals when he was with us before. He has played a few bounce games and is keen to get back playing.”

The arrival of McManus means Reid has cooled his interest in St Johnstone’s Sam Parkin who is being touted for a loan move by new Perth boss Steve Lomas.

And with Martyn Campbell back on his bike after knee surgery and aiming to return in January, he hopes to avoid a dip for defensive cover.

Reid said: “John Robertson, Chris Smith and Eddie Malone can all play centre-half so we should be all right.

“Two midfielders are my main focus. I’ve had a call from a French agent and I will have a look while I will also have a look down south where I have good contacts.”

On Saturday, Ayr bid to make it five away wins on the spin when they head to bottom team Queen of the South.

McBookie.com make Queens 6/5 favourites with Ayr 13/8 outsiders. The draw is 5/2.

Ayr have beaten Queens in their last three meetings without conceding a goal.

Scottish Cup hero Alan Trouten is 7/1 to be first scorer. Mark Roberts is 6/1 while John Robertson is 20/1.