Money vows to stay at Cumnock

Jun 26 2008 Ayrshire Post

CAMPBELL MONEY has quashed rumours he is quitting Cumnock Juniors and revealed: I’M STAYING.

But he admitted he had been considering his stance if things hadn’t changed behind the scenes.

Money said: “I’ve had a chat and the club has now been restructured a wee bit. I am happy with the changes that are going to be made so I have agreed to stay on.”

But the former Ayr United boss will be without skipper Stevie Farrell and long serving defender Chris McGowan who have joined Irvine Meadow. Another loss is Robbie Weir who is heading to America on a soccer scholarship.

Gareth Campbell and Michael Hughes have agreed terms while John McLay is considering an offer. Available for transfer are Simon Black, John Tinney and James Moan.

Top gun Richie Barr, a target for Arthurlie, won’t be going anywhere. He has two years left on his deal and Money is keen to keep his prize asset.

Money hailed his troops for a ‘very good season’ after they beat Kilwinning 5-2 on aggregate to retain their Premier League status.

He said: “We reached three cup finals, although winning only one, and managed to avoid relegation. So now the aim is to try and go one step further.”

Safety in the top flight was assured with a 2-1 second leg win at Buffs last Wednesday.

Money said: "I've been in this game a long time, but have never been as proud of a group of players as I am today.

"That's 23 games since April 12, but they keep battling on. At half-time I asked them to give me another 45 minutes and they did that and more.

“Over the two games we deserved to stay up but Kilwinning made it very difficult for us.”

Cumnock struck after an hour when veteran sweeper John Traynor was robbed by Gareth Campbell who raced in on goal to fire past Keith Ross from 10 yards.

Stevie McCulloch blasted in a 25 yard free-kick to equalise to throw Buffs a lifeline. However, it was all over when Nicky Smith failed to control the ball 20 yards from goal and David McInally cashed in to bag the winner.