BRING IT ON
Ayr to take on fierce rivals Killie for the first time in three years... and it’s all live on TV
The first Ayrshire derby in three years will be beamed live around the world.
Telly giants BT Sport will screen the Friday night fixture at Somerset Park on July 14.
The eagerly- anticipated clash will act as the curtain- raiser to the new Scottish football season.
And Ian McCall’s new- look side will be given an early chance to become club legends in the powder keg collision.
Both sides of the divide have been thrust together in the revamped League Cup, sponsored by Betfred.
McCall will get his first taste of the famous game as Ayr manager when the teams face off.
He said: “Any local derby is special but I’ve been made well aware of just what this one means to our fans.
“I’ve watched a couple of them on TV and the atmosphere is tremendous.
“I remember seeing the Andy Walker chipped penalty, which is still talked about here.
“It’s a fantastic draw and we feel we’ve got a right good chance in the group in general.”
Ayr and Kilmarnock were pulled out of the hat alongside Dumbarton, Clyde and Annan for the group stage format.
Former United man Peter Murphy is the newly- installed player/ manager at Annan, adding another dimension to the line- up.
McCall said: “We’ll look forward to the games and I’m sure the fans will make the most of the derby.
“It will be a big occasion very early in the season and it’s a cup where we want to do well.
“Progression can mean a lot to the club, financially.”
The last meeting between the sides saw Killie win 1- 0 in a League Cup tie at Rugby Park in 2014.
Rory McKenzie’s 69th- minute goal proved enough for Killie in front of a bumper 8,877 crowd.
United commercial manager, Graeme Miller, said: “Everyone has been buzzing since the draw was made and this has put the icing on the cake.
“Having the TV cameras here for such a huge game is the perfect way to kick off the season.”
Fans can put their shirt on United at the club’s annual strip auction night on Friday, July 7.
Individuals, groups or businesses can enter a draw to have their names on this season’s shirts and shorts for £ 150.
To enter, email commercial@ ayrunitedfc. co. uk.
The event at the club’s hospitality suite will include a buffet and bumper auction.
Commercial chief Miller said: “As always the auction will include some outstanding items.”
The Ally MacLeod Tartan Army are on the march for Saturday’s clash with England at Hampden.
Seats are priced £ 6/£ 4 for members and £ 8/£ 6 for non members.
Contact John Grigor on 07903 561025.