WHY I’M SO WORRIED!
We’re looking fantastic – but it’s only the pre- season
Ian McCall admits Ayr’s hungry players are causing him concern – because they’re looking in such tip top condition.
The United boss, who is running the rule over Clyde keeper Connor Quinn at training, has recruited former Aberdeen keeper Derek Stillie as part- time goalie coach.
Former Rangers and Ayr physio Kevin MacLellan is returning as cover while Stevie Maguire prepares for an operation.
Training will switch to Ayr’s Cambusdoon Sports Club on Friday and McCall says everything is going to plan.
He said: “I’m very worried – it couldn’t have gone any better.
“The players are looking fantastic but it worries me that it’s pre- season.
“The boys are working their socks off and the four new boys, in terms of attitude and how they go about things, are different class.”
Quinn, 19, was man of the match for Clyde when he defied Ayr in a 1- 1 Scottish Cup draw at Somerset in February.
With Greg Fleming now signed for Peterhead after turning down a switch to full- time, Ayr need a back- up to former Annan No1 Jordan Hart who will grab the gloves.
McCall said: “Financially, it didn’t add up for Greg to turn full- time and he goes with our best wishes.
“Who knows, our paths might cross again.
“There were one of two casualties through the change from part- time to full- time.
“Greg and Daryll Meggatt ( who has rejoined Alloa) were the only two that I really wanted to keep while we always knew Nicky Devlin would move.
“Joining Walsall is perfect for him and if he plays to the levels we know he can then his next move could set him up for life.
“We always felt that Jordan had a big chance to become a really good keeper and now he will get his chance.
“And bringing in Chris Higgins from Queen of the South is a good piece of business.
“Connor showed a lot of promise last season at Clyde and we’re looking at him in training.
“I would still like to add a forward and a defender although I’m not sure if it will be possible.”
Ayr will play closed doors games against Partick, Morton and Motherwell before the big kick- off against Kilmarnock in the Betfred Cup at Somerset on Friday, July 14.
Meanwhile, McCall has welcomed Tuesday’s IRN- BRU Cup draw which sends Ayr to John Sludden’s Lowland League East Stirling on Tuesday or Wednesday, August 15 or 16, the fifth cup tie between the teams in 10 years.
He said: “I wanted to avoid someone we already play four times so it’s a good draw.”
Season- tickets and tickets for Ayr v Killie are now on sale at the club shop.
There’s still time to enter the annual shirts and shorts auction draw on Friday, July 7.