THIRST FOR FIRST
Boss McCall determined to go up as champs and avoid play- off pressure
Ian McCall insists he isn’t interested in second prizes — he wants to win the title to avoid nerve shredding playoffs.
Ayr’s 102- goal history- makers trail leaders Raith by four points with a game in hand and, with key players returning from injury, are looking good to strike.
United head to third- placed Arbroath on Saturday, visit Albion Rovers on Tuesday and then host Raith in a titanic clash on March 10.
Boss McCall says it’s a huge week for the club and claimed: “With the team we’ve got, we have to look at going up as champions.
“We want to try and take the playoffs out of the equation, but it won’t be easy. The last time we were there, we got lucky in the second game against Stranraer and they deserved to win on the day.
“We’re now down to the stage of the season when the form book goes out the window. There will be twists and turns as every team has something to play for.
“But I can’t overestimate how important it is to get a full squad back, apart from Chris Higgins who is longer term. For over three months, we have been decimated in the same area of the pitch with a minimum of four or five out.”
Robbie Crawford and Ross Docherty returned off the bench in Saturday’s Saturda ’ s 3 3- 0 victory ictor o over er Airdrie which brought up the ton.
McCall said: “I don’t think Doc is quite ready but Robbie just needs sharpness. He is so important that we may throw him in — he’ll certainly be starting soon.”
Club physio Stevie Maguire, who is recovering from brain surgery, will enjoy a night with wife Tracy at the Enterkine House Hotel as a result of Ayr’s 100th goal.
General manager Colin Caird put up the prize to the century scorer but the squad decided beforehand it would go to popular Stevie.
McCall said: “What Stevie has been through in comparison to my little eye problem is humbling.
“It’s fantastic that his op was a success and I hope he’ll be back in the dugout at the start of next season.
“The directors have shown real class by sticking by Stevie over the last two years. It’s been really tough for the players but it shows how highly they think of him that they have kept his position for him.”
Catch the first glimpse of Ayr’s new strips for next season at the player of the year awards night in the Carlton Hotel on Saturday, April 14.
Tickets, including a buffet, cost £ 30, from the club shop. Music will come from Audioclass. Discounted rates for overnight accommodation.
Commercial manager Graeme Miller said: “This event should be the pinnacle of every season and we are now able to have 250 of our players, staff and supporters in the one place.’