HAPPY TO STAY
Goal machine Shankland admits he chose contentment over cash after agreeing new deal at Somerset Park
Lawrence Shankland insists money can’t buy happiness after the striker sensationally spurned a host of lucrative offers to pen a new deal at Ayr United.
The prolific hitman this week turned down Premiership riches and clubs in England and was set to agree a one- year contract at Somerset Park on Tuesday — so he can spearhead Ayr’s assault on the Championship.
And he has thanked the fans and manager Ian McCall for giving him another chance in football after he was released from Aberdeen.
Speaking to the Post, the 29- goal frontman said: “I obviously enjoyed last season, and it’s a great club to be a part of.
“Winning the league made it even more special. The main thing for this decision is that I am enjoying my football.
“The gaffer has been great with me and that’s why I came here. He gave me a chance to get back into football.
“Getting promoted to the Championship brings a fresh challenge, so I want to test myself there.
“I am happy and I don’t think there’s any amount of money that beats happiness.
“The fans have taken to me and that gives you confidence going into every game you play.
“At the end of the day, you need to be enjoying your work and be playing.”
Boss McCall admits he is thrilled by the 22- year- old hitman’s decision after fearing he’d lose the League One Player of the Year following his goalladen season at Somerset.
“Lawrence could have doubled his money elsewhere and had offers from the Premiership up here and League One down in England,” he said.
“But the affection he has had from our supporters has played a huge part in his decision.
“I’ve never seen a relationship like it in all my time in football.
“That level of goodwill was the basis of my pitch to Lawrence and his dad when we talked about him staying.
“It’s a huge piece of business for this club. Be in no doubt that Lawrence could easily have gone, but he has made a footballing decision.
“It is a big, big signing which shows our intent and now we need the fans to respond with an upsurge in season ticket sales.”
Shankland’s deal has given McCall further belief that Ayr can make an impact in the Championship next season — and the United hitman believes his team- mates only need to look at Livingston’s success for inspiration.
“I think you have got to look at Livingston and see how well they have done — that shows it can be done,” said Shankland.
“They finished second after being promoted with pretty much the same group of boys.
“If we keep the squad together, I think we could do pretty well and not just go straight back down.
“That’s what has happened to Ayr the last couple of times and that’s no
good for the club.
“We are an ambitious club with an ambitious group of players. So, hopefully we will go up and do well.”
Boss McCall was also bullish about his side’s chances in the Championship — and backed Shankland to shine at a higher level and receive even more lucrative offers at the end of next season.
“Lawrence believes — as we do — that he is capable of scoring 20plus goals in the Championship,” said the Ayr manager.
“If he does that, then I’m sure the kind of offers he’ll be getting this time next year will be even better.”
Alan Forrest and Craig McGuffie have joined Shankland in agreeing to stay put at Somerset Park, while talks are ongoing with wanted man, Craig Moore, who is also attracting attention from a host of clubs.
McCall said: “We won’t be changing the way we play next season.
“I’m delighted to get Forrest and McGuffie done as they have all the potential in the world.
“If fans could see some of the stuff they do in training, it’s frightening. Now we just need it on a more consistent basis in games.
“Added to Shankland and Moffat, we’re already shaping up well.”