KIRKWOOD OUITS AS TROON BOSS

He targets bigger role at Ayr United

Jimmy Kirkwood has quit as Troon FC boss – after admitting his focus is turning to Ayr United.

Kirkwood, who spent nine successful years in the Portland Park set- up, is also a long term director at Somerset Park. And he confessed this week he needed “more time for other projects” as he stepped down.

Kirkwood, who has long been linked with a takeover bid at Ayr, refused to be drawn on his next step. But he said: “It is no secret I want to spend more time at Ayr. I firmly believe the boardroom there could benefit from more businessmen of a certain age and I want to be actively involved in that.

“So I’ve reached the stage where I genuinely don’t have the time I need to dedicate to Troon.

“The club needs someone who has that time and maybe after all these years of hearing the same voice, it also needs a change of direction.

“I’ve had a great experience there and enjoyed three promotions and would like to think I’m leaving them in a good place.”

Former Ayr duo Jonny Baillie and Dean Keenan will become the new management team, with Baillie taking The No. 1 role.

Kirkwood added: “I’ll still be involved as a keen committee member and we’ll continue to press on with a number of ongoing investments at the ground.”

The move follows Ayr chairman, Lachlan Cameron, confirming takeover talks with an unknown party were progressing.

He said: “I have had encouraging discussions. Hopefully there will be something to write about in the not so distant future.”