HONEST MAN
McCall: Blame me for cup exit shocker
Honest Ian McCall insists he should take the rap for Ayr’s Betfred Cup exit and said: “I’m to blame”.
A Somerset shocker against Stranraer saw Ayr blow a lucrative place in the last 16.
And McCall claims criticism should rest squarely on his shoulders. He said: “I take all of the blame.
“I picked the wrong team with the wrong balance and it was my fault entirely.
“In saying that we had chances in the first half to go further ahead, but we were still way off our best.”
United laboured and were outplayed for long spells before going down on penalties.
And McCall admits a change in system may now be required.
He said: “It’s something we’re going to look at this week.
“We’ve played in a certain way for a long time with one working midfielder in a wide area.
“But it doesn’t mean to say we can’t look at it and change if we have to.
“I think we will always score goals but it’s about getting the best out of the players we have rather than shoehorning certain people in.”
McCall, who lamented his team’s lack of strength after Saturday’s defeat, added: “The likes of Aaron Muirhead, Andy Geggan, Steven Bell and Jamie Adams all give us great options in that regard.”
The boss will hold talks with his board this Thursday in the hope of yielding more cash for new blood.
Ayr had been pinning their hopes on a Betfred bonus to pay the way.
But McCall said: “We’ll see what can be done.
“I definitely feel a defender is now our priority.”
Ayr will be without Muirhead for Saturday’s league opener against Morton as he begins a two game suspension but McCall hopes to have Adams as part of the squad.
● Ayr’s Open Day will be held at Somerset on Sunday, August 11 from noon. All the usual attractions will be in place, including a Stage Door BBQ, Pandamonium and a chance to meet the players.