FUTURE’S BRIGHT
United go for longer contracts
Ayr boss Mark Kerr insists his vision to build a Somerset squad for the future is slowly falling into place.
Centre- half Jack Baird, who joined from St Mirren this week, became the fifth new face of an increasingly positive summer.
And, crucially, he was the third to agree terms with United on an extended two- year deal.
That’s all part of a longer term strategy which, Kerr says, is helping to put the club on a sounder footing.
He said: “It typifies where we’re going now. The structure is there and it’s great.
“And when you look around the club just now, there’s lots happening and you can’t help but get a lift every day you come in the door.
“That filters down to the dressing room and boys want to be part of it.”
Baird, 24, still had 12 months left on his deal in Paisley but cut short his stay to come in search of first team football with Ayr.
Now Kerr is keen to keep the momentum going and is in pursuit of a goalkeeper and midfielder this week with deals edging closer.
The manager, meanwhile, insists the trail on Aaron Drinan is not completely cold despite the striker’s impressive form for Ipswich.
The big Irishman has been leading the line for Paul Lambert’s men in pre- season.
And he started again in Saturday’s Carabao Cup win over Bristol Rovers.
Kerr said: “It’s a difficult one for us because from a selfish point of view we’d like Azza back up here and we’ve made no secret of that.
“But I’m pleased for the boy that he’s doing well as we always knew he had that about him.
“We’ll see what happens... Ipswich still have two or three coming back from injury, so things could change at their end.
“But there’s certainly no panic from us, we’ve got another four weeks and plenty will happen in that time.”