Voice of Reason Farewell Ron
Shooting from the lip
Looking Up
For many weeks, Ayr United have been a side with lots of the jigsaw in place.
But the missing pieces were a glaring hole in the overall picture.
Enter Corrie Ndaba and Andre Wright. Two January signings who, on early inspection, look like making a big difference moving forward.
Ndaba has brought a solidity to Ayr’s defence with his no-nonsense style allied to a willingness to attack.
And in Wright, Ayr appear to have bagged a long sought-after physical presence to lead the line.
As I said last week, it’s not what Wright does in front of goal that will prove most important.
It’s what he will do for those behind. And on Saturday, Tom Walsh and Luke McCowan contributed three of the four goals as things ultimately clicked.
It’s a work in progress, of course, but Ayr’s attacking third of the pitch looks capable of producing in this league.
Hearts, who visit on Friday, are evidently on their way to the title.
But the Jambos apart, you do feel a blanket could be thrown over the rest.
Ayr will learn much over the eight day spell when it’s the title favourites followed by Dundee and Raith.
And what shape the league is in after those games will be fascinating.
But with Ayr further strengthening on Monday in the shape of Brett McGavin, the squad is now looking as healthy as at any point.
The sprint to the end of the season now starts here.
Being involved in the business end must be the only aim.
If there was a man made for the phrase ‘the pen is mightier than the sword,’ then Ron Evans was that man.
As a wordsmith, he knew no bounds. His devotion to Scottish rugby and the sport at Millbrae was a joy in itself.
His match reports, each a loving creation in themselves, became a weekly part of Ayrshire Post copy for more than 30 years.
He knew how he wanted the game to be played and run by those in authority.
And he proudly stayed true to those opinions.
I enjoyed many a joust with Ron down the years.
Mostly him insisting to me that Ayr Rugby Club were the town’s top sporting institution.
They don’t make them like Ron anymore and he’s one man who proves an impossible act to follow.
His presence will be sadly missed.