The grand plan excites Duffy
Jim Duffy insists he can’t wait to get back on a training pitch – after answering the call to help Ayr United’s rebuild.
The vastly experienced Duffy, 62, has agreed to join David Hopkin’s backroom staff at Somerset Park.
And the former Dumbarton boss says he’s relishing getting back to basics by working with United’s new-look squad.
He told the Post: “Ask any manager what they love most about football and they’ll say it’s being on the training ground. That day-to-day contact with the players is what it’s all about.
“When Hoppy picked up the phone it was a pleasant surprise, but what he proposed is a challenge that excites me.
“He’s putting a structure in place here and wants me to play a part in that.
“That chance to go back to basics and focus on working with the players here is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Duffy brings a wealth of experience to the Somerset setup having managed the likes of Falkirk, Hibs, Dundee, Morton and Clyde.
And he kept the Sons in League One via the play-offs last month after overcoming his own personal fight when suffering a heart attack last year.
Duffy said: “It was never something that affected my outlook on football.
“I never lost one bit of my intensity when I returned and everyone at Dumbarton will tell you that.
“But come the end of the season, I felt the time was right for me to step away.
“I was open to what my next move would be, whether that be in management or coaching, and I’m absolutely delighted it’s here at Ayr at Championship level.
“Down the years I have been everything from a manager to an assistant to even a director of football, so I’m used to performing a range of different roles.
“Hopefully I can bring that experience and add to what Hoppy is looking to put in place here.”
Duffy, who has signed an initial one-year deal, added: “I’m more than confident that we can move forward as a football club when I see what’s being put in place here.
“Ayr United are one of those clubs which has a lot of potential.
“But you never want to be the club or the player who is always talked about as having potential.
“You need to go out and realise it and become established at a certain level.
“These days, there are more and more departments involved in making a football club a success – it’s not just what happens on the pitch that matters.
“Ultimately I want to work at a club with ambition and potential and that sums up Ayr United right now.
“Hoppy is giving me responsibility to come in and add to what he’s doing on the training pitch.
“I believe I still have plenty to offer and I’m genuinely really excited at the prospect of getting started here.”
Also joining the United coaching staff is former Clyde and Annan assistant, John Joyce.
Ayr boss Hopkin said: “When Jim left Dumbarton I gave him a call to see what his thoughts were and asked him to come on board.
“Over the years we have always been keen to work together and he was really keen to join us here.
“Jim has incredible experience in football management and coaching, he has barely been out of work in the last 40 years.
“His knowledge of the game is second to none and he will be an integral part of our coaching staff.”
He added: “John is someone that we know really well and he has a fantastic knowledge of the lower leagues in Scotland.
“He has a background in the welfare of players and working with mental health and these days that kind of thing is crucial.
“He has been an assistant manager for many years and is a top coach.”