BULLEN:IWILLGIVE YOUTHACHANCE
United boss vows to integrate kids into squad
Lee Bullen insists he will give youth every chance to flourish as first team jerseys go up for grabs at Somerset.
The head coach admits up to four new signings remain on his radar ahead of the big kick off.
But he says Ayr United’s talented clutch of kids can also force their way into his reckoning over the coming weeks.
Fraser Bryden and Paul Smith were among those to catch the eye in the second half of last season’s survival fight.
And with the likes of schoolboy Max Guthrie also being touted for big things, Bullen insists he won’t shut the door on anyone if they’re good enough.
He told the Post: “I’ve always said that the kids here will be given every chance.
“The lads who have come in and trained with the first team have not looked out of place at all.
“The first week of preseason training has been good in that regard, with a few of the young boys showing up well.”
Bully added: “Whether we look at loaning some out or they force their way into my plans, time will tell, but they definitely have that shot.”
Striker Dipo Akinyeme is the only summer addition to have joined up with Ayr so far as fellow new boy, David Bangala, awaits visa clearance in Paris.
Ayr kick off their preseason preparations behind closed doors against Dumbarton tomorrow night (Thursday).
•Last season’s top scorer Tomi Adeloye has confirmed he will be moving on, with Hartlepool at the head of the queue for his signature.
The English League Two side are now bossed by Paul Hartley.
•United will begin their Championship campaign at home to Arbroath.
For the second time in three years, they finish the season at Inverness on a Friday night.