MEGGATT’S AN HONEST MAN Defender joins but Sutton and Preston say no

Daryll Meggatt became Ayr’s third summer signing on Tuesday night — but Jordan Preston and John Sutton won’t be joining him.

Left- sided defender Meggatt was freed by Dundee but made his name with Alloa where he was a mainstay of their team which won promotion to the Championship in 2013.

Ayr are now stepping up their search for strikers after Preston opted to stay in England and Sutton joined St Mirren on a two year deal.

Preston, 20, was a huge hit in two loan spells after being farmed out by Blackburn Rovers.

He bagged 19 goals in 46 starts and was wanted back after being freed by the Ewood Park club’s academy.

But the Scotland Under- 19 internationalist wants to pursue his career down south.

Ayr No 2 John Henry said: “We made Jordan an offer but his first preference was to get a club in England.

“Jordan did well for us and played a big part in taking us up.”

Ayr originally enquired about taking Meggatt, 25, on loan but Dens boss Paul Hartley opted to cut him free last week.

Henry claimed: “Meggatt comes recommended. He is an aggressive type of defender who did well at Alloa and will be a good addition for us.”

Ayr have invited players into training to assess and will feature them in Saturday’s opening friendly away to Stenhousemuir ( kick- off 2pm).

Admission is £ 8, concessions £ 4 while under- 16s are free.

The following weekend, it’s off to Gretna to defend the Raydale Cup before the Betfred Cup opener at home to Hamilton on Saturday, July 16.

United’s away top goes on sale in the club shop on Friday from 11am to 4pm. The shop will be open on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

The new red top will cost £ 50 for adults and £ 40 for children.