DREAM TEAM
McCall hails board after vow to keep stars for top- flight tilt
Ian McCall reckons his board could make a mint by flogging Ayr’s top assets.
But the boss insists Somerset’s money men will turn their back on a payday as Ayr go for broke.
Vultures are circling a string of United’s top talent, with Michael Rose and Liam Smith the latest in a line of wanted men.
However, McCall believes his board will stand firm as Ayr bid for back- toback promotions.
He said: “We could sell Rose, Smith and Lawrence Shankland tomorrow and make a lot of money for this club.
“But the board – and more importantly the chairman – have shown no inclination to do that.
“Lachlan Cameron has bankrolled this club for a decade and would get a significant amount of the money back that he’s owed.
“But he’s made it clear to me that nobody is going anywhere.
“And for that, both he and the board deserve a big clap on the back.”
A string of Scottish Premiership clubs are trailing Smith, while Rose is a wanted man south of the border.
It adds to the ongoing speculation around 28- goal Shankland, who will have his pick of clubs come the end of the season – assuming Ayr can keep their man through January.
McCall said: “If I kept this team together for three or four years it would get seriously, seriously good.
“But we know it will probably only be for one year – that’s just the nature of our club.
“My message to the fans would be to
enjoy this team because they are giving everything.
“And don’t anyone think we’re not right in this title race – because we absolutely are.
“We played the two teams closest to us and over a game and half of football were winning 8- 1.
“We know that when we have a fit squad we’re a match for anyone in this league.” Meanwhile, McCall has opened talks with Partick Thistle winger Chris Erskine.
The two met on Monday night to discuss a possible switch to Somerset.
The boss said: “He’s a player I like but we face a lot of competition from others.”