Goodbye and thanks McCall

Four years ago, I was a lone voice of disapproval when Ian McCall was appointed Ayr United manager.

I recall writing that he’d seen more clubs that Jack Nicklaus – and Ayr needed a younger visionary to take the club forward. Two seasons later, I issued a grovelling apology – McCall had done splendid things at Ayr and United were playing the kind of football the Somerset Road End hadn’t seen for two decades. I’m grateful to Ian McCall for bringing in players we all wanted to watch – and for taking Ayr to levels where the club should always be.

Swapping top- of- the- table Ayr for propping up the table Partick Thistle might seem a strange move – but Ian always had soft spot for the Jags.

He had unfinished business at Firhill. I hope the Somerset faithful treat him with respect when he returns with his new team. But it won’t stop me hoping we take five off them! Ian McCall did his best for Ayr – and that’s all we ask of any player or manager. His chapter is closed and a new one will begin. Goodbye and thank you Ian. Welcome - and good luck new manager.