Voice of Reason
Shooting from the lip
No Messing
Mark Kerr press conferences can be an education in themselves.
The Ayr United boss is a man for the technical aspects of the game.
But on Saturday, the gloves came off. Be in no doubt that although his side had just made the last 16 of the Betfred Cup, Kerr was far from a happy man.
And to this end, it was refreshing stuff from the boss in boots.
Until this point, Kerr has somewhat refrained from crossing the line into ‘ gaffer’ territory.
At least in public anyway.
But in the aftermath of Saturday’s lukewarm display, he made it clear.
Any more of that and there will be changes.
It’s an important step for Kerr to take in his progression from dressing room leader to commander in chief.
And whilst I’ve no doubt he’s been laying down the law behind closed doors before now, it’s entirely different to get tough ‘ out in the open’.
Kerr has, quite rightly, now done it. And his players know the game must be upped.
Ayr may not have the biggest squad this season, but they still have options in key positions.
And this weekend, Kerr will have some selection choices to make with bodies returning.
Some may have been made easier for him after Saturday’s performance.
But he’s now in a position to send out the message that when standards drop, so will players – to the bench.
Important to note, though, that Ayr are still attempting to bed in an entirely new team.
And until we see the settled line- up getting a run together, inconsistency could be part and parcel of this strange old season.
Saturday’s visit of Dundee sees a team big on reputation but not big on confidence heading for Somerset.
A fascinating clash awaits.
Man Of Honour
Fair play to Ayr’s favourite Serbian, Nino Pajovic, who’s taken it from all sides this past week.
The laird of Cafe le Monde was giving it big licks last Thursday, confidently predicting a win for his boys.
But he took his caramel latte in good style as customers poured in left, right and centre on Friday morning to dish up a verbal pasting.
These are good times to be a Scotland fan and, despite the doom and gloom, a reminder that this country DOES produce talented players. Bring on next summer.