PLAYER HUNT
Hopkin steps up bid to bolster squad for season’s start
David Hopkin is set to ramp up his hunt for fresh faces as Ayr home in on the big kick-off.
United are less than two weeks from their competitive start in the Premier Sports Cup.
And Hopkin will use two preseason games this week to further fine tune his plans.
The boss said: “We know we are short in terms of the overall squad but we continue to work very hard on that.
“You don’t lose nine players like we did at the end of last season without it having an effect. The positive thing is that we’ve brought in five so far and they will all play a big part for me this season.
“The boys have come back looking sharp and the key thing is to go and add the right type to what we already have here.”
United beat big-spending Welsh side TNS 1-0 on Friday with a Jack Baird header proving the difference.
Hopkin fielded a raft of trialists and was set to do so again at Stranraer last night (Tuesday).
He said: “It was difficult to make much of a judgment on Friday – we’ve only been back in training a few days.
“We’ll learn far more in the coming week but I was certainly encouraged by what I saw. TNS are a good side and are way ahead of us in terms of their pre-season preparations.”
United will take on Hearts this Friday in a closed doors game before rounding off their preseason campaign with a trip to St Mirren on Tuesday.
A game with Burnley’s under 23 side at Somerset on July 17 is looking increasingly important with Ayr hoping to bag a couple of the Clarets’ promising youngsters on loan.
Ayr’s new away kit is now on sale in the club shop at Somerset and online at www.ayrunitedfc. co.uk.
Meanwhile, United’s annual shirt and shorts draw will be held on Thursday, July 15.
Companies or individuals can enter for the chance to have their name, or logo on a range of positions on the home and away kit.
Commercial manager Graeme Miller said: “This event is always an integral part of our year, however, this year it is as important as ever owing to the fact we have not had our fans inside Somerset Park for well over a year.”
Price for entry is £200. Two shots can be bought for £300 or £400 for three.
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