SIGNINGRACE
Injuries add to Ayr gaffer’s need for more recruits
David Hopkin admits he could need up to five new faces to bolster his Ayr squad ahead of the big kick-off.
The boss is targeting a number of signings before the league curtain raiser at Kilmarnock on August 2.
Saturday’s goalless draw at Albion Rovers in the Premier Sports Cup saw Ayr lose on penalties.
And United could only list four substitutes, highlighting Hopkin’s need to act quickly.
He told the Post: “Saturday was a fair reflection of where we are in terms of the squad.
“The defence has been rebuilt over the summer and I’m certainly pleased with what I’ve seen so far in that regard. But there’s no doubt we have a lot of work to do from middle to front.
“I’ve been working very hard on getting players in and hopefully we’ll start seeing the results soon.”
Burnley’s under 23 squad will head to Somerset this Saturday as part of the new tie-up between the clubs.
Ayr hope to land a couple of the Clarets’ promising youngsters on loan deals after getting a look in the bounce game.
Hopkin said: “It’s a chance for us to see them at close quarters and what they can offer us.
“Hopefully they’ll be able to add something and it will be a positive arrangement for us.”
He added: “The pre-season has been tough in terms of the early injuries so it’s a case of getting through the next couple of games and things will look much better.”
United were due to host
Edinburgh City last night (Tuesday) in front of 500 fans at Somerset as the Premier Sports Cup continued.
Markus Fjortoft (shoulder), Nick McAllister (knee) and Joe Chalmers (thigh) should be fit again for the trip to Hamilton on Tuesday.
Michael Moffat has entered a 10-day period of Covid isolation.
Another 500 fans will gain entry to Saturday’s friendly with Burnley, with season ticket holders from last year and United Academy players among those who will be invited to attend.