First close season update

New Ayr boss, Mark Roberts has started to plan for next season by re-signing key players from not only last season but the previous Second Division campaign two years ago.

Robertson modelling last seasons kit 

Local boy, Ross Robertson was the first to re-sign for next season. Robertson, who joined from the youth system two-years ago, has in his time at the club played as a midfield, defence and two appearances as a striker. Roberts has stated he sees `Rossco’s` natural position as a striker and that the previous management had played him out of position, Roberts intends on utilising him as a striker.

Shortly after Robertson’s signing, Michael Moffat followed suit. Moffat signed a new deal at Somerset Park last night (Fri 01/06/12) for the season ahead, after finishing his day job as a delivery driver for a local fish company. `the Moff` joined Ayr in January 2011 from local junior side, Girvan, and made his debut in a 1-0 win away to Alloa Athletic. Moffat see’s the club’s ambition for the coming season as regaining promotion to the First Division. Gaffer, Roberts see’s the `Moff` as a “twenty goals-a-season player”, if he is played in his correct position of striker.

Moffat celebrating with Alan Trouten

So far Roberts has secured himself, Moffat and Robertson for the season ahead with others expected to sign soon. He has offered deals to others, but many are waiting to see what other options are available. Chris Smith has been linked with Falkirk, as well as Jonathan Tiffoney who remains contracted for next season but has been denied due to the under-23 clause.

Roberts is keen to invest in youth and has stated “There are definitely boys in that team that can step up and break into the first team. Mark Shankland was ridiculously good in that game [a 14-1 victory over Montrose]. He was just so confident on the ball. If he can break into the first team and be as confident on the ball as he is in the Academy games then he will have a big future”. In fact, Robert’s assistant manager, Davie White is the head of ‘youth development’ for the Ayr United Football Academy.

However, some familiar faces have departed Somerset Park, Eddie Malone has joined Raith Rovers and the club has parted ways with Gareth Wardlaw and Ryan McWilliams as well as all of Reid’s loan signings.

Roberts, 36, recently back from his trip to Los Angeles to meet with chairman; Lachlan Cameron arrived back in Scotland to the news that the world’s largest online gambling company, Bodog, have renewed their sponsorship for next season despite relegation. Founder and billionaire, Calvin Ayre said “I had a blast on my visit last year and got stuck into the Hendrick’s Gin pretty hard as well as taking a day at the racetrack to have a bet or two before heading to Somerset Park. This summer’s press conference will be another good show as we unveil the new strip and no doubt a few girls as well.” Hugh Cameron, the clubs commercial director also added “Bodog’s ability to promote the club on a global level saw us attract record shirt sales last season including our first shipments to Asia which is just what this club needs and I’ve no doubt it will be similar next season. In the meantime I look forward to the madness that is the Bodog kit launch later in the summer.”