Ayr United - 17-18 rumblings and mumblings

[D'Jaffo]

I still think that Gilmour will leave. McCall said that he would be moving players on despite them being under contract and he seems the obvious choice.

If we're signing up another 8 players I can see us bringing in,

A right back
A centre half
Jamie Adams
Ross Docherty
Paul Cairney
Andy Geggan ???
Craig Moore
Willie Gibson or an alternative wide player

I still think we'd need a new striker on top of that but it gives us 4 natural central midfielders, 2 strikers, 2 wingers, 4 centre halfs, 2 full backs, 2 goalies and 2 number 10s plus a handful of youth players.

[callum-ayr]

Wonder if McDaid is still an option? If we were to have Moore and Moffat signed up, what would folks thoughts be on bringing in Craig Malcolm as a third striker?

[ayrunitedfw]

2 minutes ago, callum-ayr said:

So as of now, our squad looks like this:

Ayr United:

Goalkeepers -

Greg Fleming (2018)

Jordan Hart (2018)

Defenders -

Chris Higgins (2018)

Paddy Boyle (2018)

Michael Rose (2018)

Midfielders - 

Brian Gilmour (2018)

Gary Harkins (2018)

Craig McGuffie (2018)

Strikers -

Alan Forrest (2018)

Michael Moffat (2019)

 

We currently have 10 signed players, probably looking to bring in another 6-8? I would imagine 2-3 defenders and 2-3 midfielders with probably 2 strikers. We can't be looking to re-sign Adams/Doc/Cairney and Crawford, 2 out of they 4 would suffice. We need to be bringing in 2 wingers.

 

From that the ones I'd want to be regular starters are Fleming, Boyle, Higgins, McGuffie, Moffat so we're looking at something like

Fleming

 

New RB

Higgins

New CB

Boyle

 

New RM

New CM

New CM

McGuffie

 

Moffat

NEW ST

 

Subs- Hart, Rose, Gilmour, Harkins, Forrest

 

If Meggatt, Docherty and Crawford re-sign I'd have them as starters. I'd imagine Adams, McDaid and Cairney would be re-signing as back up so that leaves us needing a new RB(Geggan?), new RM (Gibson?) and a new striker (Moore?)

 

 

[D'Jaffo]

Wonder if McDaid is still an option? If we were to have Moore and Moffat signed up, what would folks thoughts be on bringing in Craig Malcolm as a third striker?

Completely forgot about McDaid tbh, I'm sure he'd be okay at League 1 but not as a first team player.

I've never been convinced by Malcolm, always thought Jamie Longworth looked a decent striker until his miss against us in the play off final.

[D'Jaffo]

From that the ones I'd want to be regular starters are Fleming, Boyle, Higgins, McGuffie, Moffat so we're looking at something like
Fleming
 
New RB
Higgins
New CB
Boyle
 
New RM
New CM
New CM
McGuffie
 
Moffat
NEW ST
 
Subs- Hart, Rose, Gilmour, Harkins, Forrest
 
If Meggatt, Docherty and Crawford re-sign I'd have them as starters. I'd imagine Adams, McDaid and Cairney would be re-signing as back up so that leaves us needing a new RB(Geggan?), new RM (Gibson?) and a new striker (Moore?)
 
 

Although Geggan can play RB it seems a waste of his talents as he is easily one of the best midfielders in League 1.

[ayrunitedfw]

7 minutes ago, somerset_lad00 said:

Although Geggan can play RB it seems a waste of his talents as he is easily one of the best midfielders in League 1.

I agree, I'd prefer him at CM alongside Doc but the way McCall was talking it sounds like he'd play RB.

[Guest]

If Harkins is still with us come the start of the season then he will most definitely be a starter and most definitely should be a starter as you'd think he'd destroy teams at this level, even if his mobility is curtailed.

[Mattmc]

Bringing back ex players is such a Stranraer thing to do apparently.

[HoBNob]

That video of the Moff in Lourenzos is more amusing now, he done alright for us and was a good pro, never hid. I genuinely wish him all the best.

[ayrunitedfw]

6 minutes ago, Grant228 said:

That video of the Moff in Lourenzos is more amusing now, he done alright for us and was a good pro, never hid. I genuinely wish him all the best.

What Video?

[HoBNob]

Am no a grass

[1nickydevlin]

The video off him wae a ayr strip singing f**k the pars last season was great

[Bring Back Paddy Flannery]

Jobby has brushed his hair this week and decided to rock the 'trout pout'.

[North Terrace Gazza]

Makes a refreshing change to be making signings so early... bodes well

[ayrunitedfw]

1 hour ago, Bring Back Paddy Flannery said:

Jobby has brushed his hair this week and decided to rock the 'trout pout'.

Wonder how big his pout will be when the signing of Gregor Buchanan is announced. 

[D'Jaffo]

Wonder how big his pout will be when the signing of Gregor Buchanan is announced. 

I'm guessing this is a wind up but I'd love him to sign.

Declan McDaid might not though

[DanielB]

Here's my opinion on things so far FWIW, grab a cuppa & a biscuit.

Keepers - Delighted with our options in Fleming & Hart. Both solid goalkeepers at this level, although I'll be surprised if Hart hangs around to play second fiddle to Fleming again.

Right back - Obviously a new one required, although the longer time ticks on the less confident I am of Geggan signing. I don't know if he's better off playing CM anyway (Dunfermline fans?) but that opens a whole new can of worms. Half expect McCall to pull a random one out the bag here, although whoever signs will have a tough job filling Devlin's boots.

Left Back - Paddy Boyle is more suited to League 1, thought he was our weak link last year. However, he's more than dependable at this level. Did he get into the leagues team of the season last time around?

Has a knack of picking up niggling injuries, so need competent back up. I still have nightmares over seeing Micheal Donald #3 on the team sheet!

Ideally, a centre half that can play left back would be perfect. Over to you Mr Meggatt.

Centre Backs - Higgins seems to be highly thought of, although time will tell. Actually quite happy with the re-signing of Rose, and I don't understand the hostility towards him on here. I was one of his biggest critics at the start of last season, watched him in the pre-season friendly down at Maybole Juniors and he didn't look out of place at that level.

However, thought he put in some excellent performances towards the end of last season when given the chance. Dominated the midfield in the away victory at Dunfermline (MOM that day?) & looked assured playing CB against Dundee Utd. Full time training & a run of games beside the experienced Higgins will do him the world of good.

Wouldn't be against our first choice CB pairing being Higgins & Rose, although again need dependable back up Daz M.

Central Midfield - This really depends on the formation we go with. McCall has stated he's going to build the team around McGuffie & Forrest, and the only way I can see that working is in a 4-2-3-1 with McGuffie on the left & Forrest in the hole. 4-4-1-1 was far too one dimensional last year, and often left Forrest & the striker isolated.

Based on that I'm hoping for Doc/Geggan & someone else. Reckon they'd be too similar to play together. 1st choice would be Doc as he has age on his side, although if he goes would be delighted with Geggan.

The second central midfielder is a tricky one, I'm going to stick my neck out and say Cairney. He's the best passer of a ball we had last year & was totally wasted out wide.

Yes he carries a bit of weight (Sure one of the directors at the 'meet the board event' said he had an existing medical condition that lead to him piling on the beef.)

Let's not forget he totally dominated us in has last appearances in the this division, and we were all delighted when he signed. Excellent passer, puts in a shift & pops up with a few goals.

A new signing/Crawford & a youth player can provide the back up.

AMR - McCall needs to get to work here, could be our most important signing of the season. A position we've struggled with in recent years, often shoehorning central midfielders in and relying on Devlin to provide the width. Cannot happen this season.

Seen Willie Gibson's name floating around, not sure how happy I'd be with that. Undoubted talent in there, but no room for ego's & attitudes this year.

CAM - Going by what McCall has said, if can only be Forrest. Wouldn't like to think he'd play out right next year. Another big season for the young lad.

That really leaves an issue with Harkins, we simply can't justify his wages sitting on the bench. Didn't produce last year, and can see him moving on. The problem is who takes him on a reported £1k per week? Don't see him going back to the premier league, and there isn't many Championship teams left that will pay that. Big mistake signing him on a 2 year deal.

Long shot but we talk him into retiring & offer him a coaching position?

Think we need a young, hungry, fit & hardworking team to win the league, Harkins simply doesn't fit that bill.

If Harkins moves on, actually think this is Gilly's strongest position & wouldn't be against keeping him as a back-up to Forrest. There's a footballer in there, but lacks with pace for playing out wide & the physicality for CM.

AML - Huge season for McGuffie, make or break but I have every confidence. First time he'll have real expectation on his shoulders, usually a difficult thing for wingers to cope with. It'll be interesting to see how he copes.

Striker - Delighted with Moffat, should be one of the best strikers in this league. Although is the wrong side of 30 now, does he still have his blistering pace Pars fans?

We should have one eye on the championship next year & given his age I'm surprised he was signed on a 2 year deal. Undoubtedly one of the factors in him signing, just hope it doesn't back-fire.

Depending on the formation, 1 or 2 more strikers required. Moore would fit the bill perfectly, although if he play 1 up top he won't be happy sitting on the bench. Ideal scenario for us having 2 hungry, proven & quick strikers fighting for 1 starting berth.

Back up signing and/or youth striker also required.

There we have it folks. As shite as last season ended up, we have to move on. I for one am actually quite excited at the thought of next season. It's all been good news from the camp so far; full time football, quick good quality signings & good communication.

We've craved full time football for years. Now we have it, it's our turn to step up to the plate & get behind the team.

MON AYR!

[1nickydevlin]

We have too play 2 up top this year ....lets destroy teams .cmon ayr give us a trophy ...I was only 7 when I last saw them win it at berwick ...

[North Terrace Gazza]

Here's my opinion on things so far FWIW, grab a cuppa & a biscuit.

Keepers - Delighted with our options in Fleming & Hart. Both solid goalkeepers at this level, although I'll be surprised if Hart hangs around to play second fiddle to Fleming again.

Right back - Obviously a new one required, although the longer time ticks on the less confident I am of Geggan signing. I don't know if he's better off playing CM anyway (Dunfermline fans?) but that opens a whole new can of worms. Half expect McCall to pull a random one out the bag here, although whoever signs will have a tough job filling Devlin's boots.

Left Back - Paddy Boyle is more suited to League 1, thought he was our weak link last year. However, he's more than dependable at this level. Did he get into the leagues team of the season last time around?

Has a knack of picking up niggling injuries, so need competent back up. I still have nightmares over seeing Micheal Donald #3 on the team sheet!

Ideally, a centre half that can play left back would be perfect. Over to you Mr Meggatt.

Centre Backs - Higgins seems to be highly thought of, although time will tell. Actually quite happy with the re-signing of Rose, and I don't understand the hostility towards him on here. I was one of his biggest critics at the start of last season, watched him in the pre-season friendly down at Maybole Juniors and he didn't look out of place at that level.

However, thought he put in some excellent performances towards the end of last season when given the chance. Dominated the midfield in the away victory at Dunfermline (MOM that day?) & looked assured playing CB against Dundee Utd. Full time training & a run of games beside the experienced Higgins will do him the world of good.

Wouldn't be against our first choice CB pairing being Higgins & Rose, although again need dependable back up Daz M.

Central Midfield - This really depends on the formation we go with. McCall has stated he's going to build the team around McGuffie & Forrest, and the only way I can see that working is in a 4-2-3-1 with McGuffie on the left & Forrest in the hole. 4-4-1-1 was far too one dimensional last year, and often left Forrest & the striker isolated.

Based on that I'm hoping for Doc/Geggan & someone else. Reckon they'd be too similar to play together. 1st choice would be Doc as he has age on his side, although if he goes would be delighted with Geggan.

The second central midfielder is a tricky one, I'm going to stick my neck out and say Cairney. He's the best passer of a ball we had last year & was totally wasted out wide.

Yes he carries a bit of weight (Sure one of the directors at the 'meet the board event' said he had an existing medical condition that lead to him piling on the beef.)

Let's not forget he totally dominated us in has last appearances in the this division, and we were all delighted when he signed. Excellent passer, puts in a shift & pops up with a few goals.

A new signing/Crawford & a youth player can provide the back up.

AMR - McCall needs to get to work here, could be our most important signing of the season. A position we've struggled with in recent years, often shoehorning central midfielders in and relying on Devlin to provide the width. Cannot happen this season.

Seen Willie Gibson's name floating around, not sure how happy I'd be with that. Undoubted talent in there, but no room for ego's & attitudes this year.

CAM - Going by what McCall has said, if can only be Forrest. Wouldn't like to think he'd play out right next year. Another big season for the young lad.

That really leaves an issue with Harkins, we simply can't justify his wages sitting on the bench. Didn't produce last year, and can see him moving on. The problem is who takes him on a reported £1k per week? Don't see him going back to the premier league, and there isn't many Championship teams left that will pay that. Big mistake signing him on a 2 year deal.

Long shot but we talk him into retiring & offer him a coaching position?

Think we need a young, hungry, fit & hardworking team to win the league, Harkins simply doesn't fit that bill.

If Harkins moves on, actually think this is Gilly's strongest position & wouldn't be against keeping him as a back-up to Forrest. There's a footballer in there, but lacks with pace for playing out wide & the physicality for CM.

AML - Huge season for McGuffie, make or break but I have every confidence. First time he'll have real expectation on his shoulders, usually a difficult thing for wingers to cope with. It'll be interesting to see how he copes.

Striker - Delighted with Moffat, should be one of the best strikers in this league. Although is the wrong side of 30 now, does he still have his blistering pace Pars fans?

We should have one eye on the championship next year & given his age I'm surprised he was signed on a 2 year deal. Undoubtedly one of the factors in him signing, just hope it doesn't back-fire.

Depending on the formation, 1 or 2 more strikers required. Moore would fit the bill perfectly, although if he play 1 up top he won't be happy sitting on the bench. Ideal scenario for us having 2 hungry, proven & quick strikers fighting for 1 starting berth.

Back up signing and/or youth striker also required.

There we have it folks. As shite as last season ended up, we have to move on. I for one am actually quite excited at the thought of next season. It's all been good news from the camp so far; full time football, quick good quality signings & good communication.

We've craved full time football for years. Now we have it, it's our turn to step up to the plate & get behind the team.

MON AYR!

Agree with most of that except the section on Harkins, he will stroll this league and give you double figures in goals.

[No_Problemo]

Agree with most of that except the section on Harkins, he will stroll this league and give you double figures in goals.

Not if his attitude carries on from last season. He should be the best player on the league next season but he probably won't be.