News, Rumours and Gossip

Well, would you believe it 23/11/97
After last week's dreadful defeat at Dens, Ayr once again tore up the form book by thrashing Airdrie 6-0 at Somerset Park yesterday. New signings Jim Dick (amongst the scorers on his home debut) and Gary Bowman and Australian defender Richard Watson will have good cause to remember their first league games at Somerset Park. Match report available.

Daz despondent as dismal Ayr dumped at Dens 23/11/97
Jim Dick and Gary Bowman became the 29th and 30th players to represent Ayr this season, but couldn't prevent Dundee running away with the game. The Dens Park outfit were not remotely flattered by the 4-0 final score. Read the match report if you dare ...

Daz clears the decks 12/11/97
In a move guaranteed to further alienate the already restless Ayr support, Gordon Dalziel has disposed of three of the most popular members of last season's championship squad: centre-half Willie Jaimeson has joined Coleraine on a free transfer; he will be joined in the League of Ireland side by transfer-listed striker Steve Kerrigan (on a three month loan). Also leaving is Isaac English, who has been given a free transfer; his former club Partick Thistle are known to be interested.

Bad News: Bairn bag booty 12/11/97
Ayr's 2-1 defeat in the rescheduled match against Falkirk at Somerset Park last night was over-shadowed by the apparently serious injury sustained by goalkeeper David Castilla. The Frenchman was stretchered off in the 75th minute after falling awkwardly. A match report is available.

Tykes take in target man 10/11/97
Struggling English Division One side Huddersfield Town are known to be interested in Laurent Djaffo; an initial 150k bid was rejected by Ayr after the Yorkshire side indicated that they wished to pay in installments. If they return with cash up front, they will most likely receive a more positive response.

French fall-out 10/11/97
There are unconfirmed rumours circulating to the effect that Luc Sonor has had a major difference of opinion with Dalziel, and won't be back at Somerset Park.

Not enough ... 9/11/97
Djaffo's third goal in four games, a debut for Swedish midfielder Marco Ciardi and the return of Henry Smith were not enough to prevent Hamilton Accies running out 2-1 winners at Somerset Park yesterday. Match report available.

In through the out door ... 9/11/97
In the eleven league games played to date, Ayr have used 28 different players. No fewer than 16 of these made their debut this season. John Roberson is the only member of the squad to have started every league game.

Ciardi hardly tardy 5/11/97
"Marco Ciardi has returned to the club and was scheduled to play in the reserve match at Brockville last night. Gordon Dalziel is hopeful of tying him up on a short term deal initially which would keep him here through December but it's unclear whether he can be signed on a permanent basis. The asking price for his services has dropped considerably to a figure of around 60K, which could be achievable if he is the star that GD thinks he will be. Dalziel has said of him that he is "head and shoulders above any player we have brought here" and expects him to be a "big hit with the fans" - praise indeed. He is expected to play against Hamilton on Saturday so at last the fans will get a chance to see him."
Kev McClelland

In his final season at AIK, Ciardi started 21 of his team's 26 league matches, coming on as a subsitute in four others. He also played in AIK's European Cup-Winners' Cup ties against HR of Iceland and Olympique Nimes of France; he missed both matches against Barcelona.

Maybe Davies? 3/11/97
"Motherwell have signed Eric (Hercules) Garcin, who was a target for Ayr in the close season. This could pave the way for Billy Davies to leave, as they are similar players. However, Davies did start on Saturday, scoring one goal and setting up another."
Kev McClelland

Youth team march on 3/11/97
"Ally Dawson's U18 Youth team destroyed Hibernian 4-1 at Somerset on Friday night. After weathering an early storm, Ayr took the lead when Armstrong diverted the ball beyond the reach of Benmoussa in the Hibs goal. A lack of concentration 5 minutes later saw parity restored when a free-kick was floated onto the head of Martin and he beat Vennard in the Ayr goal. Things stayed the same until half-time although in fairness, Ayr should have capitalised on their pressure.

"Second half was a different story and the shots were raining in. Bradford scored the goal of the game when he took a pass and beat 2 men before firing a left foot shot from 25 yards into the keeper's top left corner. Armstrong stretched the lead with another left foot shot from the edge of the box and Mark Crilly completed the rout when he waltzed through the Hibs defence and planted the ball in the net.

"Ayr now face Dundee United at home in the next round at a date to be arranged."
Kev McClelland

Always the Bridie 3/11/97
Forfar Reserves 2 Ayr Utd Reserves 0
"Despite what appeared a strong team comprising of promising youngsters and experienced first team players, Ayr were ultimatley outfought and defeated by a plucky Forfar led by the larger than life workhorse Bobby Mann.

"It was just like the good old days as Ayr weaved pretty patterns in the middle of the pitch threatening little and delivering less. In contrast Forfar's crude 'up and at em' approach always looked the more likely source of a goal. Indeed, right on cue, Forfar scored on half time which even the most ardent Ayr fan would admit was a well worked goal.

"The second half contined in much the same vein, until Forfar secured the match when a deep cross which rebounded of the far post and allowed the Forfar centre forward the easiest of headed chances. After this, the hefty Ayr contingent (though not in comparison to Bobby Mann, whose shorts must be sponsered by Dulux such is their tightness. Willie Jamieson eat your heart out!) resigned to defeat and set about enjoying the lonlieness of Station Park's vastness.

"A chorus of Ayr,Ayr Super Ayr to greet the eerie silence which descended when a Forfar player hit the deck lit up the remainder of a dour second half. The highlight of the travelling support was when Stevie Stevie Stevie (forever in our hearts) Kerrigan was described as an octopus by a local farmer. After much scratching of heads, the best we could come up with was describing the Forfar number 7 as a squid. I guess you had to be there.

"The whistle went, all 60 (approx) fans departed and 4 trusty souls returned to a pub in Aberdeen. A defeat by a bunch of farmers, disappointment and beers while asking "Why ?". It's difficult to live with the fact that we're getting (whisper it) good."
WJS, courtesy Colin Inglis

Team:
Mckeown 5/10
Bonnar 6/10
Newall 6/10
Hood 7/10
"Rolf" Watson 5/10
Bell 4/10
Mainge 6/10
Rae 4/10
Kerrigan 6/10
McDonald 5/10
Nolan 5/10
Sub:
Bradford 7/10

Elementary Watson 3/11/97
"Richard comes from Perth, Western Australia, where he grew up and played his early football. He signed with the Canberra Cosmos for the 1995-96 season. He plays as a stopper. Richard was a solid player in the air, but had a habit of being caught out by opposing attackers (mind you we were playing a flat back four in those days). Nice guy off the field - I've talked to him a few times."
William G. Morrison

Watson's record with Cosmos was:

• Season 95/96:23+1 apps, 0 goals
• Season 96/97:11+1 apps, 0 goals