Football Season Guide

Ayr’s gamble to turn full-time in League One paid off handsomely as they held off Raith Rovers for the title. They also scored over 100 goals in all competitions. The question is: can they carry this momentum into the Championship? Manager, Ian McColl, has produced winning spells in his long career, but sustained success has always eluded him. Success for Ayr this season would mean the promotion play-offs. The minimum should be to avoid a messy relegation struggle. Ayr have retained the bulk of their squad that served them well last season, apart from one or two. Lawrence Shankland was a huge contributor to Ayr’s success last season with 27 goals. If Ayr are to make an impact in the Championship, then he has to keep scoring. However, previous barren loan spells at Morton and St Mirren suggest he could struggle against full-time teams. Ayr will miss the influence of defenders Paddy Boyle and Craig Reid along with goalkeeper, Jordan Hart. Ayr’s recruitment of fresh talent has so far been limited. Aberdeen’s Danny Harvie from has been signed for the forthcoming campaign. Harvie had a full season on loan with Dumbarton in the Championship and at 20 years is still a big prospect at left-back. Midfielder, Andy Murdoch, also signed from Morton. Given Ian McColl’s experience and contacts in football, Ayr can expect some notable loan signings before the real action begins. Goalkeeper, Ross Doohan, has signed on loan from Celtic. Ayr will feel they are back in their rightful place in the Championship. However, it’s unclear if they can afford to remain full-time on their limited gates and the current financial restraints in the Championship. Their full-time squad may have scored goals for fun in the mainly part-time League One last season, but this season it will be different. Ayr will have to step up or else they could find themselves at the wrong end of the Championship table again.