Football Season Guide

Ayr went from promotion play-off contenders to only just avoiding a relegation scare last season. Along the way rookie manager Mark Kerr was replaced by former Morton manager David Hopkin. Despite a series of departures, Ayr’s squad is not too badly depleted. Their biggest loss is promising attacking midfielder Luke McCowan, who has opted for life in the Premiership with Dundee. Experienced players Dario Zanatta (Raith Rovers) and Tom Walsh (Inverness CT) have joined Ayr’s Championship rivals. Manager David Hopkin has plundered the ranks of his former club Morton for players. Robust defensive duo Sean McGinty and Markus Fjortoft along with midfielder Cameron Salkeld have signed. Reliable goalkeeper Aidan McAdams also makes the switch from Morton. Promising centre-back Nick McAllister joins from St Mirren while striker Tomi Adeloye hopes to make an impact at Somerset Park. Ayr are still regretting not cashing-in on Lawrence Shankland’s value in 2019 and it is obvious there is little money to invest in their squad. Hopkin has yet to impress too with a mediocre record last season of W1 D5 L3 in his spell in charge as Ayr just survived. David Hopkin may have switched clubs, but the impoverished circumstances remain the same. Ayr may become more exciting to watch but, from his time at Morton, they could also be wide open to attack.