Football Season Guide

Ayr struggled last season, but they survived and start the new season with renewed ambition. They started with David Hopkin in charge, but he abruptly left and was replaced by Jim Duffy. Results failed to improve, and Lee Bullen took charge and eventually saw Ayr to safety with little to spare. An opening derby defeat from Kilmarnock set the tone for the season as Ayr were never to climb higher than 6th place. Apart from an amazing 4-0 win at Raith Rovers, goals were difficult to find. Ayr produced only 1 win in their final 8 fixtures, but it proved enough to claim 8th place and survival. Ayr’s defence will need recast with Baird, Fjortoft and Muirhead all departing. Rangers loanee James Maxwell will also leave a big gap to fill. Influential on-loan midfielder McInroy has moved on to Kilmarnock with top scorer Adeloye (11 goals) also declining the chance to stay. Joining Ayr is striker Akinyemi from Welling United with a good recent scoring record of 28 goals in 62 appearances. French midfielder Bangala joins from Slovakian top-flight team Pohronie along with winger Jayden Mitchell-Lawson who had 24 appearances for Swindon Town last season. Frankie Musonda will bolster their defence after a solid season at Raith Rovers. Arsenal prospect Alex King arrives on loan and is hopeful of regular starts. Ayr have lost a lot of experience and a lot of responsibility is being placed on Akinyemi to produce a flying start and goals. It’s expected Ayr will add further loan signings to bolster their squad. Overall the squad has not been strengthened for the challenge ahead.