Ayr Advertiser | Sport | Steve to Leave?

Friday, 29th August, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th April, 2008 10:15

Steve to Leave?

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LEAGUE One side Hartlepool United are set to swoop for Ayr United star Ryan Stevenson - who is also being linked with a return to his former club St Johnstone with possibly only FOUR players remaining at Somerset Park.

And this week gifted Stevo, nominated for the Division Two Player of the Year Award but under contract for another two years. admitted he would jump at the chance to ply his trade down south as the season came to an end with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Airdrie United.

Meanwhile Sportscene understand that out-of-contract defender Murray Henderson has been offered a new one-year deal with Martyn Campbell also putting pen to paper last week for another season although Gareth Wardlaw looks to be on the move to Brechin City and there is also interest in wideman Paul Weaver with injury-stricken Andy McLaren’s future unclear.

Eddie Forrest, Alex Williams are under contract with Martyn Campbell signing a new deal last week and if Henderson agrees a deal that could be all that remains of the under-achieving squad with boss Brian Reid set to meet the squad on Monday night.

Stevenson told Sportscene on Monday: “My agent has told me that Hartlepool have been in touch and that is something that interests me as I have never hidden my desire to play down south. I have heard rumours about me going back to St Johnstone on the internet, I know the manager Derek McInnes well and am sure it’s only a matter of time before they will be in the SPL but no offers have been made and I have still to talk to the Ayr United manager, it’s all just speculation at the moment. I am under contract at Ayr. By next week I should know if I am still at Ayr United or elsewhere.”

But he added: “To say it was a disappointing season would be an understatement.

“I would like to think I have done my bit but the team has massively under achieved and I know the manager wants to make changes. I thought at the start of the season that we would be in the playoffs at the very least and I would love to have been involved in them this week.”

Reid is keeping his cards close to his chest as to who will be moving on or coming in.

He said: “I am talking to the players on Monday night and can’t say anything about what is happening before that.

“But as far as Saturday goes that was simply not good enough and that’s why there are going to be big changes at this club. We gifted goals yet again and I am on the lookout for real characters and will look high and low to try and find them.

“I want to bring in better footballers with strong personalities. St Johnstone haven’t been in touch about Ryan and no offers have been made for him.

Meanwhile Campbell, who has played in the last 10 games after coming back from long-term injury, admits the season is ending too soon for him.

He said: “I wish I had more games but I am delighted to have signed a new deal and look forward to next season when hopefully we can make a genuine challenge for the playoffs.”