AYR United have rejected a five-figure bid for defender Conrad Balatoni, manager Ian McCall has confirmed.

And striker Andy O'Connell, who was unable to command a regular starting place, has left the club.
The boss, who is marking his second anniversary in the hotseat today said: “Within the last week we received a substantial five figure bid from for Conrad Balatoni.

"Playing football abroad is something that interests Conrad in the future however after talking to Conrad and the chairman we have decided to turn down the offer.

"This could easily have been accepted as it would have been a welcome cash boost as well as lessening the wage bill however Lachlan felt that Conrad’s form has been so good this season that it was more important that we had him for the final half of the season. Conrad is very happy to stay and is looking forward to the rest of the season.

"It’s important for the supporters to know that I am trying incredibly hard to get a striker in however I won’t get someone for the sake of it or the wrong type of boy.

"I am looking for a proven goalscorer at this level and it’s important to get it right. I am also aware of how much money Lachlan has put in and that we can’t just go out and pay crazy wages for someone. This is where the AU500 fund could really help us with the extra money coming in on a monthly basis (www.au500fund.com)

"I would expect comings and goings over the next few weeks but there won’t be big changes. I have a huge confidence in this team and we don’t need big changes. Tonight Andy O’Connell has left the club after the end of his contract. We wish Andy all the very best for the future and thank him for his efforts.

"I have been talking to Derek McInnes about keeping Scott McKenna for the rest of the season and those talks are ongoing but have been very positive so far.

Meanwhile Craig Moore has started taking part in full training at Motherwell and is coming on well.

The manager added: "He will return to training with us on Monday January 16 and will be in the squad for the Queens Park game. Moore is a terrific player and we think so highly of him but we can’t expect him to be the player we know he can be the second he steps back on the pitch.

"Today marks the two year anniversary of taking over as manager and I feel proud of what we have achieved so far.

"Who would have thought after the dreadful first game at Brechin that we’d have beaten Hibs in the league at Easter Road only 18 months later.

"When I look at the squad now it’s been vastly improved in that time and we not only have some real quality but a great bunch of boys with the right attitude and potential to keep improving.

"In recent times we have lost by a goal at home to Dundee United and drawn away to Raith and Dunfermline and come away gutted every time. It just shows how far we have come in a short space of time.

"Which just leaves me to thank the supporters for the backing over this period. I would still like another 3 to 400 at home matches but we have seen a really good increase since I took over and it’s imperative to keep that on an upward curve.

"The fans that have come to the games have been great and the better the atmosphere at Somerset the more difficult it becomes for opposing teams.

"Away from home the numbers we have been taking has been stunning. Every week we are taking big noisy supports and it’s important you know just how much that is appreciated by everybody at the club.

"We are on a journey just now and there will be plenty of ups and downs. Hopefully you can see what we are trying to do, stay with us, stay patient and we will get there.

The boss also expressed his condolences following the passing of upporter Ciar McPherson.

He added: "I would like to say how sad we all were to hear about the passing of one our young supporters this week. Hopefully we can give him a fitting send off on Saturday. My thoughts are with all of Ciar’s family and friends.”