AYR UNITED fans were saddened to hear of the death of former striker Danny Masterton at the age of 65 earlier this week, Calum Campbell writes.

Danny is probably best known for his professional football career with Ayr United and subsequently with Clyde F.C., along with his playing and managerial time with his home club Muirkirk Juniors.

He signed for Ayr from Muirkirk Juniors in 1976 and was a first choice in the United line-up during their three seasons in the Premier League forming a formidable strike partnership with Walker McCall. 

Danny was an easily recognisable figure with his upright pose and long dishevelled hair dancing around him as he ran directly into the action.

His on-field persona was combative and brave, being described by one fan as ‘willing to put his leg, head or any body part into dangerous situations just to win the ball’.

He will long be remembered by the Somerset Park faithful for his two goals which featured in a 3-1 victory against Kilmarnock in the New Year’s Day derby in 1977.  In total he made 81 appearances with the Honest Men, scoring a total of 21 goals.

Danny left Ayr for Clyde F.C. in 1980 where he had his most prolific period as a goal scorer, amassing 67 goals and becoming top scorer in his first three of four seasons at Shawfield.

Many have often noted the difference between players’ on-field and off-field characters with Clyde FC remembering him as ‘an absolute gentleman, modest and quiet’.