AYR United interim boss John Rankin says that fans still have "a lot to be proud of" despite a challenging Scottish Championship season.
The campaign drew to a close on Friday night with a first half Kai Fotheringham goal giving champions St Johnstone a 1-0 win at Somerset Park.
The result consigned Ayr to a seventh place finish - safe from relegation but a long distance from the play-off positions.
It was a sixth match in charge for Rankin who says he has enjoyed his time in South Ayrshire since coming in to replace Scott Brown.
The Honest Men are yet to confirm what the future holds for the interim boss.
He said: “I really enjoyed it, the players were great. It’s a good club which is very forward thinking with great infrastructure and good facilities.
“I loved being on the training pitch, every member of staff was very receptive of me and very supportive of me. They gave me everything when I was in.
“The squad wasn’t fully fit which was frustrating at times but that’s what happens at this stage in the season.
“I’m delighted with the reception I got from the players, I’m delighted with how they worked for me and how they were prepared to do anything I asked them to do without question.”
While Rankin says the squad still deserve credit for putting their bodies on the line for the club.
He added: “You can talk about injuries all day long, which is obviously why the club has had the season it’s had.
“But, I would rather focus on the fact that players were able to play through knocks and make themselves available, sometimes at less than 50 per cent fit.
“I take my hat off to that, that’s incredible for any human – knowing they are going to be judged – to do that for myself and the club. It speaks volume of the type of people that they are.
“It’s testament to everyone at the football club, that they have got their professionalism and honest right to the end.
“I was really impressed by the drive and desire from the players to make themselves available for the club. The supporters are very luck that the players are willing to do that.”
While the interim boss feels there is still plenty for fans to be optimistic about moving forward.
Rankin continued: “There is a lot to be proud of for the supporters, they have got a good football club and a very ambitious chairman.
“He’s looking to put the right things in place, he’s forward thinking, he’s will to do what he can to make the club successful.
“They’ve got players that are willing to put their body on the line, a lot of times professionals look after themselves. Not once did any player that was on the training pitch when I was there give less than 100 per cent.
“Sometimes you need to take stock and look roundabout and see where the club has come in the last four or five years.
“Sometimes it’s about re-evaluating, reflecting on what you have actually done and re-setting your goals, just now I think it’s a great opportunity for the club to do that.”
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