After the war, the club retained the white jersey, and switched back to the black shorts that had originally complemented the hooped shirts, kits similar to these were worn up to 1958, when Ayr had changed the black and white look for a white with a blue trim, used until 1963, when they once again reverted to the black and white hoops, that were kept until 1968 and not used again until the 2009–10 centenary season. Following relegation, United announced that Brian Reid's contract would not be renewed. Earlier, the chairman had warned that if the club don’t break ground in July, they would not make it for the start of next season. Disabled fans and their carer are admitted free of charge. [4][5] Floodlights were installed a year later. In 2018, Ayr United secured promotion to the Scottish Championship as champions of League One. Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. To celebrate the construction of the new roof, Ayr United invited English club, Sunderland, the final result was a 1-1 draw. Somerset Park as it would appear on a map between 1896 and 1924. Ayr were relegated on the last day of the season after losing 2–1 to Morton. New stadiums get built and re-named but the club badge always stays the same”.[11]. Current transfer record: +-0. Gordon Dalziel is the only manager to take Ayr to a National Cup Final on 17 March 2002 when they lost to Rangers 4–0. 'Invincible' man who 'thought coronavirus was bulls**t' left in 'zombie' state. The Ayrshire Cup was last played for in season 1996–97, since when the competition has been suspended. Why not write your own review of Somerset Park in Ayr and have it included in the Guide? [4] A new wing was added to the Main Stand in 1989, increasing the seating capacity to 1,450 in an overall capacity of 12,128. Turn right along the road and cross over to the other side of the road. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. The winger was forced off with an ankle problem against Riga on Thursday. After passing the racecourse on your left, turn right at the next set of traffic lights for the ground, or turn left to take you down to an unofficial car park. United were fourth place again at the time of curtailment and this stood as their final league standing. The club's most successful manager, Ally MacLeod, went on to manage the Scottish national football team. Coach Christophe Galtier admits that Jonathan Ikone could be sold before the window closes. Fort Publishing Ltd. Phil H Jones & David Potter. AYR United insist next year WILL be their last at Somerset Park. In 2018, it was confirmed that under current league requirements, Ayr United would be allowed to play matches at Somerset Park with minimal improvements to its facilities should they gain promotion to the Premiership, as the more stringent seating capacity regulations for the league (and the reason for so many speculated moves) had been removed some years earlier with the creation of the Scottish Professional Football League. The 64-year-old was found 'seriously unwell'. All Rights Reserved. But the league campaign was less successful, as United were relegated to the Second Division following a play-off defeat to Airdrie United.[5]. [2] To celebrate the construction of the new roof, Ayr United invited English club Sunderland to play a friendly match - the result was a 1–1 draw. In front of the stand are some small sections of terracing, the team dugouts and a small conservatory type structure, that looked to be used by the Police. And Somerset chiefs say their latest attempt to … [13], Somerset Park first had floodlights installed in 1970, when supporters raised £12,201:14s:11d towards the £18,000 that was required. For using this site, please activate JavaScript. Away fans walk to the left, behind the Main Stand. For the 2011–12 season, a half-black-half-white shirt was worn for the first time, however, Ayr FC had previously wore a similar jersey between 1899 and 1903. The club have spent 34 seasons in Scotland's top division, the last being 1977–78, and have been the champions of the second tier of Scottish football on six occasions, and of the third tier on three occasions. There is currently a hospitality suite standing on the north terrace that opened in 1996 and is currently named the "Ally MacLeod Hospitality Suite sponsored by the Ayrshire Post ", which replaced the traditional score board in its place. https://ayr-united.fandom.com/wiki/Somerset_Park?oldid=7262. [4] Four years later, the direction of the pitch was changed when the club built a new Main Stand. However, manager Ian McCall departed the club to return to Partick Thistle, ending his 4-and-a-half year tenure. 25.0, Foreigners: So visiting fans for these games have a choice as to whether to view the action from either an end or side of the pitch and unless there is a huge travelling support you will normally get a good view of the playing action. [5][10], The Main Stand roof was damaged by Hurricane Bawbag in December 2011, forcing Ayr United to postpone a First Division match against Ross County.