Ayr United Football Academy Players Sign Their First Pro Football Contracts

Ayr United Football Academy again showed its true worth to the senior Ayr United team Friday 27th May when two of its players stepped up to the plate to be signed on professional football contracts.

The 18-year-olds Dale Moore and Iain Fisher became the first signings of the summer for Ayr United after the pair put pen to paper in the Somerset Park boardroom on Friday afternoon.

Under the watchful eyes of both players’ fathers, Ayr United Head of Youth Davie White welcomed Iain and Dale to the full senior setup.

“Both players have served their apprenticeship,” said Davie, before adding, “the boys have had a long hard season, playing with the Academy 19′s, Ayr United Reserves and also at their respective loan clubs. This was a test for them this season and both have handled the pressure of it well and have now been rewarded accordingly.”

On speaking to the players themselves, they were enthralled and humbled by signing for the club that they support. Both Dale and Iain seemed glad that it they had actually signed as they were aware that several players had been released from the squad last week and had started to worry that their signing chances might have disappeared.

As the players have started their professional playing careers during the summer break, they now have a few weeks to allow the news to settle in before getting back to preseason training.

Dale said that he may “put his feet up for a few days before heading down the gym and starting his running and keeping up his fitness to prepare himself for the preseason”

Iain plans to celebrate with his father, stating: “Hopefully Dad will take us out for a meal tonight and we will have a couple of drinks. But I won’t go over the top … unless Dad is paying, that is!”

Both players were down to earth about the signing and have sensible attitudes, which is what will be required to allow them to progress. They were both quick to point out that it would be more difficult to get some playing time this season due to the promotion gained by Ayr United last week, but the challenge is one that they welcomed as it would make them better players.

We shall be watching closely as they progress through the season.

To view the full photo slideshow and video interviews click the link below.

Dale & Iain photo slideshow

Marc Roseblade is a Contributor for Bleacher Report as well as the Not Just Scottish Football reporter and youth development reporter for Ayr United Football Academy. All quotes are obtained first-hand unless otherwise stated.