News /Announcements

Graeme Mathie appointed as Managing Director

Ayr United are delighted to announce the appointment of Graeme Mathie as Managing Director.

Graeme recently left Hibernian after a successful seven-year spell, starting out as the Club's Head of Recruitment before progressing to become their first ever Sporting Director.

Last season The Hibees finished third in the Premiership, enjoyed a taste of European football and can lay claim to having a squad full of talented, young Scottish players.

We are excited by what he can bring to Somerset Park and his desire to take on the challenge, given the other opportunities presented to him north and south of the border.

Graeme's wide-ranging remit will see him manage the Club on a day-to-day basis, working closely with the staff we have in place.

He also has the Club's total support to bring some ambitious and innovative ideas to life that will enhance our prospects on and off the field.

Graeme is no stranger to The Honest Men, as a local lad and someone who enjoyed a brief spell at the Club - which also incorporated a youth coaching role - in a playing career that also included stints with Coventry City, AFC Bournemouth, Motherwell, East Fife and Albion Rovers.

After hanging up his boots, the 39-year old took on roles with Celtic and the Scottish FA before his move to Easter Road - and further enhanced an impressive network of contacts through educational opportunities with England's Football Association.

Keen to get stuck in, he said: "I'm here because this is a project that really excites me, and that was apparent from my first conversation with the Chairman, David Smith.

"As someone who lives in Ayr, no-one has to tell me about the potential of this Club but David has demonstrated a real hunger to combine some ambitious capital projects with progress on the football front and that isn't limited to the first-team.

"Sometimes people say the right things about having a commitment to youth development and about being a community Club. It's clear from what David had to say that he wants to match words with action and that is something I'm passionate about being part of.

"There's a skillset in place at the Club already that I can hopefully add to, given my previous experience.

"I look at the success similar-sized Clubs have enjoyed in recent years and, while it's never and overnight success story, there is no reason why we can't set our sights high here.

"There is a town and a Club here to be galvanised. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone, getting started and seeing how I can help."

David added: "Graeme's appointment represents a hugely significant moment for Ayr United.

"He is someone with a proven pedigree who is used to operating at the top of the Scottish game, while also possessing an in-depth knowledge of the different challenges and opportunities that present themselves from grassroots to the elite level.

"He is vastly experienced in footballing circles and his CV speaks for itself. We will benefit from his leadership and experience.

"My first year as Chairman has had it's challenges and I have learned a lot along the way.

"I'm very proud of the progress we're making off the park but fully acknowledge the football side hasn't always been as smooth sailing.

"In Graeme we have a real football guy who will come in and be a pillar of this Club for the long-term as we look to grow."

You can watch an extended chat with David and Graeme now on Black & White TV.