BBC SPORT | Scotland | Ayr revel in cup glory

BBC Sport Online discovers that one week in March will be the most momentous in the history of Scottish side Ayr United.

Ayr United's victory over Dundee United in their Scottish Cup quarter-final replay ensured the Somerset Park club of a week to remember in March.

Having already secured a place in their first major cup final in their 98-year history with the CIS Insurance Cup semi-final win against Hibs, they will now visit Hampden twice in the space of a week.

First comes the CIS Cup final against Rangers on 17 March, swiftly followed by a return to Scotland's National Stadium to play Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final on 23 March.

The run of cup success comes at a perfect time for a club that is struggling to realise its Premier League dream.

With only one team promoted from the First Division, Ayr, currently 14 points off the pace, will miss out on promotion again this year after finishing second last season.

Ayr's Paul Sheerin celebrates
Ayr deservedly beat Dundee United
Even if they did manage to finish top, they would not be allowed to join the SPL because their ground does not have the required seating for 10,000.

Plans to build a new stadium are still up in the air after the Scottish Executive refused to grant permission and then withdrew its decision after Ayr appealed.

While they remain at Somerset Park, the SPL will remain out of reach.

But despite their current status Ayr have spent time in the top flight.

Ayr folklore

They were founder members of the Premier League, but were relegated in 1978 and have never managed to make their way back.

They also have a brace of famous former managers.

Ex-Scotland manager Ally McLeod, who oversaw the Scots' disastrous 1978 World Cup campaign, had two spells in charge at Somerset Park.

Ipswich manager George Burley also held the reins for a couple of years.

But even McLeod stands to be eclipsed in Ayr folklore by current manager Gordon Dalziel, who will lead the club through the biggest week in their history.

And, if they get planning permission for a new stadium and then humble the Old Firm, then truly their cup will runneth over.


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