Former Hibs duo see sacking calls addressed head-on at SPFL club as chairman defends pair amid 'clowns' jibes

A former Hibs duo have been defended by an SPFL chairman as some fans of their current club call for their sackings.

Scott Brown is at Ayr United currently in the Championship and the Somerset Park head coach is assisted by Steven Whittaker, both of whom broke into the Hibs team together, before featuring for either side of the Old Firm and Scotland’s national team. Ayr had ambitions of promotion this season but while not dead and buried, a defeat to Morton at the weekend has sparked fears of a possible relegation bout.

Some fans have had enough and have demanded Brown’s exit. Chairman and owner, David Smith, fronted up concerns at the Ayr United Supporters’ Association launch event where punters were allowed to put questions to the board. A firm backing was provided for the ex-Hibs pair.

Is Scott Brown under pressure at Ayr United

Smith told The Ayrshire Post: “Contrary to what’s written online, Scott Brown and Steven Whittaker are not clowns. They are two of the hardest working guys I’ve met in football. The form is not great but everyone is committed to making this better. There have been a couple of mistakes in recruitment and I’m happy to admit that.

“But we’re not in the place where we feel we need to make that change. We will always be sustainable because fortunately I am underwriting things. There has been lots of interest from potential investors but I’ve learned football is full of tire kickers.”

Former Hibs sporting director Graeme Mathie is now managing director at Ayr United and he also fronted up the sack calls over the ex-Easter Road duo. He said: “The easiest thing we could do is take heat off ourselves as a board and sack a manager. That doesn’t mean it’s the right decision.”

What Scott Brown said about Ayr United form

Brown said after the defeat to Morton - managed by Hibs hero Ian Murray - at the weekend: “People are angry and don't want us at the club right now. But let me assure you, nobody is angrier than me at what's going on - I'm raging. But it's only making me work harder to turn this around. I know that we can.

“I've been at enough clubs and seen it with enough managers to know how two or three results can very quickly change the picture. We've been too soft and that needs to change. If it means being really nasty between now and the end of the season then so be it. The goal on Saturday typified it. We have three chances to get contact and prevent their goal right at the start of the game.

“It's far too slack. In-house, we need to get this sorted and block out the noise from outside. Fans are entitled to say what they want but whether it's myself or the players - we need to focus on getting it right. The Board have been tremendous in their backing and are really supportive of the work we're doing. When we came here the club was sitting ninth and I think they see the progress that's been made. Obviously you hear the shouts coming but it's on us now to turn that.”