Dave Timmins returns to Ayr United as Scott Brown bolsters coaching team

Dave Timmins admits leaving Ayr is his biggest regret ... now he can’t wait to get cracking on his Somerset return.

The goalkeeping coach is heading back as part of Scott Brown’s setup after being lured south for a season at Carlisle. It’s a huge boost for the Honest Men, who reluctantly lost the influential Timmins less than 12 months ago.

He told the Ayrshire Post: “I’m thrilled to be back. As a club, Ayr has such a special pull for me and I’ve missed the place terribly. You realise in this game that the people mean everything. It was tough watching from afar. To get the chance to come back is amazing and I can’t wait to get started.”

Timmins, 53, returns north having instantly hit it off with new Ayr gaffer Scott Brown when the two held talks over a possible return.

He added: “I met with Scott (Brown) and was immediately struck by his drive. He sets standards and is very clear of what he expects from people, and that’s something I can get on board with. Both he and Steven (Whittaker) will quickly see what I’m all about and I can’t wait to get back working with the young keepers again.

"I love Scotland as a country and it just feels the right fit for me. I'm going to be living in Ayr this time and anyone who knows me from my last spell here knows exactly how involved in the club I was. I can't wait to take that on to the next level and I'm genuinely so excited to be coming back."

Boss Brown told the Post: "Our paths had never crossed before but it's clear the level of respect Timmo has around the club - the players and staff all speak so highly of him. He is someone who works hard and sets standards and that fits with exactly what me and Steven want here. I'm really looking forward to working with him and it's going to be of huge benefit to the club having his experience.

"I was very impressed when we met for a chat and at a club like Ayr it's about having people who will go that extra mile and work together to push us forward and this is exactly what we're getting with a guy like Timmo coming back."