SKIPPER Ross Docherty and manager Ian McCall this week welcomed the news that talented midfielder Jamie Adams has signed on at Ayr United for another season.

The tough-tackling 29-year-old midfielder on Friday penned a new deal for the 2017-18 season.

This was revealed ahead of the return to training on Monday following the summer break.

McCall is delighted to see the former St Johnstone and Partick Thistle star staying on at Somerset Park. And he expects him to play a key role in the push for promotion straight back to the Ladbrokes Championship.

He said: "Jamie has been different class for me and you can always trust him when he plays. I hear people mention about his injuries and of course he has had some horrific luck with injuries in his career, however he has played 50 games for us in the last two seasons. There are certain types of games Jamie will be absolutely crucial for us.

"When you think back to the second leg of the play-off final it was Jamie and Peter Murphy that carried us through that match with their mentality and strength of will. Jamie is fantastic in the dressing room, respected by all his fellow team mates and is a hugely important member of the squad.”

Docherty rates Adams as an invaluable member of the squad and said: "Jamie has a vital role to play and we need a player like him in midfield. He wins the ball and certainly doesn't shirk from making challenges. It's great he is here for another season."

Docherty is also encouraged with the news that another member of the midfield unit, Robbie Crawford has also signed on for 2017-18.

He said: "Robbie has so much pace, has been around for a long time, like Alan Forrest, yet you forget he is still a young player. Last season Robbie won the Young Player of the Year award last season and had it not been for a few injury problems he could have been in the running for the main award as well. Robbie has come through the Academy and I'm sure we will have more players coming through that route."

Docherty is now looking forward to the start of the season and said: "I have looked after myself during the summer but I look forward to training and can't wait for the Betfred Cup tie against Kilmarnock."