STRUGGLING Troon FC have missed out on a bid to bring former Ayr United and Hearts ace Ryan Stevenson to Portland Park.
The Seasiders had hoped to land the former Somerset Park midfielder but the player has indicated he has no desire to play after announcing his retirement from senior football.
Troon boss Gordon Burns said: "We did speak to Ryan and it would have been one of the biggest signings in Junior football had he signed. But he told us he is not interested in playing at the moment and wants to pursue opportunities as a football pundit and some commercial ventures. It's unfortunate but he won't be joining us."
Troon on Saturday defeated Craigmark Burntonians 4-1 in a home friendly as they had no competitive game.
Burns missed the game through work commitments but said: "It was a good exercise and some different things we have been trying with the team worked out quite well. We hope to arrange a friendly before our Ayrshire Weekly Press Cup tie against Ardeer on April 1 but it can't be Saturday as the players are at Scott Chatham's stag do."
The boss remains hopeful his side can survive in the Premier Division and said: "Our remaining games are at home to Beith and away to Kirktilloch Rob Roy and Auchinleck Talbot and I believe we can stay up as if we play at our best we can beat anyone."
Midfielder/defender Chris McKnight last week left the club to join near neighbours Irvine Meadow."
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