David Hopkin has told his Ayr squad they will play for their futures this Saturday.
The boss admits it’s a must-win clash against Queen of the South as the relegation play-offs trap door looms.
A disastrous 4-0 defeat at Arbroath has left Ayr staring down the barrel.
And Hopkin has now openly challenged his players to show some fight for their Somerset contracts.
He told the Ayrshire Post: “Saturday was unacceptable on every level and I now need to see something from players who actually want to be at Ayr United next season.
“I can coach players, ask them to carry out certain plans, but once they cross that white line the effort is down to them.
“There needs to be a fight and a realisation about the situation we are in.”
Hopkin pulled no punches in the wake of the horror show in Angus which saw Ayr three down inside 27 minutes.
He added: “I was devastated all weekend.
"My assistant was in bed for half eight on Saturday and says it’s the worst he’s felt in 35 years in the game.
“We’re in here trying to turn a situation around but we need the players to go that extra yard now.
“This is the toughest league in Europe and is so unforgiving.
“On Saturday we came up against an experienced team and showed total naivety.
“That’s down to a lack of leadership which I need to address – and I will.”
But Hopkin also said the Ayr fans can play a part this week in helping to push his side over the line.
He added: “We know they’re hurting, and it’s even more difficult for them not being at the games.
“As a club we’re all hurting, but we now need to get that positive reaction from the players and make sure they fight for the cause this Saturday.”
Mark McKenzie is having his nose reset after it was badly broken on Saturday.
Hopkin added: “He’s come in and said he wants to have a go at training later in the week.
"Fair play to the lad, that’s just the kind of attitude we need.”
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