Ayr United chairman on daring World Cup flight, Brown, Naysmith, and late dad

Ayr United chairman David Smith recounted a World Cup trip to the United States that combined football planning with a multi-stop flight route. The 54-year-old, who retired from Ashleigh Construction in April, said the trip was made with Fraser MacIntyre, the club’s vice-chairman, after they teamed up with a small aircraft from Prestwick. They planned to reach Providence in time for Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, stopping in Reykjavik, Kulusuk in Greenland, Iqaluit and Goose Bay before arriving in Providence. Smith said the journey took about 22 hours and involved moments of stress, including a bumpy approach into Montreal and periods of weak communications over glaciers. While the trip’s transport was unconventional, he contrasted it with the ongoing pressure of running Ayr United. After returning, Smith described choosing a business class ticket for comfort, and he said the World Cup fit into his post-retirement schedule. He also noted the flight plan changed due to weather issues in Greenland.