Football Season Guide

Airdrie felt that they underachieved last season and have set about trying to build a squad that will carry them to the playoffs this time around. They have offloaded several of the more expensive players in their team who were not performing, such as Nat Wedderburn and Adam Eckersley as well as several members of the first-team squad who were rarely afforded any pitch time. In response, they have had an eclectic summer in the transfer window, with players drafted in from several unusual sources. Thomas Robert has arrived from Montpellier’s B team, Griffin Sabatini has joined on loan from SK Dnipro, former Cork player Eoghan Stokes and Harlain Mbayo has arrived from Truro City. How players from such varied backgrounds fit into the team remains to be seen, though clubs pursuing such an usual route in the transfer market have historically come unstuck almost invariably. Countering these arrivals are some more familiar faces, including goalkeeper Max Currie, who will be installed as No.1 after a successful season with Stranraer. Meanwhile, the midfield will be boosted by the arrivals of young players Dean Ritchie and Euan O’Reilly from Hearts and St Johnstone respectively. Airdrie have retained some important players, notably in their defence, where Sean Crighton and Callum Fordyce were immense last season, and strikers Calum Gallagher and Dale Carrick. It is, however, the midfield that represents the great unknown for Airdrie, which is risky given the vital nature of that part of the squad. Friendly results have been positive, with two draws and two wins, including a success over Queen of the South.