Football Season Guide

Airdrie might not have been sucked into the relegation battle in League One last season, but they were still one of the league’s greatest disappointments given the big things that were expected of them after turning full-time. Despite that setback, there has once again been a significant investment into the squad this season; it is even bigger than it was last term. Many rarely used players have been allowed to depart, with the only first-team regular who left centre-back David Brownlie. Meanwhile, there have been a raft of new arrivals all over the field, most notably in the defence, which was such a weak area for them last term. If anything, Airdrie looked overstocked in their rearguard. Jonny Page and Sean Crighton are both fine signings, while Scott Robertson, who can also play right-back, may well be their destructive midfielder. Meanwhile, Chris O’Neil returns to the club and goalkeeper David Hutton – an erratic performer – has also joined up. Further forward, Airdrie have plenty of central options but are notably lacking wide players. As such, they may be forced to shoehorn some players into these areas. At the forefront of the attack, Darryl Duffy and Leighton McIntosh are experienced and strong options, while the somewhat ungainly but powerful Joao Victoria could be an option in the wide areas. Airdrie’s side does look a little unbalanced going into the start of the season, and that could well hurt them in the opening weeks. With shrewd use of the loan market, or perhaps even another signing or two, they can solve that issue, but finding the right player will be the challenge. After a campaign of disappointment, much better is expected of Stevie Findlay’s side this time around and with the changes they have made, the play-offs should be the absolute minimum.