Football Season Guide

Airdrie are into their 10th successive year as a League One side, though they feel that they are capable of playing at a higher level. Certainly, they showed a good deal of potential last season as they finished second in the league but did not produce their best moments in the playoffs. As a part-time side, they seemed to burn out against full-time Queen’s Park when it mattered. Over the summer, Airdrie have lost manager Ian Murray to Championship side Raith Rovers and have replaced him with Rhys McCabe, who will be player-manager at the age of just 29. In what promises to be a competitive league, with a squad that looks weaker than in recent seasons, it is a baptism of fire of the rookie. Airdrie’s biggest problem over the summer has been losing a good deal of depth in their squad. Relatively few regular players have departed, although they have lost key man Dylan Easton, who has followed Murray to Raith. Similarly, goalkeeper Max Currie has stepped up a level while centre-back Josh Kerr has gone to Ireland to play. Midfielder Scott Agnew retiring is also something of a blow. Like many teams, they are waiting on players to deciding their futures before recruiting fully. They appear to have done well in goal to sign David Hutton and Josh Rae, while Kilmarnock pair Justin Devenny and Euan Deveney have both arrived after spells in League One on loan last season. Furthermore, Dean McMaster returns after a loan spell at the club last term. The other recruit is right-back Cammy Ballanyne, who arrives after several good seasons with Montrose. This is a squad that is well used to the rigours of League One football, but at present looks a little thin. Key players will include forwards Calum Gallagher and Calum Smith, who struck up a fine partnership last season, creative midfielder Adam Frizzell and defender Callum Watson. Promising results in the League Cup, including a 2-0 win over St Mirren, hint that Airdrie will be very competitive.