🔴⚪ Rebirth and Redemption: Airdrieonians Rise Again

[leckuno]

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September 2026 Update: Resilience, Goals, and Cup Exit​

September tested our resolve with tight draws, a thrilling home win, and a narrow League Cup exit. The squad showed character, especially in comeback moments, and attacking depth continues to shine. While the unbeaten league run remains intact, the cup journey came to an end in Aberdeen.

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Tuesday 1st September – vs Ayr United (Championship)​

Laidlaw gave Airdrie an early lead, but Ayr responded with two quick goals from McRoberts and Thomas. McStravick equalised after the break, and both sides had chances to win it late. A fair point on the road.

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Friday 4th September – vs Partick Thistle (Championship)​

Laidlaw continued his scoring streak with a composed finish, but Tony Watt levelled for Thistle midway through the second half. Airdrie defended well under pressure and held on for a valuable away draw.

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Saturday 12th September – vs Queen’s Park (Championship)​

Airdrie turned on the style at the Excelsior. McMaster and Duncan gave the hosts control before Queen’s Park threatened a comeback. Thwaites and Mochrie sealed the win with late goals in a thrilling finish.

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Friday 18th September – vs Aberdeen (League Cup Third Round)​

Lawrence stunned Pittodrie with an early opener, but Aberdeen responded through Raman and Nisbet. Despite a spirited second-half push, Airdrie couldn’t find an equaliser. A narrow defeat ends the League Cup run.

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September Summary​

October Fixture List

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[leckuno]

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October 2026 Update: Goals Galore and Grit on the Road​

October delivered a mix of attacking brilliance, defensive resilience, and a few hard-earned points away from home. With three wins, two draws, and one narrow defeat, Airdrieonians remain firmly in the playoff mix and continue to impress with squad depth and goal contributions across the pitch.

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Saturday 10th October – vs Greenock Morton (Championship)​

Thwaites opened the scoring inside two minutes, and McMaster and Laidlaw added quickfire goals after the break. Aidan Wilson capped off the win late on, while Morton’s goals — including an own goal from Ewan Wilson — kept things lively.
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Tuesday 13th October – vs Dunfermline Athletic (Championship)​

Myles converted from the spot to give Airdrie the lead, but Liam Barnes equalised for Dunfermline in the second half. A tight contest with few clear chances, but a point apiece felt fair.
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Saturday 17th October – vs St. Mirren (Championship)​

Mochrie’s late strike gave Airdrie hope, but goals from Skorb and McEntee in the final ten minutes sealed the win for St. Mirren. A frustrating result after a solid defensive display for most of the match.
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Tuesday 20th October – vs Ross County (Championship)​

A cagey affair at Victoria Park. Both sides had half-chances, but defences stood firm. McKenna made a crucial late save to preserve the clean sheet.
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Saturday 24th October – vs Arbroath (Championship)​

Laidlaw struck twice early to set the tone, and Myles added a third before halftime. Todorov pulled one back for Arbroath, but Airdrie controlled the second half and saw out the win comfortably.
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Friday 30th October – vs Hamilton (Championship)​

Airdrie’s attack was electric. McStravick opened the scoring, Thwaites added a second, and Laidlaw bagged a brace to seal the points. Hamilton responded through Gallacher and Stanway, but the Diamonds were always in control.
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October Summary​

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November Fixture List

 

[leckuno]

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November 2026 Update: Four Wins, Four Statements​

Airdrieonians delivered a flawless November, winning all four fixtures across league and cup competition. The squad showed maturity, attacking sharpness, and late-game resilience — with goals coming from all areas of the pitch. The Scottish Cup campaign is off to a winning start, and the Championship form continues to impress.

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Friday 6th November – vs Partick Thistle (Championship)​

Mochrie opened the scoring with a well-placed finish, and Laidlaw doubled the lead early in the second half. Tony Watt pulled one back for Thistle, but Airdrie held firm to take all three points.
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Saturday 14th November – vs Queen’s Park (Championship)​

Laidlaw was clinical once again, scoring twice in the second half to secure a comfortable away win. The defence, led by Kerr Smith and Jack Milne, kept a clean sheet with composure.
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Squad Update – Karlan Grant Signs​

With Ethan Laidlaw sidelined and Kevin Zefi also unavailable, Airdrie moved swiftly to sign Karlan Grant on a free transfer. The 29-year-old forward brings pace, power, and experience to the front line, capable of playing as a central striker or cutting in from the left. Known for his acceleration, finishing, and ability to shoot with power, Grant adds a new dimension to the attack and arrived just in time to feature in the Scottish Cup.
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Saturday 21st November – vs Ayr United (Championship)​

Zefi’s low drive gave Airdrie the lead after the break, and Myles converted from the spot to make it two. Ayr pulled one back through McRoberts in stoppage time, but the Diamonds saw it out.
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Saturday 28th November – vs Spartans (Scottish Cup First Round)​

Airdrie left it late. After falling behind to Cammy Russell’s opener, Karlan Grant equalised with a powerful strike on his debut, and McKinnon snatched the winner deep into injury time. A dramatic start to the cup run.
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November Summary​

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December Fixture List

 

[leckuno]

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December 2026 Update: Cup Progress and League Momentum​

December brought a strong finish to the calendar year, with four wins from five matches across the Championship and Challenge Cup. The squad showed attacking variety, resilience on the road, and a growing reliance on Elliot Myles and Karlan Grant, who continue to deliver in key moments.

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Tuesday 8th December – vs Livingston Reserves (Challenge Cup)​

Myles was clinical in both halves, converting early and then doubling the lead with a composed finish. Airdrie dominated possession and cruised into the next round of the Challenge Cup.
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Friday 11th December – vs Ross County (Championship)​

Airdrie turned on the style at the Excelsior. Myles opened the scoring from the spot, Lawrence added a second, and Grant bagged a brace to cap off a commanding performance.
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Tuesday 15th December – vs Dunfermline Athletic (Championship)​

Despite trailing 3–0 after 53 minutes, Airdrie fought back through two Myles goals. The comeback fell just short, but the fight shown was encouraging.
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Saturday 19th December – vs Greenock Morton (Championship)​

Morton struck twice through Owen Moffat, but Airdrie responded with three goals in 18 minutes. Milne’s header, Myles’ finish, and McStravick’s stoppage-time strike sealed a thrilling away win.

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Saturday 26th December – vs St. Mirren (Championship)​

Grant’s brace gave Airdrie a second-half lead, but St. Mirren hit back late through Idowu and Gore after Boerhout’s early opener. A tough loss to end the festive fixture list.
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December Summary​

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January Fixture List

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Youth Intake Preview – December 2026

Head of Youth Development: Darren Ryan | Rating: (Good Intake)

An encouraging youth intake as we look to have a decent young striker joining the club in March and hopefully he lives up to expectations.​

 

[leckuno]

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January 2027 Update: Statement Wins, Cup Heroics, and Squad Reshuffle​

Airdrieonians opened the new year in blistering form, winning all seven matches across league and cup competitions. The squad delivered one of the club’s most iconic results — a Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers — while also navigating key changes in personnel to keep momentum alive.

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Saturday 2nd January – vs Arbroath (Championship)​

Airdrie dominated from the outset. King headed in the opener, Lawrence curled in a second, and Grant added a brace either side of halftime. Arbroath’s consolation came from Pickford, but the result was never in doubt.

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Tuesday 5th January – vs Stirling Albion (Challenge Cup Quarter-Final)​

Airdrie cruised into the semi-finals with a commanding performance. McKinnon and Myles struck before the break, McMaster added a third, and a Martin own goal sealed the rout.

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Friday 8th January – vs Hamilton (Championship)​

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Mochrie’s quickfire double gave Airdrie control, and Laidlaw’s strike made it three. Hamilton responded through Cochrane and McKinstry, but the Diamonds held on for a thrilling win.

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Saturday 16th January – vs Rangers (Scottish Cup Second Round)​

In a historic upset, Airdrie stunned Rangers in extra time. Laidlaw struck twice with clinical finishes, sending the Excelsior into raptures and the Diamonds into the Third Round.

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Saturday 23rd January – vs Partick Thistle (Championship)​

Airdrie blitzed Thistle with three goals in 15 minutes. Lawrence, McKinnon, and Grant all found the net before Thistle clawed back through Scott and a late Watt penalty. Another big away win.

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Tuesday 26th January – vs Queen of the South (Challenge Cup Semi-Final)​

Lawrence opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, Laidlaw added a second, and Mochrie sealed the win. Airdrie march into the Challenge Cup Final with confidence.

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Saturday 30th January – vs Queen’s Park (Championship)​

Lawrence’s first-half strike was enough to secure a tight win. The defence stood firm, and Airdrie closed out the month with another clean sheet and three points.

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Transfer Activity​

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Outgoing​

Jim Thwaites, who had been a standout performer in midfield, was recalled by Manchester United and immediately loaned out to Aberdeen — a testament to his development and impact at the club.
To ease financial pressure, Craig Ross, Lewis McGrattan, Jamie Borjanas, and Liam Cooper were let go to help trim the wage bill.

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Incoming​

To fill the void left by Thwaites, Airdrie moved swiftly to secure Aidan Borland on loan from Rangers for the remainder of the season.

Borland, a 19-year-old central midfielder, brings pace, tenacity, and excellent ball-winning ability. With standout attributes in passing (15), tackling (14), and decision-making (15), he’s expected to slot into the heart of midfield and offer both defensive cover and transitional drive.

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January Summary​

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February Fixture List

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[KeyLockridge]

What a win that was over Rangers!!

 

[leckuno]

What a win that was over Rangers!!

We totally FM'd them had 2 shots on target the whole game

 

[leckuno]

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February 2027 Update: Mixed Fortunes and Cup Final Bound​

February was a month of contrasts for Airdrieonians — a tough start in the league, redemption in the cups, and a strong finish. The squad bounced back from early setbacks to book a place in the Challenge Cup Final and keep pace in the Championship playoff race.

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Tuesday 2nd February – vs Ayr United (Championship)​

Airdrie were second best at Somerset Park. Ryan Green opened the scoring after the break, and Lucas McRoberts added a late brace to seal a disappointing night for the Diamonds.

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Saturday 6th February – vs Partick Thistle (Scottish Cup Third Round)​

Airdrie responded in style. McStravick’s opener was cancelled out by Tony Watt, but McKinnon and Duncan struck late to send the Diamonds into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

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Friday 12th February – vs Dunfermline Athletic (Championship)​

Airdrie dominated possession but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Liam Barnes punished a defensive lapse in the 26th minute, and Dunfermline held firm to take all three points.

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Friday 19th February – vs Ross County (Championship)​

Airdrie exploded in the second half. Laidlaw broke the deadlock, McKinnon added a second moments later, and Myles wrapped up a convincing away win.

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Tuesday 23rd February – vs Aberdeen Reserves (Challenge Cup Semi-Final)​

Grant and Duncan struck early to put Airdrie in control. Chikomo pulled one back late for Aberdeen Reserves, but the Diamonds held on to reach the Challenge Cup Final.

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Saturday 27th February – vs Greenock Morton (Championship)​

Airdrie closed the month in style. McStravick opened the scoring, Grant added another, and Kerr Smith powered in a header to seal a dominant home win.

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February Summary​

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March Fixture List

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[leckuno]

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March 2027 Update: Cup Glory, League Momentum, and Future Stars​

March was a landmark month for Airdrieonians, featuring a Challenge Cup triumph, a Scottish Cup quarter-final run, strong league form — and the arrival of a promising youth intake that could shape the club’s future. With silverware secured and talent emerging, the club continues to build on and off the pitch.

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Wednesday 3rd March – vs St. Mirren (Championship)​

Airdrie soaked up pressure before striking late. McKinnon broke the deadlock with a driven finish, and Laidlaw sealed the win with a composed effort on the counter.

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Monday 8th March – vs Kilmarnock (Scottish Cup Quarter-Final)​

Airdrie’s cup run ended at Rugby Park. Marcus Dackers scored the only goal in the 79th minute, and despite a late push, the Diamonds couldn’t find an equaliser.

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Saturday 13th March – vs Arbroath (Championship)​

After Todorov gave Arbroath an early lead, Airdrie responded with four unanswered goals. Grant and Myles turned the game around quickly, Lawrence added flair, and Borland capped off a dominant display with his first goal for the club.

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Friday 19th March – vs Hamilton (Championship)​

McMaster’s brace gave Airdrie control, but Hamilton equalised through Andy Winter’s double. In stoppage time, Grant popped up with a dramatic winner to ****** all three points.

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Saturday 27th March – vs St. Mirren (Challenge Cup Final)​

Airdrie lifted the Challenge Cup in style. Myles converted from the spot, McKinnon added a second with a low drive, and Grant sealed the win with a clinical finish. A dominant performance and a well-deserved trophy.​

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Youth Intake 2027: Promising Class Emerges​

This year’s youth intake delivered a strong crop of Scottish talent, with three players flagged as future contributors:

Elite Prospects​

• Willie Burke – Striker : Already showing first-team quality with 4★ current and potential ability.​
• Kurtis Wardrop – Midfielder (CM/AM): Technically gifted with strong vision and versatility.​
• Chrissy Langton – Right Midfielder: Raw but fast and creative, with 4★ potential.​

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Prospect Spotlight: Willie Burke​

At just 16 years old, Willie Burke looks like a future star. A striker with blistering pace, excellent finishing, and strong mental attributes like bravery and determination, Burke is already rated 4 star for both current and potential ability. His off-the-ball movement, technique, and acceleration make him a nightmare for defenders. With a fairly determined personality and strong physical traits, he’s expected to push for first-team minutes within the next 12 months.

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March Summary​

April Fixture List

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[CrokayVessel]

Wow young Willie Burke looks cracker for this stage of the save! Future star for sure

 

[leckuno]

Wow young Willie Burke looks cracker for this stage of the save! Future star for sure

definitely, the worry is going to be how long we can hold onto him before somebody else comes in for him

 

[leckuno]

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April 2027 Update: Burke Breaks Through as Squad Depth Shines​

April saw Airdrieonians close out the regular Championship season in style, with three wins and a draw. The squad maintained momentum in the playoff race while showcasing its future — most notably with 16-year-old Willie Burke’s explosive debut and a final-day lineup featuring youth and backup players.

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Saturday 3rd April – vs Partick Thistle (Championship)​

Lawrence opened the scoring with a curling effort, and Myles added two more — one early in the second half and another in stoppage time — to seal a dominant home win.

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Saturday 10th April – vs Queen’s Park (Championship)​

Willie Burke made his senior debut and stole the show. After McStravick’s opener, Queen’s Park equalised through Montagu, but Burke responded with two composed finishes and Milne added a header to complete a stunning second-half turnaround.

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Saturday 24th April – vs Ayr United (Championship)​

Lawrence gave us the lead with a low strike, and Burke continued his breakout month with another brace. Ayr pulled one back through Marco Rus, but the Diamonds were never in danger.

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Friday 30th April – vs Dunfermline Athletic (Championship)​

With the top spot already secured, we gave opportunities to backup and youth players in the final game of the season. Lawrence and Burke struck early, but Dunfermline fought back through Rudden and Barnes. A valuable point and a glimpse of the club’s depth.
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April Summary​

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Budget Breakdown

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The board has hampered us a bit with this seasons budget but they are at least giving us something with the way the bank balance is looking. The main objective of next season is going to build a much healthier bank balance.
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Strategic Priorities​

Recruitment Focus: With players leaving and needing to boost the quality of players at the club then we need to look at midfield reinforcements, wide players, fullbacks and a goalkeeper.​

 

[leckuno]

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2027–28 Season Kick-off: Depth, Determination, and New Faces​

After a thrilling finish to last season — capped by a Challenge Cup triumph and the Championship title — Airdrieonians return with renewed ambition and a refreshed squad. The summer window saw key reinforcements across the pitch, blending experience, versatility, and youth potential. With expectations rising, the Diamonds look ready to challenge again.

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Summer Signings​

We've been limited with the business we've been able to do with our budgets this summer but we've signed some quality players that will improve the squad.​

Jensen Weir – Midfield General​

A composed and intelligent central midfielder, Weir arrives with solid Championship experience and a well-rounded skillset. With 13s in anticipation, teamwork, and work rate, he’s expected to anchor the midfield and link play between defence and attack.
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Kieran Morrison – Creative Spark​

The 20-year-old Northern Irish playmaker adds flair and vision in the final third. With 15s in first touch and decisions, and 14s in vision and composure, Morrison is built to unlock defences and rotate across attacking midfield roles.
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Luke Chambers – Left-Sided Leader​

A classy and composed defender, Chambers brings balance and technical quality to the back line. Comfortable at left-back or centre-half, he’s expected to be a cornerstone in both possession and defensive phases.
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Lewis Koumas – Star Power​

A marquee arrival, Koumas joins as a star player with 17 international caps for Wales. Agile, creative, and technically gifted, he’s expected to be a game-changer in wide attacking roles.
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Alex Paulsen – Safe Hands​

The New Zealand international goalkeeper arrives with strong reflexes, positioning, and command of his area. Paulsen adds confidence and leadership between the posts.
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Anthony Ralston – Veteran Bite​

With 21 Scotland caps and a reputation for bravery and determination, Ralston adds grit and experience to the right flank. His versatility and leadership will be vital in tight fixtures.
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Mitchel Frame – Dynamic Loan Addition​

On loan from Aberdeen, Frame offers pace, stamina, and versatility down the left. Capable of playing as a wing-back, midfielder, or attacking wide option, he’s a high-upside player with tactical flexibility.

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Departures​

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Daniel Armer – Transfer to St. Mirren (£225K)​

Armer departs without making a senior appearance, joining St. Mirren in a deal worth £225K. While his time at Airdrieonians was limited, the move represents good business and frees up space for emerging talent.

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Squad Outlook​

We enter the season with a well-balanced squad. The attacking unit is particularly strong, led by Lewis Koumas, Karlan Grant, and Willie Burke, whose 5★ potential and breakout performances last season mark him as a future star. Emilio Lawrence and Ethan Laidlaw offer consistent output and versatility, while Chris Mochrie and Cole McKinnon provide depth and tactical flexibility.

Midfield is stacked with options. Jensen Weir and Aidan Borland bring defensive steel and transitional control, while Kieran Morrison adds vision and technical flair. The back line is anchored by Luke Chambers, Anthony Ralston, Kerr Smith, and Leon King, with Jack Milne and Mitchel Frame offering cover and width. In goal, Alex Paulsen is a clear upgrade, bringing international experience and composure.


However, to truly compete in the Scottish Premiership, the squad still lacks two key ingredients: top-tier depth in central defence and a proven midfield enforcer. While the current centre-back options are solid, an injury or suspension could expose a lack of experience at the highest level. Similarly, the midfield has technical quality but could benefit from a physically dominant ball-winner — someone who can break up play and impose themselves against stronger Premiership sides.

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Board Expectations​

July 2027 Fixtures Overview

We began the season with a busy schedule of friendlies and League Cup group matches. The month opened with a narrow 3–2 friendly defeat to Falkirk, but the Diamonds responded superbly in the League Cup, winning all four of their group fixtures. Willie Burke was the star of the early rounds, scoring twice in the 3–2 win over Alloa Athletic and again in the 2–1 victory at Clyde. He continued his hot streak with a goal in the 3–0 home win against Queen of the South, while Liam McStravick sealed a composed 2–0 away win at St. Mirren. The group stage ended with a perfect record of four wins from four, securing progression in style. The month closed with a tough 2–0 friendly defeat to Rangers, which provided valuable experience against Premiership opposition.​

August Fixture List​

 

[leckuno]

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August 2027 Update: Premiership Statement and Cup Progress​

Airdrieonians kicked off their first full month in the Scottish Premiership with a series of confident performances, winning four of five matches across league and cup competitions. The squad showed resilience, attacking variety, and defensive steel — none more so than in the standout win over Celtic, where Alex Paulsen delivered a man-of-the-match performance to keep a clean sheet against the reigning champions.
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Monday 2nd August – vs Motherwell (Premiership)​

Airdrie opened their Premiership campaign in style. Lawrence curled in the opener, Grant doubled the lead with a composed finish, and Laidlaw added a third before Gruda’s late consolation for the visitors.

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Sunday 8th August – vs Aberdeen (Premiership)​

A tough afternoon at Pittodrie saw Airdrie undone by two first-half goals from Hedges and Keskinen. The Diamonds struggled to break down Aberdeen’s press and couldn’t find a way back.

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Sunday 15th August – vs Aberdeen (League Cup Second Round)​

Airdrie bounced back in the cup with a gritty win over the same opponents. After falling behind early to O’Neill’s strike, Lawrence equalised with a driven effort and Grant sealed the comeback with a clinical finish.

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Sunday 22nd August – vs Celtic (Premiership)​

In one of the club’s most impressive results to date, Airdrie stunned Celtic at the Excelsior. Laidlaw’s second-half strike proved decisive, but it was goalkeeper Alex Paulsen who stole the show — making a string of crucial saves and commanding his box with authority to earn man-of-the-match honours.

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Saturday 28th August – vs Dundee (Premiership)​

Airdrie raced into a two-goal lead through Lawrence and Laidlaw, but Dundee fought back with goals from Wesley and a late penalty by Jones. Lawrence had the final say, curling in a stoppage-time winner to seal all three points.

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August Summary​

We only went and forgot to get a screenshot of the league table.
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Transfer News: Calvin Ramsay Joins on Deadline Day

On the final day of the summer window, Airdrieonians secured the free transfer of Calvin Ramsay, a 24-year-old Scottish international right-back. Ramsay arrives with experience at both club and international level, having earned a senior cap for Scotland. Technically gifted and tactically versatile, he brings technique, pace, and strong mental attributes in determination and teamwork. His ability to play as a wing-back or full-back adds depth and flexibility to the right side of defence, complementing Anthony Ralston and offering rotation options for a demanding Premiership schedule.​