Airdrie announce new chairman as Sir Alex Ferguson's brother steps down from role

Airdrieonians have announced Paul Hetherington will step up to the role of chairman at New Broomfield, replacing Martin Ferguson at the helm.

Ferguson, the brother of former Manchester United and Aberdeen boss Sir Alex, has vacated the role after five years at the club, the first 11 months of which were served as the club's vice chairman. The 80-year-old will remain at the club in the role of associate director.

Paul Hetherington will now assume the role of chairman and it comes among a number of operational changes at the Monklands club.

Scott Russell has been appointed managing director of Airdrieonians FC and Excelsior Stadium, while former player and ex-director of football Stuart Millar returns to the club to take up an ambassador role, alongside fellow ex-player Willie McGuire.

Gordon Watson (commercial director), David McArthur and Sam Greene (club directors) and Craig Campbell and Marc Johnstone (associate directors) will remain in their roles, as will Alan Gow, who continues his job as academy director.

An Airdire statement read: "Chairman Martin Ferguson has chosen to step down from the role, but will remain an associate director with the club.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to Martin for everything he has done for the club, and for the quality of advice he has provided to the board of directors over the course of the last five years. "Paul Hetherington will take up the position of club chairman, while Scott Russell has been appointed managing director of Airdrieonians FC and Excelsior Stadium."

The boardroom changes come as the club also announced its end of season released list, with Northern Irish defender Euan Deveny among four players moving on following the club's promotion to the