Airdrie boss: Quality signings on the way to support step up to Championship

Airdrie player-boss Rhys McCabe is delighted to keep the nucleus of last season’s promotion-winning squad at New Broomfield, but he remains keen to add quality to his ranks to help with their step up to the Championship.

McCabe made his first summer signing last week with the addition of striker Nikolay Todorov and says more will follow.

That comes after a host of re-signings, with striker Gabby McGill, midfielders Charlie Telfer and Adam Frizzell, plus defender Craig Watson and defender/coach Aaron Taylor-Sinclair committing for another season, while Hibs loan kids Josh O’Conner and Murray Aiken have joined up with the squad after they signed deals at the end of last term.

McCabe said: “We’ve got a nucleus there from last season that we have managed to keep, and we’ve kept the majority, which is great.

“Now it is about adding in certain areas because we are going to be up a division and we are looking for quality.

“There’s definitely more signings to follow. We’ve got deals agreed, it is just about getting the paperwork signed.

“After a few weeks off, being in for our first session, it’s about getting that love of football back again. I think that is really important.

“Everyone at the club deserved to go away on holiday and experience a good break but it is important we get that love back, and everyone is raring to go.

“Charlie Telfer and Gabby McGill have pretty much agreed. It’s just about getting the paperwork sorted and most of the other boys are signed up.

“To retain the squad that did ever so well for us last year is a big bonus and if we can add that bit of quality we are on for a good season.”

The only big departure has been striker Callum Smith linking up with former Diamonds boss Ian Murray at Raith Rovers.