Airdrie player-boss Rhys McCabe excited by challenge after club avoid 'merry-go-round' appointment

Rookie boss Rhys McCabe admits only time will tell if Airdrie appointing him as Ian Murray's successor is a wise move.

But he says he is excited by the challenge after the Diamonds went outside the box in making him the SPFL's youngest manager at the age of 29.

The midfielder, who joined the club last season, takes the reins in a player-manager capacity and has brought club captain and cousin Callum Fordyce on board as assistant manager.

They replace Ian Murray and Scott Agnew who both joined Championship side Raith Rovers last week, bringing an end to Murray's four-year stint at New Broomfield.

Airdrie chiefs moved quickly to replace the man who led the club to the Championship play-off final in the last two seasons, but their bold appointment took many by surprise as they opted to give youth a chance rather than go for an experienced head.

It is a refreshing approach McCabe is all for, even if it wasn't him landing the role, but knows the club are taking a chance.

He told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "I know through my playing career you see the same managers being put from club to club and it's almost like a merry-go-round.

"So if it wasn't me [being appointed] I would be supportive of it anyway, with regards to trying something a bit new.

"Fresh ideas, maybe a different approach to what clubs are used to.

"Who knows? It might be good or bad. Time will tell.

"But I would be fully supportive of it, even if it wasn't me.

"If it was someone else in the league and a club was giving them the opportunity and backing to go and implement a modern style that they like, they would gain my support straight away.

"So I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm excited to get going and eager to get back on the pitch with the players.

"The job