Airdrieonians boss Rhys McCabe insists the Diamonds can mix it in the Championship next term following their dramatic promotion.
The West Lothian ace ended his first season in management in style as Airdrie defeated Hamilton Accies on penalties to ensure they would be plying their trade in the second tier for the first time in a decade next season.
McCabe, and assistant manager Callum Fordyce, made headlines in the summer when appointed aged 29 and 30 respectively, but the pair have guided the Diamonds to success.
McCabe said: “I think the club has massive potential, you saw that with the fan-base who always get behind us.”
He went on: “I think that our style suits going up a league. I don’t think there’s much difference in terms of quality, especially this year, and I have said that probably three or four times this season.
“We played against Dundee earlier in the season when we had seven 17-year-olds on the pitch, and matched them up until extra-time.
“That should give us great belief that we can go and certainly challenge, with a fully-fit squad, and we can get good additions that can take us to that next step. It’s where we probably should be, in terms of stature, but you’re given nothing in football. We’re going to have to go and earn it, go and grab it.”
McCabe also heaped praise on the club’s hierarchy for taking the bold decision to hand him the managerial gig following the departure of Ian Murray to Raith Rovers.
He added: “For the guys upstairs, they’ve backed me, especially when we were under a lot of scrutiny – it’s our first job, no experience, all the rest of that malarkey. To have their support, backing and trust, and to give them something to cheer about means the world.
“I’m on a pathway, I’m very clear
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