New Airdrieonians manager Rhys McCabe admits becoming youngest SPFL boss was a 'no-brainer'

Rhys McCabe admits it was a ‘no-brainer’ to become the youngest manager in the SPFL.

The 29-year-old West Lothian footballer was appointed player-manager of League One side Airdrieonians last week, where he will be assisted by club captain and cousin Callum Fordyce, also 29.

Polbeth-born McCabe was handed the reins following the departure of Ian Murray to Raith Rovers and told the West Lothian Courier that the chance to take his first managerial job in the game was simply too good to turn down.

He said: “It’s been part of the thought process for some time because you’re not going to be a player forever. I always saw myself progressing into coaching and management and I’m absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity.

“When Ian left to new pastures the board floated the idea past me and said they thought I carried out a very similar role on the park and asked if it’s be something I’d be interested in.

“They said they’d get a support structure and ensure I’ve got everything I need in terms of backing and support because it’s obviously something that’s new and both myself and Dycey intend on playing.

“It was a no-brainer for me to say yes. It’s an opportunity I’m really looking forward to and I appreciate the club having the belief to offer me the job.

"We're working collectively behind the scenes on how exactly that support network will look but we're all on the same page with regards to that and I've had a few interviews already with people."

Fordyce came through the ranks at Livingston and featured over 100 times for his hometown Lions before departing in 2015.

The new Diamonds gaffer said the centre-back was the obvious choice to have has his right-hand man, commenting: “Dycey is someone I can trust 100 per