Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
McBride relaxes pressure on squad
Airdrie interim boss Kevin McBride has refused to set a target for his side ahead of the new season.
The Diamonds finished agonisingly close to the play-offs last term, missing out to Stranraer on the final day of the campaign.
And despite going full-time before the big kick-off away to Queen’s Park on August 6, McBride says he hasn’t set expectations for the squad.
He told the Advertiser: “We’re going to take it one game at a time.
“We’ve got cup games before the league starts anyway, we’re planning for the Partick game and will set short term targets.
“I don’t want to aim for things that are too far away, but I’m confident working with this squad. “They are winners.” Airdrie are rumoured to have missed out on new Stenhousemuir recruit, Jack Smith, with the former East Kilbride forward opting for Ochilview in favour of part-time football.
But McBride remained tight-lipped on the hearsay and claims going full-time is an
attraction to players rather than a deterrent.
He added: “It’s definitely an attraction to players.
“I’ve not seen much of Jack, I know he’s a good player but if he wants part-time football then that obviously suits him better.
“Some may choose to stay part-time if they have a secure job, but it’s a positive for the club going forward.
Airdrie have already added Andy Ryan and Iain Russell to their arsenal and McBride says a few more signings should be announced by the end of the week.
He admitted: “I’ve got the two strikers I was after but I’ve got a few more players in mind.
“I’m more confident than hopeful that we’ll have them over the line this week.”
“The chairman spoils me, if I identify a player within the budget that I think will benefit the club, then he puts his hand in his pocket.
Meanwhile, McBride quashed rumours Alan Gow may be signing for the club.
He said: “Alan is in training with us at the moment because I know him from my days at Hibs.
“That’s all it is and there have been no talks.”
Airdrie begin their season at home to Partick Thistle in the Betfred Cup on July 15.