Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Enforced cup break fires Diamonds up
Wilson says free weekend has side ready for Stenny
Airdrieonians head coach Mark Wilson says his players are ready to go as they look to get back to winning ways against Stenhousemuir.
The Diamonds have gone through a poor run of form, with just one win in the last six games as they slipped to third in the table and nine points off top spot.
However, boss Wilson thinks that their weekend off — due to not having any Scottish Cup commitments — has come at the right time for them.
“We were disappointed to be out of the cup, of course, but it gave us a chance to reflect and analyse the last few games,” said Wilson.
“As a collective, we know where we have to improve — but getting in the extra couple of sessions can only help us.
“We had a bounce game against Hamilton and I saw a few good things from the boys and that we have good strength in the squad.
“Then they had a couple of days rest to recharge their batteries and, because we didn’t have a winter break, I think that will really help them.
“I saw big improvements from the team against East Fife, so we are keen to push on from that performance.
“They will be ready to go come Saturday.”
This weekend they will travel to Ochilview Park for a clash with Stenhousemuir, the team that handed Wilson his first defeat as Airdrieonians boss with the 5-0 humbling at New Broomfield.
Wilson admits their may be a hint of revenge in the minds of his players, but thinks the result shows that all teams in League One have to be taken seriously.
“That was a disappointing day for me and the players,” the former Celtic defender told the Advertiser.
“We went in on the Monday morning and had a look at what went wrong that day and wanted to move on.
“With that said, I’m sure that will be in the back of our minds, and we know that we will have to take them seriously.
“It just shows how tough a division we are in.
“We want to get back to winning again no matter who the opponent is — and it just so happens that Stenhousemuir is our next game.”
● Airdrieonians have also confirmed that Kyle Hutton has extended his loan deal at the club.
Having signed from St Mirren on an emergency loan, he will now stay at the club until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, youngsters John Higgins and Murray Loudon have joined Cumbernauld United on loan.