Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Airdrie will have measure of Blues
Sean McIntosh believes that Airdrieonians’game against Stranraer in the Betfred Cup will act as a measure of how ready they are for the season.
The defender admitted it has been a hard summer so far for the players – with head coach Mark Wilson leaving the club and financial fears surrounding the Diamonds after the departure of chairman Tom Wotherspoon.
McIntosh is looking forward to being able to concentrate on football again, with the groupstage kicking off at the Excelsior Stadium against Brian Reid’s men.
The 20-year-old expects the Blues to show them where they stand ahead of their league campaign.
“It’s been tough for us,” he told the Advertiser. “I know it’s difficult for the fans and I really feel for them.
“It’s difficult for the players as well, but I’m a pretty positive person and want to give them something back.
“Mark [Wilson] leaving came out of the blue for us, and Gordon [Dalziel] and Donald [Jennow] have done what they can in training.
“It’s good for us to be able to get back to playing football. We know Stranraer have brought in players and that it will be difficult, but it’s a game that will probably show us where we stand against the other teams in League One.
“It’s important that we all stick together and move forward when the new manager comes in.”
McIntosh is one of only a handful of players at New Broomfield with first-team experience, and has called for the young players now in the squad to make the most of their chance.
He added:“Last season I started as one of the young boys, but by the end I played a lot of games for the first team.
“I still think of myself as one of the young boys, but I do have that extra experience. Hopefully I can help some of the younger players – League One isn’t an easy league to play in.
“From the perspective of a young player coming from the under-20s, it’s not the kind of situation you want to be in, but it gives you a chance to break into the plans of a new manager.
“It’s not perfect but hopefully everyone grabs their chance.”