TOO SKINT TO PAY FOR BOSS

Dalziel says any new manager will have to work for free

Airdrie chiefs have claimed there will be no “imminent” appointment of a manager as it was revealed the cash-strapped Diamonds can’t afford to pay a new boss.

Director of football Gordon Dalziel admitted the club are yet to find a wage for a new gaffer with less than two weeks to go until the start of the League One season.

Dalziel, who is taking charge with the help of coach Donald Jennow in the Betfred Cup, stated the club have a good platform — but can’t offer any finances to the potential candidates.

The pundit and former Raith Rovers manager is set to take charge at New Broomfield until his media commitments start for the new season. The Diamonds have been without a head coach following Mark Wilson’s resignation in June.

Dalziel was optimistic that a solution would be found in the coming days.

“We need to get a head coach in and hopefully that’s something we can get sorted over the next week,” he continued.

“There are a lot of good people working very hard behind the scenes for free to bring some money into this club and help it go forward.

“It comes down to finances and we have to find a wage. We’re fortunate that we have great facilities and will be full-time this year.

“That’s our selling point to people. We can give you full- time football, a shop window and some fantastic facilities. “Unfortunately that’s all we can offer just now, which is where the problem arises.”

However, club secretary Ann Marie Ballantyne admitted financial constraints had made hiring a new manager difficult, saying: “We want someone in sooner rather than later, but there’s nothing imminent.

“It’s not easy with the finances the way they are but talks are on-going.”

At a crisis meeting with the Airdrieonians Supporters Trust this month, chairman Jim Ballantyne said the Diamonds were “breaking even” with no manager in place.