Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Gaffer’s style sold me on Airdrie move
Midfielder Kyle is relishing Diamonds challenge
New Airdrie midfielder Kyle Wilkie says he was sold on a move to the Penny Cars Stadium by gaffer Stephen Findlay’s insistence on the team’s style of play.
The 27- year- old put pen to paper on a one- year deal last week after leaving fellow League One side East Fife at the end of the season.
He joins recently-signed centre- back Jonathan Page in making the switch from Bayview to New Broomfield.
Ahead of this weekend’s first competitive match of the season against Livingston in the Betfred Cup, Wilkie revealed Findlay’s tactical assurances convinced him to commit his immediate future to the Diamonds.
He told the Advertiser: “I’d been talking to Stephen for a while about signing on and he brought me to the stadium in May for a chat.
“I saw Airdrie play last year and they have a good group of boys who are great in possession. They were let down when they got to the final third at times.
“From the side I could hear Stephen asking his team to get the ball down and play and that appealed to me as I like to try to play football. He made that clear to me when we had a chat and this feels like the right place for me just now.
“I see myself as a good team player who works hard to win the ball back and keep possession.
“I also have experience in terms of team spirit and being in a new changing room, so hopefully I can bring all that to the squad here.”
Despite being the most recent recruit of what has been a busy summer for Airdrie, Wilkie isn’t walking into a completely unknown environment.
His three years at East Fife saw him link up with Page, as well fellow Diamonds Kieran Miller and Kieran Mcdonald.
He also knows keeper David Hutton from spells at Hamilton Accies and Greenock Morton.
An anterior cruciate ligament injury stagnated what looked to be a promising career for the former top-flght player, but Wilkie believes he is now part of a team that provides the platform he needs to prove his worth. He continued: “I have experience and won the league with East Fife a few years back.
“I see Airdrie as a step up though, as they’re a very ambitious club. I’m never satisfied and feel as if I have a lot to prove and Airdrie is the right fit for me to do that.
“I’m in good shape after my injury and although I keep my personal targets to myself, the team should be challenging at the top of the league.
“Play-offs are a minimum this season for the capability of this squad.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Boss Findlay added: “Kyle’s someone I’d identified early doors as a grafter and a creator.
“He can play off the left, in a three or as a No10, and he’s got a fantastic left foot.
“As well as his creativity, he’s also a workhorse. I’m thrilled to get a player with his drive and energy.”
I saw Airdrie play last year and they have a good set of boys who are good in possession. This feels like the right place Kyle Wilkie