Diamonds ARE forever
Bobby’s pledge as new Airdrie board moves in
DIAMONDS favourite Bobby Watson has declared a new dawn at Airdrie as his consortium finally wrestled control of the club after years of turmoil.
The former Broomfield manager fronted up the Airdrie Diamonds Limited group of businessmen – which includes Martin Ferguson, brother of legendary Man United boss Sir Alex – who completed their takeover yesterday after months of negotiations and immediately got down to business.
The incoming board will replace Tom Wotherspoon and Colin McGowan and sees Jim Ballantyne and his family stand aside after a 15-year association with the club.
Gordon Dalziel is also leaving after his 15-month stint as director of football.
Watson will sit as chairman, Ferguson is the new vice-chairman and Ian McMillan president. Stadium chief Paul Hetherington is also on the board and it will mean the Excelsior is now under the same umbrella as the club.
Watson has already backed boss Stephen Findlay and promised funds will be made available for January and the summer.
The 71-year-old – who played for Rangers and Motherwell before bossing the Diamonds from 1978 until 1982 – insisted there would be no rash promises but vowed the years of chaos off the field are a thing of the past.
Watson said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to become chairman of Airdrie, my hometown club.
“I have fond memories of this club which I was also privileged to have managed. It is my intention, along with my fellow directors, to make sure Airdrie prosper again.
“There will be no outlandish claims or declarations but every Airdrie fan can be assured we will work tirelessly to lay down solid foundations to provide a strong and positive future.
“This is a new beginning for us all and together we can end the days and years of uncertainty.
“This is about our club, our team. This club must be protected and promoted in the best possible light. Together we can achieve this and more.”
The takeover sees Ballantyne stepping down along with wife Gillian, mum Rose and director Gordon Watson.
The new board have already restructured the set-up behind the scenes and thrown their weight behind the manager.
Diamonds director Stuart Findlay said: “The board has confirmed to Stephen Findlay he has our full support as we all believe in his coaching abilities.
“We have provided him with a budget to strengthen the squad during January and confirmed that signings should have next season in mind.
“We intend to build solid foundations in all departments within the club, working as one with the stadium company.
“The new board will be ensuring the full potential of the stadium as a community asset is positively exploited with a view to growing the income sources of the club.
“This will ultimately enable the product on the pitch to be the best possible representing our town.
“We hope all fans get behind us and support all endeavours on and off the pitch from here on.”
Diamonds gaffer Findlay admits he was relieved the off-field uncertainty has been ended and he is looking forward to working with the new regime.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been given the backing of the new owners. Hopefully this is the start of an exciting period for Airdrie.”