Airdrie to mothball academy and reserves

AIRDRIE have announced they will not be funding their academy or reserve teams next season due to the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.

The Diamonds insists they will revisit their decision in the future, have confirmed their sole focus next term will be on first-team matters in Scotland’s third tier.

A club statement read: “Unfortunately Airdrieonians FC have taken the difficult decision to mothball our Academy and Reserve Team operations this year, with a view to reassessing at a later date.

“The issue of preparing our facilities for reintroducing the professional game in a safe workplace environment for our first-team players is crucial, and we doubt that there will be many Academy or Reserve teams next season as most clubs are having the same crisis management issues at this time.

“We are grateful to all of our players, coaches, and support staff for their fantastic efforts over the years, with the winning of last season’s

Reserve League Challenge Cup being a particular highlight.”

Meanwhile, Airdrie yesterday announced the signing of midfielder Thomas Robert, son of former Newcastle United and France player Laurent Robert. The 19-year-old joins the club from Montpellier, the club where his father began his career, reportedly on a 12-month deal.