Ferguson is not on the verge of being appointed insist Airdrie as Dalziel takes charge tonight
Airdrie will have director of football Gordon Dalziel and coach Donald Jennow in charge when they face Stranraer in Group H of the Berfred Cup tonight. The Diamonds insist former Rangers and Scotland captain Barry Ferguson is not in line to be their new manager.
A club spokesperson said: “Barry has not been interviewed and is not on the verge of being appointed. Gordon does not return to his media commitments for a couple of weeks so he is taking the team.”
In the other Group H game St Mirren are looking to build on their 4-1 success over Stranraer by defeating visitors Livingston and moving six points clear of Partick Thistle.
Assistant manager James Fowler said: “That would be a great position before we meet Thistle on Saturday.”
Clyde, who defeated Annan in their opening game, head to Kilmarnock with manager Jim Chapman convinced that the Rugby Park fans will be demanding a victory after losing the Ayrshire derby 1-0. Chapman explained: “Their supporters will be looking for a positive response.” Kilmarnock manager Lee Mcculloch, right, said: “I am still disappointed and we have work to do to catch up.”
Also in Group E, Ayr travel to Dumbarton looking to make it two wins out of two. Said manager Ian Mccall: “Our fans have something to be very pleased about, but we have to win other games now.”
Inverness manager John Robertson wants the Highlanders to put themselves on the brink of qualifying by beating hosts Stirling Albion.
Robertson said: “Three wins should be enough, so if we add to our win over Brechin we are getting close.” Stirling manager Dave Mackay will make changes after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Falkirk. He said: “The scoreline flattered us and I will be picking a different team.” Also in Group A, Brechin havejamesdaleandfinngraham available after suspension t against Forfar who look set to give Matthew Aitken his debut after the 19-yearold scored a hat-trick against Nairn County at the weekend.
Morton manager Jim Duffy is looking for his side to be more ruthless when they face Queen’s Park at Cappielow. He said: “We dominated at Berwick but only won 1-0. We need to be sharper.”
Queen of the South manager Gary Naysmith has left nothing to chance for the visit of East Kilbride. He said: “Our scout has provided the some in-death reports and we also have video clips to show the players.”
Albion Rovers manager Brian Kerr begins his reign against Stenhousemuir and he has added Ross Perry, Scott Mclaughlin and Michael Mcmullin to his squad. Nathan Blockley, Colin Mcmenamin and Eddie Ferns return after suspension.
Arbroath get their first taste of Group D action at Alloa with manager Dick Campbell determined the Red Lichties make an impact despite Hibs and Ross County being in their group. He said: “No-one will give us a chance but that will not put me off.”
Edinburgh City kick off their season with a visit from Berwick Rangers to their new Ainslie Park home. Manager Gary Jardine said: “It would be great to get off to a winning start.”