Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
The lowdown on the squad
Marc Fitzpatrick reckons the side are now prepared to bring in full-time footballers Status: full-time Age: 19 Former clubs: Motherwell A regular in the Steelmen under-20s side under Stephen McManus and Stephen Craigan, the teenage full-back will look to make the breakthrough to regular first team action.
Callum Fordyce
Status: full-time Age: 27 Former clubs: Livingston, Clyde, Dunfermline, Queen of the South.
Despite injury problems last season, the experienced centre-back went on to make 33 appearances for the Doonhamers and helped to keep Queens in the Championship with a play-off victory.
Craig Thomson
Status: part-time Age: 24 Former clubs: St Johnstone, Elgin, Stranraer, East Fife, Brechin.
After bursting on to the scene in Perth, Thomson has struggled to find a regular starting spot in the lower leagues. The pacey winger will have a point to prove after relegation with Brechin last season.
Kurtis Roberts
Status: part-time Age: 24 Former clubs: Clyde, Hamilton Accies, Clydebank, Kilbirnie Ladeside, Queen’s Park.
A stand-out for Queen’s Park in League Two last season with his technical ability and energy, Ian Murray will hope he can continue that form in League One after a battle with other lower league sides for his signature.
Reece Willison
Status: on loan from Celtic. Age: 20 Former clubs: Aberdeen, St Mirren.
With David Hutton re-signing on a part-time basis, the Hoops loanee may have to bide his time to get a chance as first-choice goalkeeper. The Diamonds also have Scott Gallagher vying to be first choice. One of the most competitive positions this season.
Adam Eckersley
Status: part-time Age: 33 Former clubs: Manchester United, Royal Antwerp, Brøndby, Horsens, AGF Aarhus, Hearts, FC Edmonton, St Mirren, Forfar.
Eckersely brings a wealth of experience to a young Diamonds side. Having played at the top level in England, Denmark, Belgium and Scotland throughout his career, he looks like a top signing. Impressed in League One last season for the Loons on loan.
Ally Roy
Status: full-time Age: 22 Former clubs: Hearts, East Stirling, Stenhousemuir, Dumbarton, Sligo Rovers, Derry City, Partick Thistle.
Having struggled to make an impact at the Jags last season, the young striker will be looking to find his form again in League One. In need of a run in the team to find his feet up front.
Calum Gallagher
Status: part-time Age: 24 Former clubs: Rangers, Alloa, East Stirling, Cowdenbeath, St Mirren, Dumbarton.
Having been played on the wing for large spells last season at the Sons, Gallagher still bagged 14 goals. Best played as a striker where he was played under Jim Duffy for the second half of the season.
Nat Wedderburn
Status: full-time Age: 27 Former clubs: Stoke, Notts County, Hereford, Northampton, Corby, Cowdenbeath, Inverness, Dunfermline, Raith.
Wedderburn impressed during his time in Scotland before dropping into League One with Raith. Utilised as both a defensive midfielder and centre-back last tern.
Josh Kerr
Status: full-time Age: 21 Former clubs: Celtic, Brighton, Derry City.
A centre-back with a lot of potential. Came close to penning a deal at the Hoops under Brendan Rodgers before opting to switch Parkhead for the Amex. Could be a real signing coup for Ian Murray and Stuart Millar.
Euan O’Reilly
Status: on loan from St Johnstone Age: 19 Former clubs: BSC Glasgow Talked up by Perth boss Tommy Wright, O’Reilly arrives in Monklands with a big reputation after playing well in the Lowland League last season.