Airdrie manager John Rankin is evaluating a larger number of trialists than at any previous point in his career as he constructs a squad for the upcoming League One campaign. The new boss at New Broomfield hopes to secure at least two of them on permanent deals before the end of the week.
Current Squad Composition
Rankin has so far secured three new signings: Matty Yates, Sam Fisher, and Ewan Simpson. Players still under contract include Adam Aird, Adam Devine, Gavin Gallagher, Robbie Mahon, Dylan MacDonald, Cole McKinnon, Craig Ross, and Cade Melrose, who recently signed a new deal. This brings the total number of signed players to double figures, but Rankin acknowledges there remains significant work ahead.
First Friendly Approaches
Airdrie's first pre-season friendly is at home against Elgin City on Saturday. While Rankin does not anticipate a flurry of new arrivals this week, he indicated that a couple of trialists have impressed sufficiently to merit contracts. Speaking to Lanarkshire Live Sport, he said: 'We've got a number of trialists at the club and probably more than I have ever experienced before. We obviously don't have a lot of players signed up yet so it is a bit of blank canvas, trying to see what we have and judge the ones on trial just now.'
Assessing Trialists
Rankin emphasised the need for careful evaluation: 'There's lots of good options there but we want to take a bit of time to get it right. There are a lot of good players out there. The trialists have impressed us and done well so far and there are now games coming up this week for them. I'm not sure there will be many of them signing this week, but there may be a couple that have done well and we want to get in now.'
Youth Development and Loans
Alongside trialists, Rankin is assessing the club's young players to determine whether they should remain with the first team or be sent out on loan. 'We have signed three so far and there are obviously players in contract. Then there's a number of young boys as well who we need to assess if it is better for them to stay or go out on loan, but we have still got plenty of time. We are just making sure everyone has a base in terms of fitness and nobody breaks.'
Assistant Manager Search
Rankin also provided an update on his search for an assistant manager, admitting he is no further forward in that process. The club recently appointed Calum Erskine, formerly of Falkirk, as the new goalkeeping coach. Rankin added: 'I'm no closer to that [an assistant] at all. I have a lot going on and while we want to make sure we get the right coaches in to develop the good young players we have, there is so much to do. I'm loving that and all the challenges we have ahead. The club has been so supportive and keen to make sure we do it right, so I'm really pleased by that.'
