Airdrieonians F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | Airdrieonians Football Club | |||
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| Nickname(s) | The Diamonds | |||
| Founded | 2002 (as Airdrie United FC) | |||
| Ground | Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie | |||
| Capacity | 10,101 | |||
| Chairman | Paul Hetherington | |||
| Manager | Rhys McCabe | |||
| League | Scottish League One | |||
| 2015–16 | Scottish League One, 5th | |||
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Airdrieonians Football Club is a professional football team from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. They are part of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and currently play in the Scottish Championship.
The club was first formed in 2002. Back then, it was called Airdrie United Football Club. This happened after the original Airdrieonians club, which started in 1878, had to close down. In 2013, the club's name was changed back to the traditional Airdrieonians. People often just call them "Airdrie."
Airdrieonians has won three trophies so far. They won the Scottish Second Division in 2003–04. They also won the Challenge Cup twice, in 2008–09 and 2023–24. The club has sometimes been lucky with league promotions. This happened when other teams faced problems. However, they have also lost many play-off finals. But in 2023, they finally won a big play-off game. This victory against Hamilton Academical helped them get promoted.
Contents
Club History: The Diamonds' Journey
How Airdrie United Started
The club began in 2002 as Airdrie United. This was after the original Airdrieonians club faced serious financial problems and had to close down.
The old Airdrieonians, known as "The Diamonds" because of their unique kits, had finished second in the Scottish First Division in the 2001–02 season. But they had to stop playing because of money issues. This left an empty spot in the Scottish Football League.
A fan named Jim Ballantyne and others tried to create a new club. They called it "Airdrie United." They hoped it would be like the old Airdrieonians. But their application was not accepted at first. Another team, Gretna, was chosen instead.
So, Airdrie United bought out another struggling team, Clydebank. With the league's approval, the club moved to Airdrie. They changed their uniforms to look like the old Airdrieonians. The name was also changed to Airdrie United. Even though it was officially a continuation of Clydebank, most people saw it as the return of Airdrieonians. A new Clydebank club was later formed by fans.
Early Years: Winning the League (2002–2006)
Sandy Stewart was the first manager of Airdrie United. Their first game was in August 2002. They played against Forfar Athletic at New Broomfield. Captain Stephen Docherty scored the only goal, and Airdrie United won 1–0.
In their first season, they almost got promoted. They missed it by just one point. This was because Brechin City scored a late goal. The club did well in cup competitions too. They even beat Premier League team Kilmarnock.
Under Stewart, the club reached the final of the Challenge Cup in 2003. They lost 2–0 to Inverness Caledriel Thistle. But they won the Second Division title in the 2003–04 season. They had a great run, staying unbeaten in their last 18 games. Over 5,700 fans watched them beat Morton 2–0. This win helped them lift the League Championship trophy.
In November 2006, Stewart was replaced. Former Airdrieonians player Kenny Black became the new manager. This was his first time managing a team.
Ups and Downs: Play-offs and Cup Wins (2006–2013)
Under Kenny Black, the club faced tough times in play-off games. They lost four play-off finals in a row.
- In 2006–07, they lost a relegation play-off.
- In 2007–08, they lost a promotion play-off. However, they were still promoted. This happened because Gretna had to move down a league.
- In 2008–09, they lost another relegation play-off. Again, they were saved. This was because Livingston faced problems and moved down.
- In 2009–10, they lost a play-off semi-final. This time, there was no second chance.
The club did win the Challenge Cup in 2008. They beat Ross County in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw.
In 2012, they lost another play-off final to Dumbarton. But Airdrie got lucky again. The company running Rangers closed down. The Scottish Football League decided Rangers should play in the lowest division. This meant an extra team from each league was promoted. Since Airdrie was a play-off runner-up, they moved up to the Scottish First Division.
However, their time in the First Division was short. In May 2013, they finished last and were moved down to Division Two.
Airdrieonians Name Returns (2013–2015)
In June 2013, the club officially changed its name. It went from Airdrie United Football Club to Airdrieonians Football Club. This brought back the name of the original club that closed in 2002. The old Airdrieonians red club badge was also brought back.
New Owners and Challenges (2015–2022)
In June 2015, Jim Ballantyne sold control of the club. The new owner was Tom Wotherspoon, a local businessman. He became chairman, and Ballantyne became vice-chairman.
Tom Wotherspoon later resigned as chairman in June 2017. Jim Ballantyne returned as chairman.
In January 2018, a group of businessmen took over the club. This included former Airdrieonians manager Bobby Watson. Most of the old board members were replaced.
Manager Ian Murray led the team to good finishes in Scottish League One. They finished fifth, third, and twice in second place. In 2020, they missed play-off games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, they lost a play-off final to Morton. In 2022, they lost another play-off final to Queen's Park. After this defeat, Murray left the club.
Play-off and Cup Success (2022–Present)
Rhys McCabe was then appointed as player-manager. In the 2022–23 season, Airdrie finished third. They beat Falkirk in the play-off semi-final. Then, they defeated Hamilton Academical in a penalty shootout in the Championship play-off final. This meant Hamilton moved down a league, and Airdrie earned a spot in the Scottish Championship.
At the start of the 2023–24 season, McCabe led the team to win all their games in the Scottish League Cup group stage. They even beat top-flight team Dundee 1–0. They reached the fifth round of the Scottish Cup for the first time in over 10 years.
In March 2024, Airdrie reached the final of the Scottish Challenge Cup. They played against Welsh team The New Saints and won 2–1. Goals from Liam McStravick and Nikolay Todorov helped them lift the trophy. This was their first Challenge Cup win since 2008.
The club finished fourth in the league and got a play-off spot. But they lost to Partick Thistle. So, the club will stay in the Championship for another season.
Home Stadium: Excelsior Stadium
Airdrieonians play their home games at Excelsior Stadium. It is also known as New Broomfield. The stadium's name has changed over the years due to sponsorship deals.
The stadium was built after the old Airdrieonians club's previous home, Broomfield Park, was sold. This sale caused financial problems for the old club. For several years, the club had to share a stadium with Clyde in Cumbernauld.
Excelsior Stadium has seats for 10,101 fans. In 2010, a new artificial playing surface was put in. It was replaced again in 2022. The main pitch and smaller fields nearby can be used by the local community.
Other teams have also used the stadium. Queen of the South played a European game there in 2008. Motherwell used it in 2009. Queen's Park played their home games there from 2013 to 2014. This was because their own stadium, Hampden Park, was being prepared for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Team Colours and Crest
Colours
Airdrie United kept the special colours of the old Airdrieonians. These are a white shirt with a red diamond shape. This design is why the team is called The Diamonds. Airdrieonians still uses this nickname today.
Crest
When Airdrie United first started, they used a blue double-headed eagle on a white shield for their badge. Below it was a red scroll that said "Airdrie United F.C." This eagle was a symbol from the Airdrie town's coat of arms.
When the club became Airdrieonians again in 2013, they brought back the old badge. This badge had been used by the original club from 1974 until it closed. It showed a rooster sitting on top of a shield. Inside the shield were two lions and the club's initials.
However, in 2015, the club was told that their badge was not allowed. This was because it had a shield and letters, which is against rules for heraldic symbols. So, on June 19, 2015, Airdrieonians revealed a new badge. It removed the shield and used a chevron shape instead. This chevron represents the "Airdrie Diamond" and separates the scroll from the rest of the badge.
Current Team Squad
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Players on Loan
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Club Staff
Managers
Sandy Stewart (2002–2006)- Kenny Black (2006–2010)
- Jimmy Boyle (2010–2013)
- Gary Bollan (2013–2015)
- Eddie Wolecki Black (2015–2016)
Danny Lennon (2016)
- Lennon was Acting Head Coach while manager Wolecki Black was recovering from illness.
- Kevin McBride (2016)
- McBride was Acting Head Coach while Eddie Wolecki Black was recovering from a stroke.
- Mark Wilson (2016–2017)
- Willie Aitchison (2017)
- Stevie Findlay (2017–2018)
- Ian Murray (2018–2022)
- Rhys McCabe (2022–Present)
Coaching Staff
- Manager: Rhys McCabe
- Assistant manager: Aaron Taylor-Sinclair
- First team coach: Bryan Prunty
- Goalkeeping coach: David Hutton
- Physiotherapist: Ben Richardson
- Head of academy: Alan Gow
Boardroom Members
- Chairman: Paul Hetherington
- Club directors: Sam Greene, David McArthur
- Managing director: Scott Russell
- Commercial director: Gordon Watson
- Associate directors: Craig Campbell, Martin Ferguson, Marc Johnstone
- Club ambassadors: Brian McPhee, Willie McGuire
- Club secretary: Brian Smith
Club Achievements and Records
Honours (Trophies Won)
- Scottish Championship Play-off Final
- Winners: 2022–23
- Scottish League Second Division
- Winners: 2003–04
- Runners up: 2007–08
- Scottish Challenge Cup
- Winners: 2008–09, 2023–24
- Runners up: 2003–04
Minor Trophies
- North Lanarkshire Cup
- Winners: 2022, 2023
- Meldrum Cup
- Winners: 2015
Club Records
| Record Type | Record | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Most league points in a season | 72 | in League One 2021–22 |
| Most league goals by a player in a season | 23, Andy Ryan | in League One 2016–17 |
| Most total league appearances | 159, Stephen McKeown | |
| Most total goals | 71, Calum Gallagher | including 59 league goals |
| Highest home attendance | 9,044 | against Rangers on August 23, 2013, in League One |
| Biggest cup wins | 11–0 & 8–0 | 11-0 vs Gala Fairydean on November 19, 2011, in the Scottish Cup 3rd Round. Also 8–0 vs East Kilbride on July 16, 2024, in the Scottish League Cup Group Stage. |
| Biggest league win | 7–0 | vs Peterhead on March 18, 2023, in League One. Also vs Dundee on March 11, 2006, in Division One. |
| Biggest loss | 0–7 | vs Partick Thistle on October 20, 2012, in Division One |
International Players
These are players who played for their country while also playing for Airdrieonians.
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The original Airdrieonians club had 18 players who played for Scotland. They earned 47 caps in total.
Club Awards
On May 18, 2024, the club announced a special change. The Player of the Year award would be renamed the Ian McMillan Player of the Year award. This was done to honour Ian McMillan after he passed away earlier that year.
Player of the Year Awards
| Season | Ian McMillan Player of the Year | Young Player of the Year |
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| 2023–24 | Charlie Telfer | Mason Hancock |
| 2022–23 | Calum Gallagher | Gabby McGill |
| 2021–22 | Dylan Easton | Callum Smith |
| 2020–21 | Callum Fordyce | Leon McCann |
| 2019–20 | Callum Fordyce | Leon McCann |
| 2018–19 | David Hutton | Josh Edwards |
| 2017–18 | Scott Stewart | Dean Cairns |
| 2016–17 | Andy Ryan | Scott Stewart |
| 2015–16 | David Cox | Nicky Cadden |
| 2014–15 | Paddy Boyle | Luca Gasparotto |
| 2013–14 | Jim Lister | Liam Watt |
| 2012–13 | John Boyle | Chris O'Neil |
| 2011–12 | Ryan Donnelly | Nathan Blockley |
| 2010–11 | Ryan McCord | Jamie Bain |
| 2009–10 | No Award | No Award |
| 2008–09 | Stephen Robertson | Bobby Donnelly |
| 2007–08 | Allan Russell | Kevin Watt |
| 2006–07 | Neil McGowan | Stephen McKenna |
| 2005–06 | Bryan Prunty | Steven McDougall |
| 2004–05 | Marvyn Wilson | Stephen McKenna |
| 2003–04 | David Dunn | Willie McLaren |
| 2002–03 | Jérôme Vareille | Stephen McKeown |
Hall of Fame
A Hall of Fame was created by the new club in 2002. It honours famous players from the original club. Some of these players also played for the new club. More people are added to the Hall of Fame each year.
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See Also
In Spanish: Airdrieonians Football Club para niños
- Section B
