Black aims to ensure promoted Airdrie beat the drop

Jul 30 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

DETERMINED Kenny Black this week vowed to prove the critics wrong – and insists success for Airdrie United this season will be avoiding the dreaded drop.

The Diamonds begin their First Division campaign this Saturday when they travel to UEFA Cup hopefuls Queen of the South.

It is a tough start for the New Broomfield troops following their belated promotion at the end of May after Gretna hit the skids.

Boss Black knows his side have been written off as relegation fodder – but he told the Advertiser he is desperate to make the critics eat their words.

“It will be very difficult for us as we are up against a lot of quality sides who have aspirations to play in the Premier League,” he said.

“In everyone’s eyes we are the favourites for relegation already.

“I am hoping the squad will want to prove everyone wrong – I know I do. I don’t want our stay in the First Division to be just the one season.

“Our home form will be crucial. We will need to make teams work hard for anything they get here but we are really excited at the prospect of facing these sides.

“I think success for us would be remaining in the division. We need to take things one step at a time and look to consolidate.

“If we can do that, then maybe we can generate income that can attract a better quality of player by producing good performances on a weekly basis.

“To stay in this division would be a great achievement for us.”

Black revealed he was happy with the current squad – but is still looking at bringing in a striker and possibly strengthening the defence.

He added: “I have tried to be patient in regards to the signings I have made.

“The 12 boys I kept on from last season deserved another year at least and the new players who have come in have shown they are determined characters.

“We are still looking to bring in players. I’d like to bring in a big target man and maybe a defender and there is still room within the budget.

“I just want an honest 90 minutes from the lads. I am not going to make bold statements about being the best team in the First Division – we are far from that. But we can be the most committed and hard-working side.”

Airdrie kicked off the new season last weekend with a 3-2 Challenge Cup victory over Dumbarton.

But Black was concerned at some of the defending and warned his rearguard they won’t get away with the same mistakes in the league.

“The goals we conceded were alarming and we could have lost a few more,” he said.

“If we defend in the First Division the way we did against Dumbarton then we will be punished severely and may not get ourselves back into games.”

The gaffer admits his side face a tough test in Dumfries but backed his players to turn in a strong display.

He added: “Queens did remarkably well last season to reach the cup final and qualify for the UEFA Cup but these are the games I am hoping the players and fans will relish.

“They got a fantastic result on Saturday and they are a good side. The big lad Sean O’Connor up-front is a handful but we are capable of causing them problems.”

Meanwhile, Airdrie have parted company with young striker David Gillies.

Black said: “Things haven’t gone as well for him as he would have liked and he is devoting a lot of time to his plumbing business. He can’t do two jobs so he leaves with our best wishes.”

TEAM NEWS: Black could make changes despite his side’s Challenge Cup win with the defence in line for a shake-up. Paul Lovering is suspended and new signing Simon Lynch is struggling after suffering a bout of athlete’s foot.

* THE AISA supporters’ bus for Saturday’s game leaves Cue Here in Hallcraig Street at 11am. A bus for next Tuesday night’s League Cup trip to Ross County will leave the same venue at 3.30pm.

To book seats, phone Gary on 07803 747331.