More Airdrie United players could head for the exit

Jun 3 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

KENNY BLACK admits more players could follow Paul Di Giacomo out the door as he waits for next season’s playing budget to be finalised.

The Airdrie United boss has still to receive confirmation on what the size of his war chest will be as he gears up for a second division title tilt.

Black had identified 13 players he wanted to keep at the club but has been unable to make firm contract offers so far.

And that meant Airdrie couldn’t compete with Ross County when they captured the signature of ex-Kilmarnock hitman Di Giacomo on Monday.

Diamonds chairman Jim Ballantyne admitted that “a number of factors” had to be considered when finalising the manager’s budget but says everything “should be sorted out” in the coming days.

Black told the Advertiser: “I spoke to all of the players last Wednesday and I indicated to Paul that he was someone I wanted to keep if I could.

“But these lads aren’t getting paid now and you have to accept that they might move on if they receive the security of a deal from another team.

“Although we got relegated, I saw enough from these players to offer them new deals.

“However, people can only wait for a certain amount of time without being paid and if the likes of Bobby Donnelly and Stephen McKenna get an offer, they could be away.

“It’s a frustrating time as a lot of work needs to be done during the close season. In an ideal world, you would have some of your players tied up at Christmas time.

“But we couldn’t do anything like that as we had to wait and find out what division we would be in.”

Black released five players last week with Simon Lynch, Matt Hazley, Stephen Maguire, Stuart Noble and Chris McMenamin told they can go.

Among the group of players the gaffer wants to keep is winger Steven McDougall, whose pre-contract move to Dunfermline Athletic looks set to fall through due to a row over compensation.

Meanwhile, Black has confirmed that surgery on midfielder Kevin McDonald’s broken hand has been successful and expects him to be ready for the start of pre-season training.

The 23-year-old Geordie suffered the injury during the 1-0 play-off final defeat to Ayr United.

Black said: “He has broken three bones in his hand and he will need to keep a cast on for the next 2-3 weeks.”

The manager also revealed that central defender Marc Smyth is due to undergo a special x-ray to see if he needs to have a hernia operation.

* PLANS for a plastic pitch at New Broomfield have been shelved.

The company that own the ground, Excelsior Stadium Ltd, have confirmed they will not be installing undersoil heating and artificial turf in time for next season.

Meanwhile, North Lanarkshire neighbours Motherwell have expressed interest in playing their Europa League first qualifying round match in July at the stadium.

* AIRDRIE will open the new season at home to Partick Thistle in the first round of the ALBA Challenge Cup on Saturday, July 25.

* DIAMONDS fans have until tomorrow (Thursday) to secure their 2009-10 season tickets using the club’s ‘early bird’ offer.

A number of deals are available to supporters of all ages who can save on at-the-gate prices by purchasing now.

* THIS week’s Airdrie United lottery numbers are as follows: £800 draw - 1, 10 and 17. £300 draw - 2, 9 and 15.