New strike force must be a top priority for Black

Jun 17 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE holidays are almost over but the work has never really stopped for Airdrie United gaffer Kenny Black.

He has been spending some precious time with his family in Sheffield in the past few weeks but one ear has always been trained on what is happening up the road.

New contracts for some of last season’s squad have been tied-up over the phone. Agents have been contacted in a bid to find out what is moving in the transfer market.

With pre-season training due to commence in under a fortnight, fans are looking closely at the business already done and what still needs to be addressed.

Slowly but surely, the building blocks are being put in place.

From having just four signed players when he left Scotland last month, Black will today see that number rise to 10 with the retention of Bobby Donnelly and Lee Hollis.

And should the two Stephens, Robertson and McKenna, elect to stay at New Broomfield for another campaign, a large part of the gaffer’s work will have been completed.

But the 45-year-old won’t be able to concentrate solely on matters on the pitch just yet and let’s break down each area of the squad to find out why.

GOALKEEPING

Should Robertson decide to move on to pastures new, Black will be left with a tricky decision.

He would have no problems handing the gloves to Hollis, who is rated highly within the club, but what sort of back-up will there be?

Every club needs to have two quality keepers in order to keep performances and competition at a high level, so the manager might deem it necessary to bring in another shot-stopper.

However, there is no doubt that most fans and Black himself would far rather Robertson returned from holiday next week ready to sign.

DEFENCE

Black has a nicely balanced back four in place with Marc Smyth, Bobby Donnelly, David Nixon and Paul Lovering all tied to the club.

If that quartet can stay relatively free of injury and suspension, then they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Signing another defender doesn’t appear to be a priority of the manager’s just now and back-up for these four may come from McKenna (if he stays) or the youth ranks.

MIDFIELD

One area of the team that does need strengthened is the left-hand side of midfield so some of the manager’s budget will have to be allocated to this department.

Yes, Scott McLaughlin can play there but he is far more influential in the middle of the park. Steven McDougall, who is still on the payroll while he waits on news regarding his move to Dunfermline Athletic, is another option.

But the addition of a naturally left-sided player is a must if Airdrie are to avoid spending the season constantly sticking square pegs into round holes.

ATTACK

John Baird and Kevin Watt are the only strikers on the books but they will have company by the start of the season.

A physical target man (preferably with experience and who is good in the air) should be top of the manager’s shopping list but he will also be hoping to recruit another forward to give himself increased options in the quest to land the title.