Clyde hitman Gemmill signs for Airdire

Jul 8 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

KENNY BLACK has made released Clyde striker Scott Gemmill Airdrie United’s first signing of the summer.

The Diamonds boss awarded the 22-year-old a one-year contract after he impressed during training and in a bounce match at the weekend.

Former St Mirren and Berwick Rangers forward Gemmill played regularly for the Bully Wee last season and scored two goals as John Brown’s side suffered automatic relegation from the first division.

He will be part of a Diamonds team who will face Falkirk in a closed-doors match today and fans look set to get their first glimpse of him on Saturday when Airdrie travel to Raith Rovers in a pre-season friendly.

Black told the Advertiser that he had been keeping tabs on Gemmill for a couple of years and is confident he will make his mark at New Broomfield.

“He has ability and a good work ethic,” said the manager. “We have had him in for training and I felt it was important to get him tied up after what I saw on Saturday.

“I don’t think there is any reason why he will not score goals for us and I am looking for him, John Baird and Kevin Watt to get into double figures next season.

“Scott does have an eye for goal and gets into good positions, so it is up to us to make sure that we provide all of the strikers with chances.

“He also played alongside John when they were both at St Mirren so I am hoping there will be a bit of chemistry between them.”

The gaffer says he is still hunting for another striker but admits there isn’t much movement in the transfer market as clubs consider their options before awarding deals.

He added: “We are looking for a big, tall forward who is good in the air and can trouble opposition defences.

“We have sounded out a lot of players and we are currently waiting for responses.

“This is the quietest transfer market that I can ever remember and it just shows that clubs are being careful when it comes to deciding who should be offered contracts.”

Black revealed that pre-season training has gone well so far and is hoping his squad will produce a strong display at Stark’s Park this weekend.

“We have done most of the physical work,” he said. “Now it is about the players finding their passing range and getting their touch back.

“We had a match between ourselves on Saturday and we are now preparing to go up against quality opposition who will test us.

“I am looking for us to produce a good performance against Raith. The most important thing at this stage is that the lads increase their match fitness.”

Black admitted he will continue to monitor the progress of some of the club’s younger talent to see who is ready to make the step up to the top-team ranks.

He added: “Some of the under-19 squad have come in and done a tough pre-season with us and I have been delighted with their attitude.

“These boys know that there is a chance that they could be involved in the first-team next season so they want to show everybody what they are capable of.”

l THIS week’s Airdrie United lottery numbers are as follows: £800 draw - 11, 14 and 19. £300 draw - 3, 8 and 19.